I heard back from Bachmann regarding how to adjust the sound volume on the 44 ton switcher. I have not tried this yet - won't get back to my workshop 'til tomorrow afternoon. But:
"I have noticed a few comments online regarding the sound. You can adjust the volume as shown in this post: http://www.bachmanntrains.com/...p/topic,29898.0.html. Also, the sounds are not generic and were recorded last year from the GE 44 ton loco on the Cumbres and Toltec RR. It is a narrow gauge version, but it has the original Caterpillar Prime movers."
Cool . . .