In-Depth Review: Kato P42 HO Scale With Tsunami & Loksound DCC | jlwii2000

[@massrailvideos]

I remember watching this when I was 4 years old and I didn't even know what the heck you were talking about loksound, dcc, exc. Now I understand everything

[@LaneMphoto09]

Same 😂

[@jlwii2000]

Thanks for stepping in with some in depth info. I can't cover everything or possibly know everything and it's very helpful for an expert to step in and assist in answering viewer questions.

[@zackhoughtaling484]

I used to watch your youchannel when I wuz little and now I’m 15 and I’m happy that I found your KZbin account again because u are a very inspiring person

[@motorwings1]

The shutdown sequence is accurate the bell rings in engine room to notify the engineer of an engine going off line. The horn and bell are on the same air line to reduce our payload of work. Great review

[@cebayne]

As an Amtrak engineer, the Loksound sounds more prototypical, almost exact... besides the horn, but that can be altered easily through the decoder. Most P42s are all e-bell's now, anyway.

[@ESUDCC]

Hi Guys Matt from ESU here... Just a few notes to questions that have been asked. The LokSound version DOES have HEP. It is on F5. During this mode the PM goes to 900RPM, or about notch 6. Also Using CV48 you can change to an air bell. We gave both bell options knowing P42s have had both. Also Like the prototype there is High Idle and Low Idle which goes up and down when the HEP is off. Lastly like the prototype there is a auto grade crossign feature on F7. Great Review!

[@coltonfox9792]

Happy to hear those functions are included!

[@sal3060]

Loksound did a clinic at the Cocoa Beach RPM meet last Friday; he said that the bell/horn was done specifically because that's what the prototype does. He also noted that you can turn off the bell in mid-note, just like the prototype does with its electronic bell. I'm really impressed with their sound decoders now.

[@bufordhart730]

And can you please do a video of the difference between Walters Amtrak Proto Passenger cars vs Kato Amtrak Passenger cars. Thanks

[@jlwii2000]

model train stuff's website now has these in stock for $250 each for sound units

[@JP-xe1wp]

Thanks For This Review! I was a my local hobby store and there were two of the same P42s with Loksound and Tsunami DCC I didn't know which would be better. Now I know.

[@LegoTrainFan92]

I wonder how much an HO scale police officer makes for keeping the roads blocked off for you

[@ESUDCC]

Also the LokSound version is already set up for the ditchlights to flash on horn blows. It is mapped to Aux1 and Aux2. As mentioned in the comments though the Headlights and Ditchlights are on one LED. IF more LEDs were added to the Aux1 and Aux2 outputs they will flash without doing any programming.

[@TheRiograndefan]

In retrospect I listened to the Loksound unit again. I since ordered one. I am willing to give it a shot.

[@TheKonquerer]

Okay, I figured so. I just wanted to check with someone who knows the industry quite well. Great product you guys made. I took delivery on mine today, and I have been smiling like a goofball since it came. The Loksound one is definitely very close to the prototype, and sounds amazing. Those dual motors are really quite considering whats going on in them. Glad you chose the P42. You guys should look into making Amfleet coaches (particularly in Phase 5) to go with these P42's you just released. :D

[@ESUDCC]

Just an FYI, the LokSound decoders give the option of both the E Bell and the Air Bell. As it seems now that the E Bell is a little more dominate we chose this an the default but a simple CV48 change will get you the Air Bell.

[@thomasabbott8974]

Jlwii, Revew of the Ho Scale Kate P42 with Tsunami @ Locksound DCC. Found the information on the Locamotive very helpful. An hy it looks like a fantastic Locamotive. With a very Good sound on it. An the lights at the Frunt look Amazing. 👍

[@TheKonquerer]

Thanks for such a quick and thorough response. I've been keeping my eyes peeled for a good price on these, and giving everyone a ballpark on the price for these locomotives is a great public service you're providing. I'll keep searching, in the meantime you keep making awesome videos.

