Running DCC Sound Fitted Locos on DC

[@HarryCrabb-j9q]

Nice looking layout, more prototypical than many. I was considering making a narrow gauge layout but that 37 sounds so familiar to me from my childhood on the eastern region that I may have to consider standard gauge.

[@Slate56]

Yeah, I had the same idea, when I noticed the Bachmann Class 117 DMU can produce sound on a DC layout............and it does! Really good engine sounds from it, well impressed. This discovery with the DMU gave me the confidence to try some more sound fitted loco's. After a bit of covert online ordering of three Class 37's (need to know basis for wifey!), 37 275 Stainless Pioneer turned up. Good engine sound but that humming noise was really evident. Next, 37 104 arrived, same again, humming noise. Maybe 37 704 EW&S would be ok............nah, all three 37's humming. Also, the speed of the loco's were very restricted as well, even on full speed on the dial. Got on to Bachmann Tech Dept. They said it must be the controller. As it happens, I've got exactly the same Morley Vortrak controller, so I rang Morley. "Our controllers are not feedback or PWM, so Bachmann are talking -shi- garbage", was the response. So Bachmann investigated more. In the meantime, I did some investigating of my own. Tested the 37's with an old Hornby R965 DC controller on a separate test track, but got the same noise. I was getting paranoid by now, so I went and bought a new Bachmann 36 565 DC controller for the test track, as this would be what the 'Tech Dept.' would be using, and guess what?..................same humming noise. After many months they came to the conclusion that the sound chip doesn't work that well on DC because..............wait for it................ it's designed for DCC...............REALLY! What did I say about "confidence"? My list of Bachmann Sound Fitted loco's is on permanent hold. Just as well really, can't afford anymore! Also, the 'Tech Dept.' couldn't explain why, at the exact moment that each 37 started moving, the nearby DAB radio sound would cut out! Stop the 37 and DAB sound resumes. Some mysterious sound stuff going on here. Of course as you said, I could just put the blanking chips in and revert the loco's to true DC and with proper speed restored. But that wasn't the object of the exercise and paying extra for 'sound' was it. And why doesn't the Class 117 DMU produce humming noises? "Well, that's got a different motor set-up altogether you see, slung underneath", oh, right. So Dave, having accidentally come across your excellent vid, I think we can assume, judging by your 'humming-less' Class 66, your Steamer and my DMU, that this humming noise only afflicts the Class 37's..........................or does it? Din Din Derrrr 😱 Oh, by the way, what a great layout you have..............brilliant!!!

[@derbytrainfan6437]

Hi Slate56, My sincere apologies for such a late reply to your excellent comment. So sorry, been so busy of late. Anyway, thank you so much for letting me know about your 37s and the dreaded humming noise. Seems your conversations with Bachmann mirror mine I'm afraid. Got told pretty much the same and that I could send it in for them to look at. I've actually chosen not to as after running it for a while since making my video, it's not just the humming noise that annoys me. I'm more frustrated with the incredibly slow speed which means I can't run any other non sound loco at the same time. The difference in speeds causes a heck of a problem for Barry in the signal box! I also realise that loco sounds can get irritating after a while, my layout is in the enclosed attic and my head is buzzing after a while. So I am now running the 37 without DCC sound most of the time and I have to say its a lovely thing. Speed back to normal and no running issues. On the rare occasion I want a 37 with sound in one of my videos, I pop the chip in and sit it in a separately powered siding just idling for effect. I agree, not the ideal solution and yes your experience clearly shows this is a 37 problem but at least we have tried. Just a shame Bachmann havent rectified this. I probably won't be buying any further sound fitted locos, just sticking with the nice DC versions. I already have my next DC 37 on preorder from Accurascale...shhh, don't let on. Anyway, thanks again and remember Amazon do very good cheap ear plugs! Dave.

[@Slate56]

@@derbytrainfan6437 Thanks for the reply Dave, and it makes me wonder if anyone else has had the same Class 37 sound problem. I'm not sure what's going on with the DAB radio thing 🤔 If you have one, maybe you could do the test sometime. Just for info, and after a lot of researching, I bought the sound fitted Bachmann, grey green, Class 40 and GWR, green, Class 57. With nervous trepidation, I did a test run and can report excellent sound.................and no humming noise! Hmmm, sound fitted steamers..............maybe 😗

[@BritishRail60062]

As I use DC myself now. This is a great set up for those entering the hobby that want something realistic.

[@tidfordjunction]

Fascinating! I am DCC sound on my layout and love it, so it is good to see that DC modellers are getting a sound option.

[@terryflynn8830]

I was the last in my model railway group to convert to DCC. I converted when speed control became noticeably better than DC. Yes it's more expensive, but the improvement in sound (controlling sounds like whistles) and slow speed running combined with flexibility in operation, walk around wifi controllers and simplified wiring make it a no brainier.

