Willy Wonka pretty much summed it up! I like the idea of a weed grown siding with Tags all on the building, you can use the siding as an off spot for other customers.
I completly understand your feelings on this issue. Like you said, adding graffitti and weeds to the spur and building would be funny and a way to say "screw you". Keep up the good work.
I understand your frustration put the video was a bit harsh. Every manufacturer has its warranty and sometimes things happen. I've had a few issues over the 20 years I've been using Soundtraxx but it hasn't caused me to stop using their product.
The issue is not with the decoder. If the LED's do not have the correct resistors, they will damage the decoders. The decoders have protection for over current in the motor circuit ,but not for the lighting circuit, so over current in the lighting circuit will fry the decoder. Also the early Gensis were crap and I put off buying any more for over a decade. I have over 40 Tsunami Decoders and have only had issues with one of them, which was due to lighting issues. I assume all your other Soundtraxx decoders are fine. Cheers Gregg.
Watching the news and seeing the devastation in LA. Was worried you would be affected, glad to see this posted today. Shame about the loco, time for it to be retired to a plinth near the horse riding school maybe.
Well, if not for all of the bad luck with this locomotive, you would not be having any luck at all! (This has been my favorite of all your engines.) I'm sorry it has to go. On a positive note, you've made me positive that I don't want to use SoundTraxx in my equipment.
I understand your point. Take a breath , send the engine off get it fixed. Put it back in rotation and just switch to a different company. And learn from the situation in the process of moving on from that company.
From my husband just watch you new video enjoyed it that's why he has switched to locsound. WE watch all of your videos on layout .My husband is working on his new layout thanks chris and Julie
I get why you didn't want to make the vid. But I'm glad you did! I've never gotten so creative, when I was that pissed off. :) Which I would've been too. I luckily went with ESU for all gear, not yet fully realising how good they are. Hey better not tell the Vagrant what happened, he might do bad things to the building. Cheers from Australia
When I contacted soundtraxx back when I was looking for a replacement decoder, they said this one is a direct replacement for the original, just reconnect everything.
@@socalscalemodels Given your problems with loco from new,maybe it's the wiring/ pickups on the loco,not so much the decoder? I'm not an expert here by the way.
Sounds like SoundTraxx needs to change their customer relation policies or shut down operations. Sorry you had to experience that non-sense. Those things happen for simple fact, no one wants to lose money and they sure don't want to admit that they made a mistake. Yet, they rather blame their customer to avoid the problem.
Funny vid Engineer Rick - a demonstration is a great way to push an opinion, effective PR - or is that anti-PR? well, for an extra bonus vid, it sure has its points. But seriously, maybe time for another brand of sound decoder in that motor, it looks so great. Oh - and I did note that those snow white plastic hills surrounding the yard lead seem to have gained some new contours so I suppose I am anxiously awaitng the next view of them to see if the snow melts and some greenery appears - as Monty Python might say, we demand more shrubberies - but who wants some arm-less Knights in those hills.
You may have to replace the Soundtraxx industry with an ESU industry! Sorry you're having issues, I know it's frustrating. Keep up the great videos, always entertaining and inspirational!
Is it a decoder (soundtrax) issue or an athearn issue? If wires weren't attached correctly and so on from the start that sounds like an athearn problem...now, I am not defending soundtrax in any way, shape, or form...I never have cared for them...but if it came new with detached wires that sounds like it came from athearn as defective which doesn't sound like athearn either... however, soundtrax really does need to stand by their products better than that. It's the same way most places, sadly. Maybe it should have been dropped off at Sanford and Son...😂😁😵💫😁😂
i hope they take care you i watch you all the time i sent a email to the guys at soundtraxx and told the guys they need to take care of you. they wrote me back and said they are aware of it and the said we will take care of it. I hope they take care of you. Keith
You could always put another loco or 2 with it and make a storage or dead line type of arrangement. Just a thought also something I plan to do with same tunnel motors
Well, this is unfortunate for sure. But it does help me decide I'd rather not deal with their decoders for sure. I'll need to check out ESU which I forgot about entirely and see if they have RGS Steam sounds to compare against a TCS Wow Steam decoder
Rik, it seems to me that GP38 has a wiring problem. First, broken wires in the trucks (probably the sideframe wipers), and then two decoders failing, one after the other? If it walks like a duck... I run Soundtraxx and Esu, plus two TSU-Wow Sound with no issues. I did have one locomotive, which I bought used and knew it had an issue (Athearn Genesis GP15), which turned out to be a truck wire broken. That's been it. If you want to sell that Geep, let me know! :)
I wouldn’t put any decoder in until you test the motor current draw and check the feeders and the speaker. Something is taking the decoders out. Even check your track voltages on the rail.
