Kato RDC / DCC sound?

[Cajonpassfan]

So I just made another foolish acquisition, a beautiful and nicely running undecorated two-unit set of Kato RDC1's. Now I'm pondering the best way to convert them to DCC and sound.

They will always run as a set and so I might run them off one decoder, semi-permanently coupled and wired. Or, for ease of install, they may each get a premade DCC motor control decoder board, and a stand alone  sound-only decoder, hopefully hidden in the bulges with the speakers. Or I may gut the power unit out of one of them, because I don't really need the power, and use the underfloor space for electronics.

Thoughts? Has anyone done this, and who if anyone makes RDC appropriate sound files available with their sound decoders?

Regards, Otto
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[PAL_Houston]

So I just made another foolish acquisition, a beautiful and nicely running undecorated two-unit set of Kato RDC1's. Now I'm pondering the best way to convert them to DCC and sound.

They will always run as a set and so I might run them off one decoder, semi-permanently coupled and wired. Or, for ease of install, they may each get a premade DCC motor control decoder board, and a stand alone  sound-only decoder, hopefully hidden in the bulges with the speakers. Or I may gut the power unit out of one of them, because I don't really need the power, and use the underfloor space for electronics.

Thoughts? Has anyone done this, and who if anyone makes RDC appropriate sound files available with their sound decoders?

Regards, Otto
(Attachment Link)

Put a HUGE tweeter, woofer, and sub-woofer into that really nice station in the background.
Turn up the volume.
Enjoy!

[Cajonpassfan]

Very funny Paul, but I actually like my trains, and their sound, to move about the premises

Seriously, I don't want to get into a debate over onboard sound vs. other concepts;  onboard works for me, ymmv.
I'm just looking for the right decoder (even a stationary install needs that) and perhaps some ideas from folks who may have done something similar.

Oh, and thanks for the compliment on the depot....one of these days I'll finish it I hope!
Regards, Otto K.

[PAL_Houston]

OK. Seriously?

 I personally didn't find the  Digitrax DCC installation I did on an RDC to be particularly easy or good.  I didn' t attempt installing a sound decoder.  I only have 4 of them, on  a couple of C-Liners and a couple of E -8s, and none of them do I consider particularly satisfactory.  I have 60 % hearing loss above 700 Hz, and that undoubtedly has a lot to do with me suggesting a stationary installation with ample power.  Maybe I will go that route one day on my layout, after I retire and work on some layout enhncements, including block detection and signalling.

And it really is a nice station!

[craigolio1]

So I just made another foolish acquisition, a beautiful and nicely running undecorated two-unit set of Kato RDC1's. Now I'm pondering the best way to convert them to DCC and sound.

They will always run as a set and so I might run them off one decoder, semi-permanently coupled and wired. Or, for ease of install, they may each get a premade DCC motor control decoder board, and a stand alone  sound-only decoder, hopefully hidden in the bulges with the speakers. Or I may gut the power unit out of one of them, because I don't really need the power, and use the underfloor space for electronics.

Thoughts? Has anyone done this, and who if anyone makes RDC appropriate sound files available with their sound decoders?

Regards, Otto
(Attachment Link)

I bet if you pop the rad off the top and cut out the roof of the shell underneath you could fit a Loksound Micro in there, which would give you great motor control and sound.  There are lots of small speakers you could fit in there.  I don't think there is an RDC sound file but I bet there will be once Rapido releases their RDC.

Craig

[sizemore]

I've done a few DCC conversions on these and the spaces are tight. The current Digitrax decoder puts the wires inside the passenger cabin which means the wires can be seen through the windows. You can hide the wires easily bu cutting small channels in the frame hiding the wires appropriately. These are very light on their feet, you'll want to add some tungsten bits between the light reflector (the clear plastic piece) and the roof. You can also throw some weight in the blister.

As for sound you will be hard pressed if you want the passenger compartment visible. Not saying it cant be done! It might be easier to get a third RDC-1 unit gut the motor and drivetrain and use the space for the decoder and speaker. Alternatively you could get an RDC-2 or 3 which has a mail/baggage compartment giving you some much needed hidden space.

