N scale sound options

[Augy]

I'm building a small (36x80) layout in N scale. It will be a Christmas present for my two boys.

What are my options for incorporating sound into the layout (locomotive sounds mostly)? I know I could go with DCC but was wondering if there is any inexpensive way to do this. I'm just not ready to commit to DCC until I determine if this is a hobby my boys will really enjoy. They have a Lionel circle track with a steam loco that has a whistle and smoke. I'm hoping the long consists, scenery, etc. of the N scale layout will make up for the lack of smoke and sound but if there is a way to add sound I'd lke to look into it.

Thanks for any advice.

[kentsu]

Hi,

I had the same question, for a similarly-sized layout, and decided to try the Symphony 77 from MRC (http://www.modelrec.com/search/product-view.asp?ID=7614). I just ordered one from Walthers because they have them on sale now. I have not yet received it.

Hope this helps,

--Kent

[pcarrell]

PCM makes a wonderful E7 unit that has sound installed. Also, the new Athearn 4-6-6-4 loco has sound on board. Thing is, these are expensive loco's! You may not want the kids playing with these unsupervised. More loco's are coming, but sound is still kinda new for an onboard N option.

An under table sound system (like Kent suggested) might be a better (read: cheaper) option for you to look into.

DCC doesn't have to be expensive at all. I started out in DCC with a Bachmann EZ-Command for about $55. It's a no frills system that will control speed, direction, lights, and a few sounds. It only has an amp of power, so 2-3 loco's at a time is about it, but thats about all you could run on a 4x8 anyways.

[Augy]

Thanks for the replies. I watched (and listened) to a video of the PCM E7 and it was pretty impressive. Unfortunately, as you mentioned, so was the price!

I think the Bachmann DCC system might be a good option. I will investigate that further as well as the Symphony sound system. I suspect I will wait and see what level my two boys show and maybe use this as an 'upgrade' to the layout after the initial 'wow' factor begins to wear off :)

Again, I really appreciate the input...it has been a real help!

[leghome]

Another inexpensive DCC system is the Digitrax Zepher. You can run up to 5 locos I think. I have a Digitrax Super Empire Builder that has been sitting in the box for 2 years now. It is one of the round tuit jobs. In fact one of my coworkers at the True Value gave me another round tuit the other day now I have five or six of them.

[Augy]

After spending an embarrasing amount of time researching what the heck a "round tuit" was (on model railroad forums no less!), I finally figured it out by shear luck. On my boss's desk I noticed a silver dollar sized wooden chip with the word "TUIT" on it. Big grin on my (red) face....boy do I feel dumb.

Anyway, in the mean time, I ordered a Symphony 77, Digitrax Zephyr, and a decoder for one of my locos. Nothing has arrived yet so I'm still waiting like an anxious child on Christmas Eve. However, I now know what a round tuit is. The funny thing is I didn't even realize it before but I have a whole bunch of them myself!!!