[@derbytrainfan6437]

Thanks Terry, Pleased you enjoy DCC, I will never say never, who knows. Take care, Dave.

[@ewoodrailway]

Very interesting video. I run my layout with analogue and have two Dapol class 68s. I wonder if I insert a chip this will work? There’s an expensive question ! Nice layout btw

[@ghlawrence2000]

I agree with you about DCC in general, if you have a large number of locos to retrofit them all would be astronomically expensive. There is no denying the amazing flexibility DCC can bring (down 2 wires).... As I have been responsible for the electrics/wiring on all of my parents model railway layouts I can definitely see the advantages! HOWEVER...... I had to smile when you said you thought maybe the 66 could become annoying after a while. My parents used to be well known on the model railway exhibition circuit and it is going back some years now to when DCC sound was just starting to become a thing, we were exhibiting all weekend in a side room with one other layout, I forget where now. Put it this way, a pair of class 20's and a class 40 plus others all fitted with DCC sound, oh it was AMAZING for the first 10 minutes........... The novelty very quickly wore off as the weekend dragged on....

[@derbytrainfan6437]

🤣🤣 thanks for that Graham. Made me giggle. What I have recently done on the layout is power the depot area separately meaning I can have the sound fitted locos stationary but with engine tick over noises. Cheers, Dave.

[@railway187]

I'm not sure I would like my locomotives to make sounds, but it sure is an easy way to have sound. I like to run my locomotives by jut turning the knobs, so I am not interested in a DCC station where everything is more like a computer. 😊 Thanks for showing this video! New subscriber! Greetings from Belgium 🙋‍♂️ Erik

[@markdebsauzzietravels]

Morning Dave Just come across your vid (great info) and I think it has saved me a bomb as was going down the DCC path (which I can't really afford :( ) but all I really wanted was sound for my new layout so I'll be happy to stay with the DC path for now :) Cheers Mark

[@roberthiorns7584]

Amazing video, very interesting and wied at the same time. Thanks fo the heads up. Love your Layout Kimd regards, Robert. 😊👍

[@ModelRailway]

Excellent and interesting review. I have a reasonably large DC layout and I’m of the same view as yourself … never say never, but for now DC gives me enough enjoyment and flexibility. I never knew that the sound chips also produced decent sound on DC only as well … and really enjoyable and useful review of three different loco’s. Have to admit I’m now tempted to upgrade one of my Bachmann Class 90 pre-order loco’s to sound fitted as they’ve already arrived before the analogue variety and I do like AC electric loco’s, so I’m interested to see how this would sound. I’ve subscribed as well … keep enjoying DC and your loco’s! 👍

[@UKRailsandMore]

Brilliant running session mate thanks for sharing and all the best, Paul

[@derbytrainfan6437]

Thank you Paul. Pleased you found it interesting. Dave.

[@richardclowes6123]

Hi, shame about the class 66 noise being irritating but overall I'm glad I watched your video regarding engine sounds. I too have reservations about buying DCC sound fitted locos to go on my DC layout. I bought the Train Tec SFX10 sound kit and it great for shunting around at lower speeds. Sound really good but not so realistic on a fast express train. Yet to check out if they or other companies do one for faster trains. I'm also going to check out Gaugemaster ones. Happy hunting and thanks for a very very well put together video that was open and honest and seemed quite heartfelt. Cheers, Rick the Bulldog

[@remmington-allumvidoes7266]

Extremely useful to know this information. I have a DC collection & DC layout, and it would cost a small fortune to convert to DCC, so it's a no no for me. Very nice layout you have.

[@stevepalfrey4755]

250 quid? Wayyy outta my range. It's pretty, but I'll just stand near my layout and go 'choo choo' lol

[@ewoodrailway]

Very interesting. My layouts also on dc, this may be the way forward

[@SuspiciousSalmon-pk3sk]

Nice! I'm an american N scale modeler, but I've been thinking about picking up some European locos, and now I'm sure I will Edit: Very nice layout by the way

[@liam5182]

I have a very large DC layout and was wondering about this as well. The Bachmann catalogue states you can use sound fitted DCC locos on a DC layout but their product literature appears to state the opposite. The statement from Bachmann is unclear in that most train controllers now use feedback or PWM. All the Hornby controllers use PWM. What Bachmann appear to be stating here is that you should contact your train controller manufacturer to find out whether or not your train controller is using feedback or PWM. If so, are Bachmann stating that you should NOT use one of these controllers for the loco if you are using DC?