The S.

[Nick Lorusso]

I have a RDC-2 with Lok.

[Cajonpassfan]

Thank you S, good advice!

I'm attempting to model the (only) RDC pair ATSF ever owned so getting a third unit is out. Do you think one powered unit with a little extra weight could pull a semi-permanently coupled and wired gutted dummy unit with a decoder/speaker in it?

As to the decoder, I'm now told that the Digitrax sdn136ps is one of their better decoders and RDC sound file is available for it. Generally, I don't care for the old line of Digitrax sound decoders, but understand the sdn136ps is good. Can anyone confirm this?

Finally, I was under the impression Microscale had the right decals available and ordered them, but just got a call from them this morning and the decals are only available in HO and most likely wont be run in N for a long time, I'df ever.
I can probably cobble the lettering and striping from other sets, but the front door Santa Fe logo is unique. Ideas, anyone?

For reference, this is the set and early paint scheme I'm trying to emulate:
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Thanks,
Otto K.

[Cajonpassfan]

I have a RDC-2 with Lok.

Nick, Loksound has an RDC sound file?

[arbomambo]

Thank you S, good advice!

I'm attempting to model the (only) RDC pair ATSF ever owned so getting a third unit is out. Do you think one powered unit with a little extra weight could pull a semi-permanently coupled and wired gutted dummy unit with a decoder/speaker in it?

As to the decoder, I'm now told that the Digitrax sdn136ps is one of their better decoders and RDC sound file is available for it. Generally, I don't care for the old line of Digitrax sound decoders, but understand the sdn136ps is good. Can anyone confirm this?

Finally, I was under the impression Microscale had the right decals available and ordered them, but just got a call from them this morning and the decals are only available in HO and most likely wont be run in N for a long time, I'df ever.
I can probably cobble the lettering and striping from other sets, but the front door Santa Fe logo is unique. Ideas, anyone?

For reference, this is the set and early paint scheme I'm trying to emulate:
(Attachment Link)

Thanks,
Otto K.

BEAUTIFUL!!!
I've come Soooooo close to buying a pair of these myself (certainly NOT a silly acquisition for you!)...but, of course, by my modeled era (1957) they were probably still being shopped after Redondo Jct...pity...
I hope someone here can help you...they'll look great!
Bruce

[Kentuckian]

  I don't think there is an RDC sound file but I bet there will be once Rapido releases their RDC.

Craig

Rapido is doing an RDC?

[Nick Lorusso]

Nick, Loksound has an RDC sound file?

Otto,
I used the sound file for the GE 44Tonner, it is close. Lok is also working on a file for the galloping goose.

[sizemore]

Thank you S, good advice!

I'm attempting to model the (only) RDC pair ATSF ever owned so getting a third unit is out. Do you think one powered unit with a little extra weight could pull a semi-permanently coupled and wired gutted dummy unit with a decoder/speaker in it?

Thanks,
Otto K.

Can't speak to the decoder, but the RDC as is can pull a couple passenger cars, I would think it would be able to handle a gutted RDC. With it being light on its feet I wanted a little more weight for electrical connectivity. The way the trucks are designed the pickups almost act like leaf springs.

The S.

[superchief]

Otto, Jason has a guy that has been decals for him I think it was Tedior here on Railwire not sure. Your right the logo is an odd one and unless you were to do each stripe separate I am not sure of the red/ yellow combo on anything else. I have run into that with Mircoscale decals too, couple in n scale that they only do in ho now, still have some from the 70's need to spray decal restorer on.........BTW  NICE STATION!!!!!!!!!!! Gordon

[Cajonpassfan]

BEAUTIFUL!!!
I've come Soooooo close to buying a pair of these myself (certainly NOT a silly acquisition for you!)...but, of course, by my modeled era (1957) they were probably still being shopped after Redondo Jct...pity...
I hope someone here can help you...they'll look great!
Bruce

Bruce, there is hope for you, see below [ Guests cannot view attachments ]
This from ATSF.railfan.net
Regards, Otto