The first sound fitted N gauge HST was created using a large rectangular speaker in the bottom of the fuel tank on both power cars. With a rectangular cavity cut into the bottom of the tanks . Both power cars were powered and had a sound decoder in each, and all lights including the cab light were working. Those screaming Paxmanns were amazing. This was done 2 months after the oringinal Dapol HST model was released for sale.
The HSTs are quite venerable engines but my they do have an evocative sound. We still have them for a little longer in Scotland, and I am immediately taken back to the late 70s and walking through Paddington Station to get to work when one of them pulls into Waverley Station. Good that Dapol make getting into the locos so straightforward. That is going to look good on Piccadilly John and I'll look forward to seeing it. Stephen
Thank you Stephen, yes Im a very pleased with it, especially the directional lighting, dual colour LEDs on N gauge. I remember the HSTs taking over from the class 45s on the Midland Mainline. Initially I hated them, but it's funny how things change. There's been nothing like the HSTs since.
Hi John, Super sound for n gauge your right the whole train looks great will be nice to see on the layout. Hope your well and school almost done with. Cheers Robert.
Hello John Very nice Midland Pullman model, Never heard of Youchoos I will check them out. For an N gauge model it sounds amazing great job. Merry Christmas 🎄🎁 Deano
Hi John! The sounds from those decoders are excellent, and immediately transport me back to the 80's, which was probably the last time I was anywhere near an HST in real life! I'm now wondering if I can get away with installing one decoder in my own HST, as at only four coaches long, it probably doesn't merit fitting two! All the best, Ian.
The sound works really well with your Midland Pullman set - seems far more realistic than many dcc sounds, even for bigger scales… half wonder if the nature of HST sounds happens to be in a 'sweet spot' for the tiny speakers.
I know what you mean, but not sure. Ive heard heard some amazing HST and heard well... more tiny lets say. I was somewhat taken aback when I heard this.
Hello John. Wonderful detailed video of the installation of DCC decoders in he motor cars. I've purchased this set as well and am about to embark on conversion to DCC with sound. I have one question about the decoders. In the rear motor car, where you have no motor, is a resistor needed to "simulator" the motor load? That a has been the case for me with other similar conversions in which I've used ESU Loksound decoders. I've got several locos using Zimo decoders but this is there first where I'm using two in a DMU. Thanks much for your advice on this question. And thanks again for your brilliant video. Dave
Hi Dave, thank you for your kind words, glad you like it. It is a beautiful train and once sound fitted it takes an already impressive unit to another level. Regarding a resister, no resister required, not in my experience. The two decoders are programmed ever so slightly different by the sound company so that they are designed for a motor & dummy unit and travelling in opposite directions. The one thing you do need to do is DCC program them together, both power cars on the track back to back. You cannot program the dummy by itself, it needs the motor draw for the decoder to recognise the DCC signal, also it helps the decoder know which direction it is pointing. That way you get white and red lights not two of one colour. Simple fit, tiny bit of soldering for speakers then decoder is plug n play. Hoping that helps.
HEY! Me again! As you know, I have no idea in any of this, I just enjoy watching your videos. Can I ask why the manufacturers don't supply these products with everything already installed? Is selling the "sounds" just a way of making more money from the hobby? I can't imagine it is to offer the buyer the ability to pick which "sounds" they want in their set... as from what I gather realism is the whole point of the hobby, you wouldn't want a steam train to sound like a metro line? I'M SO CONFUSED!
I get what you mean and it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and then model to model. I suppose it’s down to how a model will sell. Bachmann eg offer basic model, then sound fitted and then sound fitted deluxe with extra features like working fans etc. others offer DCC fitted. All at different prices to suit all. Dapol HST has never been available sound fitted. So buying extra sound is only option. Sound companies do offer sound on a wide range of decoders with a variety of speakers. It is a bit of a mine field. If there is a model you are interested in may I suggest taking to the shop explaining what you want. It’s a bit of a complex answer to a complex question I’m afraid, but hope it helps.
The first sound fitted N gauge HST was created using a large rectangular speaker in the bottom of the fuel tank on both power cars. With a rectangular cavity cut into the bottom of the tanks . Both power cars were powered and had a sound decoder in each, and all lights including the cab light were working. Those screaming Paxmanns were amazing. This was done 2 months after the oringinal Dapol HST model was released for sale.
Great sound from such a tiny package.
Very impressive John - certainly has captured the sound of the real thing.😊 cheers Euan
Thank you, think the sound profile is so much better than the previous version.
I really love the sound mate. That brings this HST model to life. Merry Christmas to you too buddy.