[@acela2030]

One other sound feature the Loksound version has is HEP power. I just picked up number 68 Loksound equipped the other day. Its awsome!

[@billsmallwood3970]

Nice review. My Kato P42 Tsunami also started rough as you mentioned. I tuned the motors to CV10 cutout=0, CV209 Kp=50, CV210 Ki=10, CV212 BEMF=255. I slowed from bullet train setup to CV25 speed table=11, CV66 forward=64 and CV95 reverse=72, different because my reverse needed a little boost to start smoothly. So for anyone who has the Tsunami, jump in and make it run better.

[@TheKonquerer]

Yeah was watching that site closely. Ordered one today, and I can't wait until it comes in. Thanks for the heads up.

[@christianwhite95]

Just one thing to note, the headlight on the Kato model is correct. There is no clear plastic cover over the headlights on the new P42 nose.

[@jlwii2000]

Oh ok, thanks for the explanation I must have been looking at an older prototype photo. Thanks for your help .

[@vpisarski]

For the record, there actually is no cover on the headlights of the later or refurbished p42 units. More recent photos of Engine 161 show it with the refurbished nose and remodeled headlight that does not have a cover like this model: www.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=3553819

[@BDC1Captain]

Thanks for the review. Glad to get a chance to compare Lok and TSU sounds. Regarding the user comments about the bell sound: The Lok bell sound is that of an electronic bell, while the Tsunami sounds like a mechanical air-ringer. As these locos were rebuilt, the received electronic bells (speakers) IF their original bell had a defect. Therefore, P42s might have one or the other.

[@ESUDCC]

Hi Chris, We did this Stand By mode on the decoder as well. It will only work will sitting still. (F13) In doing our recording we used 4 Microphones placed all around the engine. We did mix them but the outside mic is prominent. After all it is difficult to get inside your HO scale locomotive!

[@iceman5854]

I was 5 years old when I first watched this video and now I’m 15 and watching it 10 years later

[@KatoUSAinc]

There is - hitting F5 will kick in the HEP and the locomotive will crank up to sound like it's hitting 900RPM regardless of speed. Additionally, when it's idle the engine can be put in stand-by (fuel saver) mode with F13 to drop the RPMs of the engine sound to imitate the sound of the locomotive waiting in a station.

[@jlwii2000]

That is correct. The Kato light rod means ditch lights will never flash without heavy modification to the decoder and adding LEDs in each ditch light hole.

[@jlwii2000]

Sure I will add it to my list.

[@NSNorfolk]

I'm a Tsunami fan but on this review, the LokSound version sounds better to me. Thanks again, James.

[@BLKdurangoTRAINhorns]

Me personally, prefer the LocSound as well. The idel is on point and the startup has more sounds. Thanks for the video man.

[@jlwii2000]

How do you consider showing the shutdown sequence making it a "big deal?" I showed the loksound shutdown sequence because I ran across it during the review. If I had ran across the tsunami shutdown sequence, it would have been included in the video as well.

[@jlwii2000]

they are shipping to retailers and should arrive at most places next week. I have a source to get this quickly, but they don't have any available for sale at the moment.

[@NickelPlateRoad779]

The amazing sound files and slow speed performance (don't get me wrong with the right tweaking you can get a tsunami to creep) is what converted me from tsunami to loksound. I can't wait to get my Kato P42's haha :)

[@TheKonquerer]

I was talking to a dealer at a local train show this past weekend, and he said Kato doesn't allow him to sell product below MSRP for 60 days. Is this industry wide? I certainly hope not... So I suppose my actual question is, where did you find these units for that $240-250 range? Can us "common-folk" without connections be expecting prices like that anytime soon? On another note,thanks for all your effort in model railroading dude, you're a great help to people like me. Keep up the good work.

[@ESUDCC]

Actually The LokSound decoder has Six outputs and is already set up for Flashing ditchlights on Aux3 and Aux4.

