The Beauty of Sound: Updated Video of the NKP in N-scale

[jdcolombo]

Hi folks.

I've posted this in the Layout Engineering thread, but I'm also going to post it here as an example of what a talented videographer/editor can do with an N-scale model railroad subject, AND as an example of why I think sound is a useful addition to N-scale engines.

The video below was taken and edited by my friend and fellow club member, Steve Hankel (he did the video; I ran the trains).  I think you will agree if you look at it that Steve is a very talented guy, and knows how to "tell a story" with his video editing work.  I also think that the video highlights why I think sound is a useful addition to N-scale engines.  Nothing fancy here (no under-table speakers, etc.); just a bunch of ESU LokSound Micros in steam and diesel engines doing their work around the layout.  For those of you who can't spare the entire 12-minutes of the video, I think a look at the material from the 4:00-mark to the 10:00-mark is a good synopsis of why I'm firmly in the "sound is good" camp.

John C.

[Philip H]

I gotta agree @jdcolombo - great video and great installs. I have become a big proponent of sound as well - though in full disclosure I do t have any sound units yet.

[powersteamguy1790]

Very nicely done John.

Stay cool and run steam.........

[PiperguyUMD]

Great video!  Two things really jump out at me. The first is that the chuffed very nearly line up with the driver rotation. Did you use a cam?  The other is that the low end on the Berk is surprisingly good - I found myself doing a double take!

[jdcolombo]

Great video!  Two things really jump out at me. The first is that the chuffed very nearly line up with the driver rotation. Did you use a cam?  The other is that the low end on the Berk is surprisingly good - I found myself doing a double take!

Thanks!

No cam.  ESU's electronic chuff sync is excellent, and one reason I prefer it to the Tsunami2, which isn't quite as good.
The speaker is a 13x18mm cell-phone type in a custom sealed enclosure inside the tender.  It goes down to about 400hz, which isn't real bass, but low enough to give the illusion of a bottom end.

John

[Mike Madonna]

John,

Outstanding presentation, to say the least....
Wondering what sound file you used in the Berk? May want to try a Select Micro in a GS-4.

Thanks for sharing!

[MVW]

Simply superb, all the way around. But as good as everything looked (both the modeling and the video work), it was the sound that brought that video to life.

I realize some people have no use for sound. That's cool. But IMHO, this is cooler. 

Jim

[OHCR 4218]

I like the lighting on your Geeps and RS11s. Was there much to the install?

[jdcolombo]

John,

Outstanding presentation, to say the least....
Wondering what sound file you used in the Berk? May want to try a Select Micro in a GS-4.

Thanks for sharing!

It was their heavy steam collection.  But they are now releasing new steam files, and I'm hoping to find one that better captures the "bark" of a super-power steam loco like the Berk.  They recorded Milwaukee 251, and that might do it.  I have hopes that they will record NKP 765 sometime down the road.

John C.

[jdcolombo]

I like the lighting on your Geeps and RS11s. Was there much to the install?

The RS11's just have the standard lighting, along with a Detail Associates lower headlight with MV lenses that is not operational (this was the Mars light on the NKP Alcos).  The headlights are lit by a SMT 603 LED. The GP7's and 9's used a Mars light at the top, replacing the "standard" headlight, and this is a non-functional Detail Associates part with MV lenses.  That required me to make a functional "normal" headlight, which is a Detail Associates early EMD dual headlight.  I illuminate that by drilling through the detail part and using .75mm fiber optic lit by a SMT 603 LED behind.  If I had it to do over again, I'd also light the Mars light, but I'm not going there at this stage.

John C.

[AKNscale]

That's a very nice looking layout JD, I'm hoping to get there someday with mine.

As for sound, I am completely with you on that it can be great in nscale. It may not be at the same level as the larger scales, but I feel that it adds a whole different dynamic to the already awesome hobby that we all enjoy. Due to that, I'm more than happy to pay the extra $100 in parts per loco to do the installs. Plus, I really do enjoy doing them. I have 3 I'm working on for other people right now.

[ncbqguy]

John
Not a criticism but an observation that leaped out at me from the side views in the excellent video of the Berk.....
Maybe somebody can Shapeways up a frame extension and details part for under the cab to get rid of the space there.
I know I'll be watching for this on steam projects I am reviewing for clients.
Hope to be able to operate again on your awesome railroad sometime when we're up north!
Best regards
Charlie Vlk

[jdcolombo]

John
Not a criticism but an observation that leaped out at me from the side views in the excellent video of the Berk.....
Maybe somebody can Shapeways up a frame extension and details part for under the cab to get rid of the space there.
I know I'll be watching for this on steam projects I am reviewing for clients.
Hope to be able to operate again on your awesome railroad sometime when we're up north!
Best regards
Charlie Vlk

Hi Charlie.

Yep, the space below the firebox is very noticeable when you are shooting a square-on side view of the LifeLike Berks; the Bachmann units are much worse.  I'm sure I could do something with styrene to hide that space, but that just hasn't been on my priority list.  Maybe one day, or if someone does an easy-on Shapeways thing, I could take advantage of that.

Any time you get up this way, let me know!

John

[Roger Holmes]

A true work of art. Visually stunning cinematography worthy of a layout of this caliber and a treat for the auditory senses. Four stars and two thumbs up!

[Mike C]

John
Not a criticism but an observation that leaped out at me from the side views in the excellent video of the Berk.....
Maybe somebody can Shapeways up a frame extension and details part for under the cab to get rid of the space there.
I know I'll be watching for this on steam projects I am reviewing for clients.
Hope to be able to operate again on your awesome railroad sometime when we're up north!
Best regards
Charlie Vlk

I fixed it somewhat on my Bachmann 2-8-4 "s