Sound for the Doodlebug?

[Searsport]

The Doodlebug is in the Spectrum range but none appear to have sound.  Has there been or will there be a sound version?  Or is there a suitable sound kit for this model?  (Presumably the Doodlebug had a sound all its own!).

Thanks,
Bill.

[Tom M.]

You have a couple of options, but you will need to do the sound installation yourself.  ESU LokSound offers a couple of different sound sets you could use. You will need to check their web site to listen to the sound samples.  Or, what I did was install a SoundTraxx Tsunami TSU-750 GE Cummins Diesel decoder.  My story for using the Cummins diesel sound was that the railroad had modernized the unit by replacing the old motor with a more powerful and reliable diesel.

For my installation, I hardwired the decoder.  I did this in part because I changed the headlight to a 0603 SMD LED and also added a backup light (again using a 0603 LED).  There is adequate room on the plastic tray above the motor to mount the decoder.  I installed a mini oval speaker in the passenger compartment.  I mounted it to the floor near the baggage compartment bulkhead.  I did have to trim the first few rows of seats to make room for it.  I essentially cut away the seat portion nearest the isle and left The outer seats nearest the window in tact.  I then added a few figures in those seats.  This makes the speaker nearly invisible.

Good luck,

Tom

[ebtbob]

Bill,

      I did as Tom......Tsunami Cummins diesel sound in my Walthers doodlebug.   Sounds great.

[Searsport]

Thanks for your replies. 

I wish to avoid buying the DCC Ma & Pa Doodlebug without sound if I just have to wait a while, even a year or two, for a version with approppriate sound to appear.  Maybe the Bach-Man can say or at least gaze into his crystal ball?

The Doodlebugs had petrol engines.  I have never heard one.  Would a diesel pass for one?

And I assume they had both horns and bells for different purposes, but were these similar to sounds available on the cards you mention or were they quite distinctive?  I think that several Doodlebugs have been preserved, so maybe someone here knows?

Regards,
Bill.

[Len]

Doodlebug rail car sounds would vary depending on the type of engine and drive system used.

Early Brill rail cars used a light weight straight-6 engine originally designed for use in Navy  rigid 'airships'. They were said to make a "burbling" sound. PRR rail cars used a pretty good size V-8 engine, and had more of a heavy truck sound.

The three most common drive systems were:

1. Gas engine driving a generator that in turn provided power to electric traction motors.

2. Gas engine driving a torque converter, which drove a mechanical gear box that powered the wheels.

3. Gas engine driving a mechanical transmission, again driving a mechanical gear box powering the wheels.

So would a diesel engine sound decoder be correct, no. But I seriously doubt if most people will notice.

Len

[richg]

Doodlebug rail car sounds would vary depending on the type of engine and drive system used.

Early Brill rail cars used a light weight straight-6 engine originally designed for use in Navy  rigid 'airships'. They were said to make a "burbling" sound. PRR rail cars used a pretty good size V-8 engine, and had more of a heavy truck sound.

The three most common drive systems were:

1. Gas engine driving a generator that in turn provided power to electric traction motors.

2. Gas engine driving a torque converter, which drove a mechanical gear box that powered the wheels.

3. Gas engine driving a mechanical transmission, again driving a mechanical gear box powering the wheels.

So would a diesel engine sound decoder be correct, no. But I seriously doubt if most people will notice.

Len

Do a Google search for Winton Distillate Engine.
Do a Google search for Doodlebug (rail car).

This way you get facts and links to keep for more research. I have found a lot of info on this railcar.

You will loads of info and there is also discussion of some upgrading to a diesel depending on the railroad.

The Tsunami and LoSound both have the Galloping Goose sound if you want the original sound.
Check Litchfield.

Some use the diesel sound as has been mentioned.

http://www.litchfieldstation.com/xcart/home.php

Rich

[J3a-614]

I haven't looked for an EMC doodlebug yet, but a Brill, with that airship engine, is operational, and you can occasionally ride it.  It's also interesting in that it is the only narrow-gauge version of a Brill built that I know of.

Of course, it's the M-1 of the East Broad Top:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUs3aWb1auo

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h74eTxdvT_4&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sef7hUOjDXY&feature=endscreen&NR=1

Engine start; note that the operator rides in the engine compartment.  This was very hard on the ears of the men who ran this thing over the years.  Total deafness was common:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uzr0xw1WiTI

Taking her out of the roundhouse, which she shares with six steam locomotives:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8bdVNFeeyU&feature=related

Let's take a ride:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-Hi6wCeeMTY

Why I really love the EBT (yeah, I couldn't resist):

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOw7XZY6C2g&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?NR=1&feature=endscreen&v=UFC_9szfA5c

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_6N9WT5rSE&feature=related

Have fun!

[J3a-614]

Wilmington & Western, ex-Pennsy doodlebug (built by Pullman), with a diesel conversion from about 1940:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CxvOOrgDUW0&feature=related

This particular doodlebug is double-ended:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oGOIRLqtd1g&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NP-OkPwiSO8&feature=related

Have more fun!

[J3a-614]

Sperry rail detector car, used for magnetic track inspection--a former Chicago & Northwestern EMC doodlebug, with a diesel engine:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ls4wnqlTI2Q

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oJlABDZstds&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rpc1-8Dw5Vo&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7DhlzZhrL4k&feature=related

Have more fun!