KEY pilot model O Scale cab forward

On the topic of sound, here is a Challenger Imports HO AC-11, http://youtu.be/AEUXm0JqjnE. How would this compare to the loco in question here, detail and sound quality.

Lousy photography.  I would have to say the O Scale version has better sound, and a much better videographer.

 

My MTH Husdson has much better chuffs, but as pointed out above, who knows what the camcorder and youtube does to the sound.

There was sound?  That would about number 10 of 10 on my GaS list.

 

As noted this is a pilot model and Gary and Dave are both sticklers.  I would not be surprised if Digitrax is not involved in perfecting the result.  I also wouldn't be surprised if it didn't end up with multiple speakers, two in the boiler, one for each engine and one in the tender just for bass response.

 

Actually, I'm surprised there are no complaints about the lack of smoke and steam effects.

I think that with the Soundtraxx Equilizer being tweaked this would sound better. Just my 2¢.

 

quote:

The point being judging any audio source by a 3rd level out compressed recording is just poor judgment. Period.

Erik,

I understand what you are saying and for the most part I will agree with you. Nothing like a live concert, so to speak.

 

However, there is "The Theory of Relativity". Meaning, the audio from one video to another will be comparable. Even though they may not sound quite like they do in person, one can make a judgment about the sounds.

 

Keeping that in mind, compare the sounds from the Cab Forward video in question to literally hundreds of YouTube videos of Lionel or MTH steam locomotives.

 

Where the Tsunami sounds of the Cab Forward fall short is the tinny sounds of the exhausts and that of what was described as the air compressor (actually sounding nothing like any air compressor sounds that I have ever heard). Lionel and MTH exhaust sounds beat them hands down, being much fuller in that you can clearly hear them whoosh. For the most part, other sounds seemed OK.

 

Listening to many other videos of Tsunami equipped locos, their exhausts sounded exactly the same. Why? I don't know. Maybe, they do not have a baffle? Whatever the reason, the Cab Forward's exhausts need considerable work.

 

 

The problem is that most people don't really adjust the sound settings. Go to Soundtraxx's website. I believe it's a matter of sound settings.

The air compressor sounds ARE indeed COMPLETELY different on an SP cab forward. Unlike virtually EVERY other steam locomotive, the SP cab forwards had their compressor exhausts piped vertically DIRECTLY TO ATMOSPHERE! Thus, the compressor exhausts were ear splitting if you happened to be standing next to one, back by the "monkey deck".

Awsome model and at $7500 I guess I'll take 2 and forget the new car for the wife. No, just thinking it would be nice to own a cab forward or two, Oh that is why I own 2 U50s as I love that look of up front cabs. I remember mom stopping for lunch in bakersfield CA.in the 50's  driving to Gmas and at the intersection across the street were 2  facing each other from each side of the street blowing their horns. Fantastic moment in my life.

Above that 7500, what about paint, another $500?

 

Phil 

I thought ALL Key models come factory painted.

Nobody likes Smoke here?

No! I can't stand smoke. It messes up the weathering, and gets all over the scenery and rails.

Smoke is vaporized oil.  What you don't breathe into your lungs, condenses and falls on the RR, meaning, the engines, cars, track and scenery.

So...no smoke for me either.

Regards,

Ed

Back in the day most people were not too happy about the smoke the real RR steam engines put out. The Key engines do come painted and in several variations,at this price point its a very limited market[probably part of the reason for these numbers]

No smoke for me - I got a snootful from an SD-9 around 1990 and now just the thought of model smoke makes me ill.

Na...no smoke necessary.

Chris,

 

Just got DirecTV and on the RFD Channel there is a program called "Trains and Locomotives".  The last program featured video of UP Challenger and N&W 1218 from 1987-88 fan trips.   #1218 looked great and she is a beauty.  The photo runby was spectacular.  Only downside is the single chime hooter.  Hurts my ears

 

The 1218 beats the Challenger in my book!

 

Larry

I haven't heard of that program, I'll have to look into it.  I know what you mean about that hooter,  she's a screamer especially in person....but I love it...I guess I'm glutton for punishment.   And I'm with you on the 1218...tops in my book as well.

Could you hear the "Tom-Tom" as the reservoirs were being charged?

On the real ones you would hear the deep piston thrust sound a split second before the whistle of the exhaust.  "Boom- hiss!"

I've been recording "Trains and Locomotives" for some time now and really enjoy the ones with steam.  I know the 1218 is a remarkable piece of the builders craft but to me it is not particularly handsome.  The Allegheny, now there is a boss engine!  Even sitting still it  is a beast.  Sadly, there is very little footage of it in action that I am aware of.  What a locomotive, what a builder!

RFDTV runs the TMBV I Love Toy Trains.

Maybe that locomotive has no Haaaat. It sounds like the tin man.

 

 

 

There is some footage of the C&O H-8s, check Youtube, and DVDS.  I have some on a VHS tape called Appalachian Articulateds, that includes the B&O EM-1s, N&W, and even a little on the Jawn Henry, and the C&O Alleghenies.  Youtube also has Virginian 2-6-6-6s.

Pure blasphemy...  Just kiddin'...we all have our fan favorites. I have several DVDs from Herron Rail Video on the N&W, and it does have a decent amount of footage in there on the Jawn Henry.  They may have a small amount of footage in one of their DVDs, but I'm not sure.  I think the big problem is that on the C&O much of their track was pretty rural and I don't think a bunch of folks flocked to film the C&O because of that.  I am sure there is some footage out there on youtube, or maybe one of the other DVD providers like Sunday River Productions, I think their DVD on articulateds has some footage but not much...in case your interested.

 

If any of you haven't seen this take a look...now this is great.

 

 

Beautiful mechanism and model.  Yet marred by the stupid looking Phillips head screws attaching the brake shoe levers.

Well maybe that will be corrected in the final run, once painted I wonder how noticeable they would be anyway

Painted as I believe all these engines will be[a few may want unpainted to better show the detailing], these screws should not stand out, since it has been pointed out perhaps the production models will use hex head bolts to secure the hangers.

These models will be the finest made to date of any prototype of steam locomotive wise international or not in 1/48, 7mm scale, Om or the like.

 

Most certainly on par or beyond Ferro-Suisse or Fugulrex models.

 

WAIT!!!- except of course Lionel Vision Line--MTH with Proto-Sound 46.2 will blow it away!   <---I am ONLY kidding! 

 

All models are beautiful ALL OF THEM! Just some are more FABULOUS than others <--- OPINION

I couldn't agree more Erik, beautiful is an understatement.  These models are off the charts...just stunning examples of fine craftsmanship.

I have been nursing an idea for awhile wherein "someone/some mfr" would introduce a sound system equipped boxcar which could be pulled right behind a locomotive. It would potentially have adjustable levels of exhaust bark, perhaps articulated in/out exhaust, whistle, blow down, dynamo, etc. Perhaps also a diesel mode. This would save us poor slobs who have a goodly number of 2 rail soundless brass engines from having to put sound systems into each locomotive, etc. (which, BTW, I will never get around to doing!)

        Gentlemen: any thoughts? 

Mark and others,

Sound coming from anywhere but the boiler is intolerable (my opinion).  But, in this great hobby, everyone can do as he/she pleases for their own RR.

Cheers,

Ed

Ed - Haven't the sounds been coming from tenders for quite a while?

Mark,

Not on my RR.  The speakers in all my steamers are in the boilers, preferably in the smokebox.

Regards,

Ed

Is the sound inside the tender on this pilot sample?

I was wondering the same thing but I could not tell from the video.