Upgrading command ready K-Line UP E8 - Item # K-28901H

If it works with a Cab1 it sounds like it has already been upgraded. K-Line did sell this set with TMCC and Railsounds. Do you have sounds now? If the sounds also respond to your Cab1 then you don’t really need a new sound board. On many command engines there is a switch that lets you choose Railsounds or Signalsounds. The latter is just horn and bell.

Pete

Thanks Pete.

I can control the sounds from the CAB1, but only the bell and horn (no engine sounds or tower communications).  The bell and the horn are not very pleasing sounds at all. I cannot control the volume of the sounds (horn and bell) from the CAB1. There is no difference when I move the switch between signal sounds and Railsounds.

The poor quality sound of the horn and bell the main reason I would like to do an upgrade.  My guess is there is a sound board that I could use, but trying to find what boards will work, etc. is proving to be a challenge, at least for me.  I could further upgrade to ERR sounds, but that comes with additional costs, and I am sure I would be satisfied with any of the Railsounds generic boards.  Just not sure which ones will work, etc. Or if there is something more that I am missing.

You are also correct, K-line did make this engine with full Railsounds.  I think the catalog number changes the "H" to another letter.  The set I own must be an earlier set as it has the spinning roof vent fans and not the smoke units.  I purchased this set used, so I do not have all the history (or the manual).

Dave, I have the TMCC version. These are very nice engines. I would suggest removing the shell on the lead unit and verify whats in there. ERR has generic EMD E unit sounds that will work. 4 screws for the shell but lift carefully as there are wires for the lights and fans that have to de disconnected.

Pete

You might have a signal sounds board in there or just a generic railsounds board. Horn and bell do not have a volume feature but the rev up and down sounds should have a none to high volume using the 1 and 4 cab1 buttons.

Would this Lionel part number work?

I looked for the ERR generic board EMD board for the older TMCC command system, but I could not find any.  I only found the newer style.  Does anyone know where to find a plug in board that would work?

The RS4 board requires a motherboard and audio amp board. That may or may not be in that engine now.  The new ERR boards are single board. If you verify you have TMCC in there now the new boards will work. They are all TMCC. First step is to see what you have now.

Pete

Here is a photo of the inside.  I had to install a generic power board to get the horn and bell to work.  Without the power board, there were no sounds at all.

You can put a RS4 or RS5 sound board in the slot for the signal-sounds board and have full sounds.

Thanks John.

Do you have a suggestion on where to purchase a RS4 or RS5 board?  Or is the Lionel parts the best place?

@DaveGG posted:

Thanks John.

Do you have a suggestion on where to purchase a RS4 or RS5 board?  Or is the Lionel parts the best place?

You may find someone else that has one but you know Lionel has one. Its unlikely it will cost less anywhere else.

Pete

If Lionel has the board sounds you need, buy it from them.