Thank you, so glad you like it. Merry Christmas
The HSTs are quite venerable engines but my they do have an evocative sound. We still have them for a little longer in Scotland, and I am immediately taken back to the late 70s and walking through Paddington Station to get to work when one of them pulls into Waverley Station. Good that Dapol make getting into the locos so straightforward. That is going to look good on Piccadilly John and I'll look forward to seeing it. Stephen
Thank you Stephen, yes Im a very pleased with it, especially the directional lighting, dual colour LEDs on N gauge. I remember the HSTs taking over from the class 45s on the Midland Mainline. Initially I hated them, but it's funny how things change. There's been nothing like the HSTs since.
Sounds very realistic John.
Thank you, glad you like it. Merry Christmas.
Thank you. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, John. Regards, Stephen.
Thank you Stephen, merry Christmas to you.
Hi John,
Super sound for n gauge your right the whole train looks great will be nice to see on the layout. Hope your well and school almost done with.
Cheers Robert.
Thanks Robert, Im ok, very tired though its always a long term and slow climb to Christmas. Just this week to go.
Fantastic video John. I've been waiting for this one to come out. Now I have the confidence to sound fit my 7 HST sets :D
Fantastic, so glad to read that.
John. Great video. Many thanks. Have a very happy Christmas. Pete.
Merry Christmas
Sounded awesome John well done on the fitting . Merry Christmas.
Thanks Allan, merry Christmas to you and your lovely family
Hello John
Very nice Midland Pullman model,
Never heard of Youchoos I will check them out.
For an N gauge model it sounds amazing great job.
Merry Christmas 🎄🎁
Deano
Merry christmas Deano, thank you. Ive used Youchoos for a fair few years now. There are based in Trowbridge, Wiltshire, quite close to Bath.
Hi John! The sounds from those decoders are excellent, and immediately transport me back to the 80's, which was probably the last time I was anywhere near an HST in real life! I'm now wondering if I can get away with installing one decoder in my own HST, as at only four coaches long, it probably doesn't merit fitting two! All the best, Ian.
Clearly up to you, one unit could have failed. Or fit it in the middle coach.
The sound works really well with your Midland Pullman set - seems far more realistic than many dcc sounds, even for bigger scales… half wonder if the nature of HST sounds happens to be in a 'sweet spot' for the tiny speakers.
I know what you mean, but not sure. Ive heard heard some amazing HST and heard well... more tiny lets say. I was somewhat taken aback when I heard this.
Hello John. Wonderful detailed video of the installation of DCC decoders in he motor cars. I've purchased this set as well and am about to embark on conversion to DCC with sound. I have one question about the decoders. In the rear motor car, where you have no motor, is a resistor needed to "simulator" the motor load? That a has been the case for me with other similar conversions in which I've used ESU Loksound decoders. I've got several locos using Zimo decoders but this is there first where I'm using two in a DMU. Thanks much for your advice on this question. And thanks again for your brilliant video. Dave
Hi Dave, thank you for your kind words, glad you like it. It is a beautiful train and once sound fitted it takes an already impressive unit to another level.
Regarding a resister, no resister required, not in my experience. The two decoders are programmed ever so slightly different by the sound company so that they are designed for a motor & dummy unit and travelling in opposite directions.
The one thing you do need to do is DCC program them together, both power cars on the track back to back. You cannot program the dummy by itself, it needs the motor draw for the decoder to recognise the DCC signal, also it helps the decoder know which direction it is pointing. That way you get white and red lights not two of one colour. Simple fit, tiny bit of soldering for speakers then decoder is plug n play.
Hoping that helps.
HEY! Me again! As you know, I have no idea in any of this, I just enjoy watching your videos. Can I ask why the manufacturers don't supply these products with everything already installed? Is selling the "sounds" just a way of making more money from the hobby? I can't imagine it is to offer the buyer the ability to pick which "sounds" they want in their set... as from what I gather realism is the whole point of the hobby, you wouldn't want a steam train to sound like a metro line? I'M SO CONFUSED!
I get what you mean and it varies from manufacturer to manufacturer and then model to model. I suppose it’s down to how a model will sell.
Bachmann eg offer basic model, then sound fitted and then sound fitted deluxe with extra features like working fans etc.
others offer DCC fitted. All at different prices to suit all.
Dapol HST has never been available sound fitted. So buying extra sound is only option. Sound companies do offer sound on a wide range of decoders with a variety of speakers.
It is a bit of a mine field. If there is a model you are interested in may I suggest taking to the shop explaining what you want.
It’s a bit of a complex answer to a complex question I’m afraid, but hope it helps.