Walthers Mainline SW7 Illinois Central Gulf product review Part II: installing next18 decoder

[@IC-Tom]

I bought a couple of Intermountain Illinois Central GP10s I got off of ebay. They were DCC (Loksound mobile decoders), but no sound. I changed to Tsunami2 decoders and added the speakers from Scale Sound, based on your video here. As far as I'm concerned, I will only buy Scale Sound Systems speakers for my locomotives in the future! They're fantastic!

[@scotabot7826]

I just can't get over how good these speakers sound!! Total game changer here!! Time to order a set for my Rapido B36-7. Just Amazing!!!! Thanks for the great video my friend.

[@enriqueaguilar4892]

This loksound technology is worth investing into Walters ho locomotive's better than the old ways

[@jammeywalker2578]

It does see in the description on the paperwork that there is two functions however I don't see a spot to solder them in wanting to add a beacon light

[@eldridgejl]

Thanks for the detailed review, and I love SSS. they are awesome. these are fine runnning models. However, You want to get that tape off the back of that speaker. There are actually little timy ports on the back side for moving air. It will sound much better when you get that tape off.

[@carloignoffo6731]

Hello, Thanks for the great videos. I'm having a heck of a time trying to get the shell off my Walthers SW7, might you have any tips, Walthers doesn't offers much help

[@ck7813]

Thanks, Carlo. I do not have any specific tips, I remember the shells were tough to remove, just make sure you have all of the screws removed and that you do not try to force it off. Use firm, consistent force and try to shimmy it off.

[@carloignoffo6731]

@@ck7813 all of the screws removed ????? :0 )

[@samuelsmith2112]

Is the Walthers equipped Loksound decoder not as good as the one you installed?

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

Nope. The Walthers OEM sound units also use a motherboard style Essential Sound decoder as opposed to a Next18 one plugged in

[@tvtoms]

Do you know if there is a keep alive that fits in this shell too? I'm getting ready to place an order.

[@ck7813]

Disclaimer, these are my opinions and you need to make up your own mind on your approach. Short answer is, yes you can fit a keep alive in. In my Bachmann Thomas the Tank Engine model, I fit a Loksound 5 micro and ESU Power Pack (keep alive) in a very small space. I also have a Broadway Limited SW7 which was fitted with an TCS Keep Alive. Depending on what speaker/decoder you install, you might have to consider placing the keep alive in the locomotive cab (you could do a roof-mounted approach). Good luck.