Very sorry that this issue didn't have a happy ending. Sell off the loco, or fit a LokSound, and keep on going. Keeping you, and all Californians, in my thoughts.
That's to bad Rick, you almost want to put some graffiti on it that says you s#$*k! I had bought two soundtraxx decoders to put in the two GP7 ready to run and burned out both headlights on them, I guess I had to get resistors for them to maybe.
You even supported and advertised for them! Sounds like they didn't want to admit it was actually just a bad decoder. Hubby and I enjoy watching your channel. Just put a new banner over their name and change it all.
You should try a TCS WOW Sound....ESU you need to be a brain 🧠 surgeon with all the extra stuff you have to purchase (In my opinion) but sorry bout your issues with sound traxx, I personally haven't had an issue when I've called an talked with them.
Audio cutting in an out. Speaker wiring? Cracked Solder joint? Send it to Georgia Bigfoot Trains get an ESU with Scale Sound Systems Speakers. He makes some great HO Mods and Installs. I just got a New GATX Boxcar from Aurora Miniatures in Canada. Can’t roll 5-6” without Derailing on straight good track. 3 hours trying new axles/Wheels. Playing with trucks. 3 of 4 axles were Out of Gauge. Narrow. Fixed that. Still worst Derailer ever owned. Wrote comprehensive email. 🙄
Truly a shame, that's my favorite of your fleet. I wonder what the issue is with the locomotive itself? I also wonder if there is a different decoder you could wire in that would work. But not a good look from SoundTraxx, that's for sure. You should "close down" SoundTraxx on your layout and rename the business as ESU 😂
Yea never been impressed with the sound quality of sound track only have one in their up gas turbine all my other stuff runs on lok sound 4/5 works flawlessly 😊
Something fishy here. Sountraxx is a very successful business. I have known the owners since they moved the operation to Durango. To blow up two decoders in the same loco leads me to think that there is something wrong with the locomotive. It might be very informative to know the other half of this story.
Surely you should have returned the loco to the retailer/manufacturer to see what the issue was? Soundtraxx are a 3rd party to the manufacturer who is at fault here, you're disappointment should be with the manufacturer. Stay safe Engineer Rick. :)
@socalscalemodels I know you've replaced the decoder but you should have gone thru the retailer. I'm guessing there's a short going on in the loco. Do you have a decoder tester? If you're getting really peeved off you could just remove the motor and run the loco as a paired dummy. I've did this in the past. Annoying but better than nothing ;)
Sorry this Geep 38 story went sideways, honestly though I've had a similar experience with other manufacturers that I won't name. I think adding weeds is a great idea, just shove the loco to the end of that track and let nature take over. It can be a great advertisement for how they handle their customers after a sale; pay us, then get lost. 😡
![Seungmin "그렇게, 천천히, 우리(As we are)" | [Stray Kids : SKZ-PLAYER]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/kAzmhLHePqU/mqdefault.jpg)
I just want to take a moment to applaud your reaction of dropping it off using its own competitor 😂
Willy Wonka pretty much summed it up! I like the idea of a weed grown siding with Tags all on the building, you can use the siding as an off spot for other customers.
I completly understand your feelings on this issue. Like you said, adding graffitti and weeds to the spur and building would be funny and a way to say "screw you". Keep up the good work.
I understand your frustration put the video was a bit harsh. Every manufacturer has its warranty and sometimes things happen. I've had a few issues over the 20 years I've been using Soundtraxx but it hasn't caused me to stop using their product.
That locomotive needs a complete rebuild from the wheels up.
The issue is not with the decoder. If the LED's do not have the correct resistors, they will damage the decoders. The decoders have protection for over current in the motor circuit ,but not for the lighting circuit, so over current in the lighting circuit will fry the decoder. Also the early Gensis were crap and I put off buying any more for over a decade. I have over 40 Tsunami Decoders and have only had issues with one of them, which was due to lighting issues. I assume all your other Soundtraxx decoders are fine.
Cheers Gregg.
