Hello all. This is my first post and I have questions I know you can answer (yes I've looked through the forum but I just don't see my answers).
I have a ceiling mounted G scale layout, basically an L shaped layout in the family room and kitchen. Simple DC voltage to the track, I use the Train Engineer system to run the train from my easy chair. I have a Bachmann 2 truck Shay (Ely Thomas 6) and Climax (Ely Thomas 7) pulling Bachmann skeleton cars. Also have a second manufacturers S4 Pennsylvania diesel pulling a third manufacturers set of eight mini ore cars. Trains not in use have a home on a bookshelf diorama. This arrangement is not sophisticated but it works for me.
The Bachmann 3 Truck Shay is now catching my eye. I'm considering the 82697 or similar. I see they all say Tsunami sound and DCC installed. Okay great but here are my questions:
* Will the Tsunami sound work on a DC system, i.e. sensing increased or decreased track voltage for the bell and whistle and chug? Will it sense reversing the engine and toot accordingly (2 toots or 3)? I don't want to buy a loco with sound if the sound won't work on my DC layout.
* DCC installed, what does that mean? If I chose to update to a DCC system, what do I have to buy to run the loco with DCC (and I assume actuate the bell, whistle, other sounds on my command)? Would I simply use my existing transformer and turn it on to 100%?
* The 2 truck Shay and Climax operate on my overhead 4 (and 5) foot curves. Will the 3 truck work on 4 foot curves too?
Just as an unrelated FYI, I had the opportunity to witness Nickel Plate Road 765 when it came through Western PA in late August. Was a sight to behold!
Thanks to all in advance.
I have a ceiling mounted G scale layout, basically an L shaped layout in the family room and kitchen. Simple DC voltage to the track, I use the Train Engineer system to run the train from my easy chair. I have a Bachmann 2 truck Shay (Ely Thomas 6) and Climax (Ely Thomas 7) pulling Bachmann skeleton cars. Also have a second manufacturers S4 Pennsylvania diesel pulling a third manufacturers set of eight mini ore cars. Trains not in use have a home on a bookshelf diorama. This arrangement is not sophisticated but it works for me.
The Bachmann 3 Truck Shay is now catching my eye. I'm considering the 82697 or similar. I see they all say Tsunami sound and DCC installed. Okay great but here are my questions:
* Will the Tsunami sound work on a DC system, i.e. sensing increased or decreased track voltage for the bell and whistle and chug? Will it sense reversing the engine and toot accordingly (2 toots or 3)? I don't want to buy a loco with sound if the sound won't work on my DC layout.
* DCC installed, what does that mean? If I chose to update to a DCC system, what do I have to buy to run the loco with DCC (and I assume actuate the bell, whistle, other sounds on my command)? Would I simply use my existing transformer and turn it on to 100%?
* The 2 truck Shay and Climax operate on my overhead 4 (and 5) foot curves. Will the 3 truck work on 4 foot curves too?
Just as an unrelated FYI, I had the opportunity to witness Nickel Plate Road 765 when it came through Western PA in late August. Was a sight to behold!
Thanks to all in advance.