installing a Sound Board

Well, the way I go for a conventional sound board that has prime mover and horn/bell is the ERR RailSounds Commander with the F3/F7 sound set.  A smoke unit install will really depend on what's under those stacks, my guess is the E-Unit and battery holder is in the way and would have to be moved.

I'd seriously consider looking for a more modern F3 that already has sound and smoke, probably won't cost that much more and it'll certainly be a ton easier as far as labor is concerned!

Thanks for the answer, you are probably right about upgrading vs buying something new, but the fun is in doing something to move the old up into the modern with out losing the mystique of the old

Well, I tried.

@WestCelt posted:

I want to install a smoke at sometime also.  can I get a smoke that will work with 2 output stacks?

Easy, an MTH PS1 smoke unit is designed to operate off varying track power- AKA conventional and STILL regulate the smoke resistors as the voltage coming in varies (obviously within limitations).

Under upgrades and other items https://www.mthpartsandsales.c...ts/240?type=products

You then would have to make, fabricate, design in 3D, and or 3D print a dual smoke funnel duct- that allows filling the smoke unit with fluid and allows the smoke evenly to both outlets.

Have to agree with John on this one. I'm finishing up doing 7 sound installations for a customer, and one is an older Lionel diesel. I found the growl of the old universal motor was practically drowning out the sounds from the RailSounds Commander. Just a heads up if you go in this direction.

@modeltrainsparts posted:

I found the growl of the old universal motor was practically drowning out the sounds from the RailSounds Commander. Just a heads up if you go in this direction.

I agree, but only if you use a modern electronically-controlled transformer or equivalent.  I actually I get my most substantial growl when driving them with a TIU.

They're not bad if powered by an old-fashioned 1033, or a ZW, for instance.

The chopped wave produces exaggerated growl, except at full throttle when the chop, and the resultant excessive growl, disappear.

Mike

In Addition, I'm having the Shell Painted in the latest Alaska Scheme.   I have no idea what the original shell was since it was a repaint when I got it.

this particular engine doesn't growl.....  interesting...its very quiet....

I am running it on a z1000 MTH down at my train club and at home I have a new latest and greatest Lionel Transformer.