Whenever my Big Boy runs over an O-72 turnout, the sound in the tender just goes silent for a second or so (the classification lights will occasionally turn off as well).
It is most evident when you have the labor chuff intensity set to maximum (using the EFX keys). The sound cut-off is quite noticeable in this scenario.
I would like to add that this only occurs (at least in my situation) when the Big Boy is rolling through the switch at very low speeds, let us call it: less than speed step 25. Anything greater than that, the cut-off does not occur.
Guess I have to chalk this one up to a dead spot in the switch....
Michael
You've identified what's happening. When the tender loses track power, the next chuff will wake it back up and turn the sound system back on. However, it will restart at a nominal labor/effort level. Because heavy labor causes both tonal and volume changes to the chuffing, an abrupt labor change would be perceived as a drop in volume, although the actual railsounds master and background/blend volume settings are not changing. To restore the previous labor setting, get the CAB2 remote to send an updated labor command. Next time it happens, wiggle the train brake slider and see if that restores your previous labor value without having to stop the locomotive.
Rudy Trubitt
Director of Audio
Lionel, LLC
Rudy,
I appreciate the insights here!! Typically, what I have been doing to combat the sound cut-off, is to simply depress the EFX down button (one notch). This restores the labor setting, albeit one notch lower than the previous setting prior to cut-off. I will attempt your recommendation by toggling the train brake slider as well.
Out of curiosity, is this a known issue? I am in fact using Lionel's Fastrack system, so was a bit surprised as to the sound cut-off (this only occurs as the Big Boy rolls over a switch at slow speeds).
Best,
Michael