[@chrisjacquier8003]

Dave, I just came across your video here and you voice the same rationale that I do over going to DCC. I do think sound adds another very nice dimension to a layout and that was the only reason I am interested. Being from Derbyshire myself and doing my training in the Nottingham division, I probably have a different view on what I should like to run following my retirement from railways. So, having a few sets and locos from the 1960s and a single DC controller that starts off very jerkily, probably owed to dirty rails, I was encouraged to buy a modern HO starter set from a German supplier of an Alex loco and train of three Alex carriages in memory of the trip I was invited to take from Leipzig to Berlin hauled by dampflok 18-201 and in an Alex coach. The point of mentioning this was the DC controller that was so smooth from the off that I was quite impressed compared to my elderly Triang controller. I thought DCC was an all or DC approach to power supply and control, but I leant to DCC owing to the sound. But now, thanks to you, This is not so and I may possibly be able to afford DC + sound. I shall follow your channel and make further inquiries with the intention of a layour reminiscent of my early days in Matlock and the sight and soundof locos used through there. Thank you for your presentation, it inspires me to press on with a scheme I have in mind.

[@derbytrainfan6437]

Many thanks Chris for you kind comments. I'm pleased I've been able to shed a little light on this subject, I'm certainly no expert. Good luck and take care. Dave.

[@w.rustylane5650]

I'm a DC guy myself as I hate the tinny sound of HO DCC. I've got one DCC engine that is DCC ready but I only run it on DC. Suppose I could get a chip and install it to have sound in the one engine. Guess I'd have to install a speaker too. Don't think I'll be doing that. That sounds exactly a Class 37 British engine. Cheers from eastern TN

[@malcolm1933]

wow that's brilliant might look into this myself

[@derbytrainfan6437]

Thanks Malcolm. Good luck. Dave.

[@andrewwhite2863]

My local model railroad club has a DC layout. But some of the club members run DCC and sound locomotives. The only problem is that most DCC and sound locomotives from Walthers and Athearns. Can cost $200-350 USD. Compared to $150 for dcc ready.

[@bachmannobsessed2234]

Great video

[@derbytrainfan6437]

Thank you.

[@stevewebb1606]

Great video. They say every day is a school day. That’s the first time I’ve seen sound on DC. I guess with no DCC control you can’t adjust any of the CV’s or settings. Have you spoken to someone like James at DCC train automations he may be able to adjust the setting more to your liking.

[@derbytrainfan6437]

Hi Steve, glad you found it useful. I sent the 66 in to Rails of Sheffield as it was way too loud...quite annoying really. They managed to adjust the volume but it's very limited what options you have for DC operation. Cheers, Dave.

[@markosolowey5887]

Hi mate very interesting regards running sound fitted locos on dc thanks for sharing i may have a go with mine and i have subbed to your channel all the best.

[@derbytrainfan6437]

Hi Marko, glad you found it interesting. Thanks for your comment and subs. Appreciated. Take care, Dave.

[@Mariazellerbahn]

LGB had DC controlled full sound on their locos over 20 years ago.

[@johng7622]

Hi 👋 if the 37’s got a fan motor that could be the whining noise,

[@barryingram31]

Nice to know that this works... do you think that a GAUGE master controller will do the same job as i want to put sound on are dc layout

[@derbytrainfan6437]

Morning Bazza, interestingly my former controller was a Gaugemaster GMC q-track which I have tried with these locos. Seems fine. This controller buzzes loudly hence my reason for changing to a Morley one. Thanks for watching. Dave.

[@paulgodwin604]

I operate with Gaugemaster controllers and they are fine for my Loksound fitted locos. I have great fun manually operating a DMU on a branch line using the Gaugemaster. Set at 60 the engines start up. Move to 90 and the DMU accelerates with gear changes. Reduce to 60 and Rotherham DMU slows to a stop with brake sound. It will sit idling with the odd air sound. If I rapidly switch to reverse, the lights change, there is a “clonk” representing the gear changing and provided you stick to 60 or above on the Gaugemaster, the engine keeps running. It’s great fun as yiu really have to practice driving and not “stalling” it by turn8ng the GM too low.

[@kevjones8915]

i have 2 class 37 with sound both do not run with my morley seems they may have changed something

[@derbytrainfan6437]

That's very odd. Both my Morley Controllers work just fine with sound fitted locos.

[@bluehappyscrap]

AWESOME!!!😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈😁🎈

[@derbytrainfan6437]

Thank you bluehappyscrap.

[@Benji_transport_vids]

Hello!

[@derbytrainfan6437]

Hi, thanks for subscribing.

[@Benji_transport_vids]

@@derbytrainfan6437 no problemo ;)

[@galv49]

How do the starting and warmups start to make sounds.? If power is supplied how do the units stay stationary?

[@derbytrainfan6437]

Basically, you turn up the power dial just enough for the sound chip to kick in, but not enough power to make the loco move. It will happily sit there making noises completely stationary.

[@gunslingerfromwish4656]

Is there anyway you can set up a way to use the whistle/ horn?

[@derbytrainfan6437]

Unfortunately not.