Disappointed in Engine sounds??

Check this ADPCM MTH Sound File Player.  Download the sound file and check out the sound clips.

Youtube. From well done reviews like those of Eric Siegel, to the average Joe posting video of his layout. You can usually find an example of whatever locomotive your interested in.

Of course you can always put a request to hear a particular model here on the forum as well. Preordering is really not necessary, bigger dealers i.e. Charles Ro always have extras for at least 6 months to a year after the release depending on popularity.

Preorder discounts aren't as sweet as they once were and lately BTO locomotives that didn't sell out can be had for much less than the original preorder price.

Its only the "all new" items, like the  MR 261, and the Reading T1 ( if Lionel pulls out all the stops) that may sell out faster, and command a higher price. Either way there should still be some available after the folks that preordered get theirs.

It is one of the frustrations of the Hobby, paying top dollar for a legacy engine and then realize it has the same whistle and sound set from a previous purchase. Fortunately, being in a round robin club I am able to see some of the new releases. I have only BTO items that I know will sell out and you will never see again ( i.e. vision line reefers, UP passenger excursion cars, etc..). The rest I roll the dice and I am willing to pay the extra 100 dollars if need be. The only locomotive I missed out on is a Legacy Cab forward, however I can wait. I have lots of trains to run.

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Check this ADPCM MTH Sound File Player.  Download the sound file and check out the sound clips.

Thanks GunnerJohn, I did not know this was available and will check it out.

Joe Gozzo

RickO posted:

Youtube. From well done reviews like those of Eric Siegel, to the average Joe posting video of his layout. You can usually find an example of whatever locomotive your interested in.

Of course you can always put a request to hear a particular model here on the forum as well. Preordering is really not necessary, bigger dealers i.e. Charles Ro always have extras for at least 6 months to a year after the release depending on popularity.

Preorder discounts aren't as sweet as they once were and lately BTO locomotives that didn't sell out can be had for much less than the original preorder price.

Its only the "all new" items, like the  MR 261, and the Reading T1 ( if Lionel pulls out all the stops) that may sell out faster, and command a higher price. Either way there should still be some available after the folks that preordered get theirs.

Rick,

You bring up some good points. Ihad never thought of asking anyone here on the forum, and I frequently watch Eric's reviews.

However, when pre-ordering, I have saved $50-60 per locomotive andafter a while that starts to add up. Thanks for the tips.

Joe Gozzo

Jdaddy,

I had no Idea this was happening with Legacy as well. I'll bet that Cab forward is awesome. I wonder if Eric reviewed it on Youtube I am sorry I never bought the Lionmaster Cab Forward. Some day...

Joe Gozzo

True, but as I mentioned many times there are better discounts if the item doesn't sell out.

Ro currently  has the bto ESE Hudsons available for $1099. The preorder price was $1249. 

In my opinion Lionel still has the better sound Quality but the price is up there. I don't plan on anymore Legacy engines given I'm running mostly MTH tinplate but one of the things I like about MTH is you have the option of changing sound files. With Lionel it is what it is.  

Chris Lonero posted:

In my opinion Lionel still has the better sound Quality but the price is up there. I don't plan on anymore Legacy engines given I'm running mostly MTH tinplate but one of the things I like about MTH is you have the option of changing sound files. With Lionel it is what it is.  

Good point Chris

RickO posted:

True, but as I mentioned many times there are better discounts if the item doesn't sell out.

Ro currently  has the bto ESE Hudsons available for $1099. The preorder price was $1249. 

Hey Rick I haven't really been following the Legacy engine but that's good to know I may have to start rethinking my purchases.

Ok, besides a good band, what is BTO anyhow.

Bacon Tomato & Onion? Bought That Other?, Bad Train Odor? Back To Oz?

B°t¢h To Order?    Yep ...I give up

Adriatic posted:

Ok, besides a good band, what is BTO anyhow.

Bacon Tomato & Onion? Bought That Other?, Bad Train Odor? Back To Oz?

B°t¢h To Order?    Yep ...I give up

 

 

Built To Order. Meaning, if there is not enough orderes, they don't make the road/style of engine.

In the Lionel TMCC1 days, (where I am still stuck, no legacy for me) each engine had its own road/number called out in the TowerComm and had a unique horn/bell sound. Which is why you would only see one or two road names per catalog/year of a model rather then multiples. (There were some exceptions early on i.e. C420's and SD60/SD70's)

I have to say MTH is hit or miss with steam engine whistles and chuffing sounds. Their recent release of Reading T1 had "good" sounds; while the latest Triplex was disappointing. You would think MTH would've got better since this very same subject has been brought up for the last 20 years.

I like the idea of downloadable sound files however its too complex and time consuming - and the two shops that I frequent (both MTH dealers) can't even do TIU upgrades let alone sound upgrades.

If your shop can't load a sound file, you need a different MTH shop! 

I have seriously thought about trying to reach Andy Edelman, to discuss this topic. However, I am not sure they would put me thru to him or if he would take my call? I would sure hope so with the amount of MTH Product I have in hiraillers and tinplate.

Joe Gozzo

Trainlover160 posted:

I have seriously thought about trying to reach Andy Edelman, to discuss this topic. However, I am not sure they would put me thru to him or if he would take my call? I would sure hope so with the amount of MTH Product I have in hiraillers and tinplate.

Joe Gozzo

Honestly Joe I wouldn't even waist my time.  Even if you did get through your only going to get the same type of answer you would get at York.  Mike himself even said at the TCA museum at York most of the company's recorces have been going into the new app.  My guess is better sound development is way down the list!  

Chris Lonero posted:

Trainlover160 posted:

I have seriously thought about trying to reach Andy Edelman, to discuss this topic. However, I am not sure they would put me thru to him or if he would take my call? I would sure hope so with the amount of MTH Product I have in hiraillers and tinplate.

Joe Gozzo

Honestly Joe I wouldn't even waist my time.  Even if you did get through your only going to get the same type of answer you would get at York.  Mike himself even said at the TCA museum at York most of the company's recorces have been going into the new app.  My guess is better sound development is way down the list!  

You know what Chris, you are probably right. My thinking is on Halloween and Christmas, how long and expensive could it be? It is fantasy and not prototypical. Maybe my mind is thinking it is too simple, by recording a few lines and sounds, and uploading it. Maybe I should just do my own thru DCS HANDHELD.

Lehigh Valley Railroad posted:

Adriatic posted:

Ok, besides a good band, what is BTO anyhow.

Bacon Tomato & Onion? Bought That Other?, Bad Train Odor? Back To Oz?

B°t¢h To Order?    Yep ...I give up

 

 

Built To Order. Meaning, if there is not enough orderes, they don't make the road/style of engine.

 

In the Lionel TMCC1 days, (where I am still stuck, no legacy for me) each engine had its own road/number called out in the TowerComm and had a unique horn/bell sound. Which is why you would only see one or two road names per catalog/year of a model rather then multiples. (There were some exceptions early on i.e. C420's and SD60/SD70's)

Not quite. Built to Order means that Lionel will only make the number of units requested by a specified pre-order date. While there may be some warehoused by Lionel for warranty replacements and hobby shops may order some for their shelves, there won't be any made that haven't been requested, in theory.

BTO has nothing to do with cancelling offerings if not enough units are ordered. Oh, that could happen, as it can with any catalog item, but that's not an exclusive feature of BTO models.

The reality is that big dealers like Charles Ro and Nassau Hobby order quite a few extra BTO models on speculation that the market will absorb them.

And, I think the reality is that MTH is likewise tightening its supply of unordered models. But I am speculating, in that regard.