[@ESUDCC]

Hello, The sound was recorded from an ACTUAL P42... I did the recordings. Also the Horn and Bell (and every other individual sound) have volume adjustments. We felt it is much better to be able to turn the sound down, than to deliver the sound at full volume and not be able to turn it up if desired. Again, The compressor is that of the P42 which we recorded. Could not be any more accurate... Give it a chance. I think you will be thoroughly impressed!

[@jlwii2000]

Hi there. We are all "common-folk." My connection was not a connection really, just a dealer that I pre ordered the item through just like everyone else. This dealer was close to Kato's location, so they got them quickly but they do not have any instock that weren't preorders. You can expect prices of $240-$250 range from dealers nationwide. I would venture to guess that modeltrainstuff will have them in shortly at that price.

[@OwenMcFarland1]

Also, please review the KATO Superliners.

[@formidable38]

I checked to. If you put the item actually in the cart it goes down to 129 dollars for the DCC ready version. Internet trains lists it as 148 dollars for the DCC ready version. They are not showing the sound equipped model at the moment though.

[@ConrailFreight]

I remember when this was uploaded!

[@mychemicalbromance97]

What is interesting is that the N scale versions have those things you mentioned are missing from the front, windshield wipers, covers over the headlights and marker lights. It seems odd that they're missing, I know my local train store has an HO one in stock and see if it has those perhaps hidden away in the packaging. Maybe got misplaced when they were installing the DCC who knows, but then its odd that neither has it... Who knows. I just know I have two Kato P42s in phase IV and they are not bad at all

[@Island_Line_Rail_Productions]

is there a way to turn off the autostart when track power is applied? for example be able to use F8 to do the startup sequence when I want vs when I apply track power

[@Blank53689]

This Kato Amtrak P42DC Is 161 As Of Today 161 Was Painted Into Phase I 50th Anniversary Livery

[@TheKonquerer]

Nevermind, answered my own question. If you use F8 while moving it mutes it, and after that every time you hit F8 it will just mute it. Once the unit has been completely shut down by track power, F8 will be the start-up and shutdown function again.

[@Rocketman1583]

Great video James! I wanted to start model railroading with this loco at the kato store in Tokyo but it was out of stock so i ended up getting a metra f40ph. BTW its funny that the loksound is both cheaper and better

[@Trashman702]

Another good review and thanks for posting. You saved me some time and hassle. These are hi priced for the lack of details. No wipers, headlight lens, MU Hoses, or wipers? Come on KATO!!!

[@SavRail]

Any word if and of the big makers are going to offer all the A-Train loco's for collection? I saw the 42 in person at PDX train station a few weeks back. I really enjoy seeing things like that. Military people like yourself deserve everything that you can get because of every waking moment you put yourself in the line of fire of our enemy's foreign or domestic. ROCK ON.... I wish more company's would get off their high horses and look at what you do for them past, present and future.

[@Dproud2700]

I had a chance to check out one of the DC version and found it has the correct red lights in the nose that would activate when the locomotive is in reverse. I was looking to see if this works since some of the P-42's out here in California are used on the Amtrak Capital and Valley Train in push/pull mode.

[@22817hm]

This would be great to add to my amtrak collection!

[@modeltrainman1985]

mrc makes a sound decoder tht enables the bell also when horn is blown...the product number is #1925...its a 16bit sound decoder...

[@AmJaxineer]

There is not comparison. Athearn shell is more accurate besides windshield. Kato is just a blown up N Scale loco that they thought would sell out because of the dual motors that overheat...so that was all they put effort in.

[@Mr300bowler]

Hey James I am to start collecting all of the rolling stock I am combind both freight and passenger cars

[@pointlessaro]

Great video! I prefer the tsunami sound on engine 188. It has more of a signature Amtrak sound to it.

[@HookLineSinker4343]

Very nice looking loco. Nice sounds. Good review!

[@kd4kdf]

another thumbs up for Booker T & The MG's.

[@RailFanRick]

The sounds on this decoder are almost identical to the Loksound decoders that came in my KOBO KATO C44-9W engines, horns are different but bell and engine sounds are almost the same exact sound.

[@bnsfwarbonnet]

Just a tip but the dutch doors on the baggage car would be facing the cars, not the locos.

[@prorobo]

Damn I might need to get one of these even though I have three Walthers P42's already.

[@jlwii2000]

The MSRP is high on these locos, but the discounts will bring them down to $240-$250 a piece. That's still a bit high, but in comparison MTH's SD70ACes are around that price point discounted as well. They could definitely use more detail though and maybe $10-$20 off the MSRP to be really worth the purchase.

[@glennjones155]

I think I will get one (Lok Sound ) version to add to my modern day "Floridian" consist

[@sujayeendrajahagirdar9232]

Thanks for review, I want to buy my first set. Which is best. I want a set with good life rather than Detail.

[@jlwii2000]

Sorry I probably won't review those. I am pretty swamped right now and I don't have the time to track one down and review it. Unless it magically shows up at my door, I won't be reviewing it anytime soon if ever. My apologies!

[@MangeshMistry]

Good Job. A very nice discription. A excellent video.

[@natediemer1306]

I noticed that the Loksound decoder's bell and horn sounded much more prototypical compared to an actual Amtrak P42. I compared the sounds side by side and I was surprised to see the Loksound outperform the Tsunami decoder for a lower price. The tsunami decoder sounds fine but compared with the real loco it doen't hit the mark. I do like the Tsunami decoders though, I have a Athearn Genesis Santa Fe FP45 that sounds great. Plus the Loksound performs better at lower speeds. Although I am surprised they didn't include wipers.

[@Coach_McGuirk]

What horn are you hearing? The Loksound K5LA is completely wrong for a P42. QSI actually got the Amtrak K5LA right out of all the manufacturers.

[@AmJaxineer]

Gotcha. You guys still did a good job. Which P42 did u guys use the recordings from?

[@choro1981]

Great video,love your your train,very cool. Do you have any videos of your whole lay out?

[@Rocketman1583]

You do great reviews bro

[@___Archangel____]

Could you make or recommend a video tutorial on how to add the rubber traction on the wheels please. Thanks!

[@davidbouwman4528]

this is true, so can Loksound...But the ditch lights in the KATO model are run from 1 LED bulb with a splitting light bar which makes it not possible to do. You will have to replace the light bar with two LEDs to make that work and that proves to be pretty difficult to do...

[@IAIS96]

AWESOME I love the Loksound unit

[@211films4]

They back grills are see through but it hard to see unless you look at them dead on and there is a good light source coming through

[@jlwii2000]

No, due to Kato's design the ditch lights can't flash unless someone adds LEDs and possibly a different decoder. I know, it does suck.

[@hmibus531]

like the channel look forward to more education from you as i am a beginner.

[@railfan9713]

Great review. I also agree, the Loksound is the best.

[@ESUDCC]

Sorry for the wrong info.... Ditchlights are mapped to Aux3 and Aux4... not Aux1 and Aux2. As this is a 6 output decoder the red lights are currently mapped to Aux1 and Aux2. We did this because in the model the Red Lights are on separate LEDs. Good news is, because this IS a 6 output decoder you can still keep your red light control AND have flashing ditchlights if you wire the LEDs. A 4 output decoder could not do this....Sorry for the confusion!

[@akr3985fan]

Hey J.L. that First Engine has the same Road Number as my Kato N scale Amtrak engine Wow..

[@TheKonquerer]

Hey Mister ESU wizard. First off, terrific job on that Loksound decoder on the P42. I got mine today, and man does it sound epic. You guys really nailed it on the head with this one... I love how closely it resembles real P42's. I'm fairly new to the hobby (came back after a 15 year hiatus), and still a little new to DCC. I saw that jl2ii2000 demonstrated a shutdown sequence on the P42. Whenever I hit F8 it just mutes the unit. Is there a certain sequences I must hit to shut it down?

[@bigB6flyer]

Nice review as always, very thorough. I cxld my order for one of these. I was skiddish over the coreless motors, the lack of detail, and yes the price. I have two athearn p42 phase Vs (one with QSI sound) and they pull the new Kato Superliner (amazing, free rolling) with no problem up 2% grades). I like the LokSound better on these Katos fwiw.

[@vwgolfer1873]

I have yet to own a KATO product. I would like to have some Amtrak stuff though cuz i grew up seeing AMTRAK run all the time around my town

[@jlwii2000]

how do you figure? I ordered them and waited like a kid on Christmas morning for the package to arrive. I definitely wanted to review these locos because no one else had any decent sound examples of these locos on all of youtube.

[@aaron7671]

KATO also makes AMTK #150 too. By the way. Nice Video! I have a KATO P42DC AMTK #150, It's nice.

[@kgw800]

Nice review i like the Loksound

[@jabber1990]

I wonder if any locomotives have the air sound while they are operating, maybe they do but its so quiet in comparison but its just a thought I had

[@mjmonjure]

Weird that the loksound starts up on track power. All of my scale trains with loksound, F8 acts as start up/shutdown button. I expect that from Tsunami2.

[@tjyumoto9899]

The Tsunami sound decoder is actually inaccurate. They pulled it off the FDL-16 modern version. Tsunami's doesn't support the unique sounds you hear from HEP locomotives like the P42's. Loksound recorded sounds from a P42 for this.

[@ICTSProductions]

Actually, Amtrak refitted all of their Genesis units that aren't dual-mode units with the new nose, without the headlight coverings, between 2012 and now.

[@SeverityOne]

Thanks for the review. One thing that puzzles me (and bear with me, because I live in Europe, on a relatively small island in the middle of the Mediterranean, so there's no chance for me to compare the two): if the Athearn has better detailing, why is the Kato so much more expensive (for the DC version)? Is it just the pulling power and the lights? Given that my trains end up in a display case, sound and pulling power are not particularly important to me. Price is, though, also because of the nice 18% VAT plus custom duties I pay on imports from outside the EU.

[@justinvoelker99]

hey nice review like the p42 just got an o scale Amtrak heritage unit p42 and if u want to see a cool engine u have to get one even though ur ho it has so many small details that ho could have but the companies choose not to do

[@CaptainTransit]

The LokSound's bell sounds just like my Atlas ALP-45DP w/ LokSound. I guess they tend to re-use sounds.

[@Matt88661]

Thanks James for sharing your video, i've been waiting for someone to compare these decoders, thanks for doing that. The loksound definitely sound better. But I wonder if turning up the prime mover volume on the tsunami may provide a better comparison between the two decoders. Usually they are factory set at 150 (cv131) with a range between 0 and 255.

[@UPES2018]

That really sucks that they don't have flashing ditch lights... Do you think you'd be able to tweak the decoder to make it work?

[@OwenMcFarland1]

Ok. I may buy one and review one because they look nice.

[@TheShadeTreeFixitMan]

Very nice. I think the Locsound is better than the Tsunami. Great review.

[@ESUDCC]

Anytime! Keep up the Great Work!

[@tpetree100]

cool engines and were did you get your ikea billboard at, because i have been looking really hard for them

[@BNSFfan2373]

WOOO been looking forward to this!!!

[@amtrak151]

loksound sounds sooooo much better i am a tsunami fan and i think that that one sounds kind of bad

[@shabahatalishah5667]

I

[@Gunner857Games]

I have the tsunami way better sound quality and loudness

[@EastTexasRailfan]

Eric4014 like ur profile pic eric4014!!!!!

[@heelblocks]

Is there an option on the sound for HEP? The engine should be in about notch 6 sound wise before it would move. HEP is Head end Power, it powers the whole train.

[@amtrak706]

When did you receive these? I am still waiting for my two from a hobby shop in New Mexico.