Prayers for those Effected by the fire!!🔥
Hi Rick & it's is Randy and i like yours video is Cool & Thanks Rick & Friends Randy
Far man that was a cool video love it
Watching the news and seeing the devastation in LA. Was worried you would be affected, glad to see this posted today. Shame about the loco, time for it to be retired to a plinth near the horse riding school maybe.
Well, if not for all of the bad luck with this locomotive, you would not be having any luck at all! (This has been my favorite of all your engines.) I'm sorry it has to go. On a positive note, you've made me positive that I don't want to use SoundTraxx in my equipment.
I understand your point. Take a breath , send the engine off get it fixed. Put it back in rotation and just switch to a different company. And learn from the situation in the process of moving on from that company.
From my husband just watch you new video enjoyed it that's why he has switched to locsound. WE watch all of your videos on layout .My husband is working on his new layout thanks chris and Julie
Thanks, Chris and Julie. Glad you are enjoying the videos!
Hey Rick, Send the Loco to Horizon Hobby in Champaign, Illinois to get it repaired.They sell and repair Athearn products.@@socalscalemodels
I get why you didn't want to make the vid. But I'm glad you did!
I've never gotten so creative, when I was that pissed off. :)
Which I would've been too. I luckily went with ESU for all gear, not yet fully realising how good they are.
Hey better not tell the Vagrant what happened, he might do bad things to the building.
Cheers from Australia
So the original decoder was Tsunami?The replacement was Tsu2??Am thinking its a wiring problem.
Sounds like Rick didn't read the directions regarding LED installations.
When I contacted soundtraxx back when I was looking for a replacement decoder, they said this one is a direct replacement for the original, just reconnect everything.
@@socalscalemodels Given your problems with loco from new,maybe it's the wiring/ pickups on the loco,not so much the decoder? I'm not an expert here by the way.
Sounds like SoundTraxx needs to change their customer relation policies or shut down operations. Sorry you had to experience that non-sense. Those things happen for simple fact, no one wants to lose money and they sure don't want to admit that they made a mistake. Yet, they rather blame their customer to avoid the problem.
Yep, make the business defunct! Love the Gene Wilder ending, priceless!
Funny vid Engineer Rick - a demonstration is a great way to push an opinion, effective PR - or is that anti-PR?
well, for an extra bonus vid, it sure has its points.
But seriously, maybe time for another brand of sound decoder in that motor, it looks so great.
Oh - and I did note that those snow white plastic hills surrounding the yard lead seem to have gained some new contours so I suppose I am anxiously awaitng the next view of them to see if the snow melts and some greenery appears - as Monty Python might say, we demand more shrubberies - but who wants some arm-less Knights in those hills.
You may have to replace the Soundtraxx industry with an ESU industry! Sorry you're having issues, I know it's frustrating. Keep up the great videos, always entertaining and inspirational!
Ooooo, thats bad. Always stand behind your kit. Could have been a good news story. Thanks Rick
Is it a decoder (soundtrax) issue or an athearn issue? If wires weren't attached correctly and so on from the start that sounds like an athearn problem...now, I am not defending soundtrax in any way, shape, or form...I never have cared for them...but if it came new with detached wires that sounds like it came from athearn as defective which doesn't sound like athearn either... however, soundtrax really does need to stand by their products better than that. It's the same way most places, sadly. Maybe it should have been dropped off at Sanford and Son...😂😁😵💫😁😂
Got a little nervous at the beginning as it almost sounded like the sledgehammer was about to come out…
I know...me too thought that's where Rick was heading...😵💫😁😂😁😵💫
I have a Genesis GP9 that did the same thing. Hope you are well clear of the fires down there.
Sorry for the trouble you have experienced BUT dang this video made me laugh! Great reaction and great video…
Can you put an ESU decoder in that loco?
i hope they take care you i watch you all the time i sent a email to the guys at soundtraxx and told the guys they need to take care of you. they wrote me back and said they are aware of it and the said we will take care of it. I hope they take care of you. Keith
You've got more room for "off spots"!😃
This video has got to be continued🤣
They took one look at your weathering job and were sure that you'd subjected the decoder to a dirty, hard life of abuse and wear X-)
Offer still stands from a few videos ago... Could even install an esu decoder... 😁
Hope you're safe and well out of the fires path there mate, terrible news to hear
Rick, there's a lot to be said for DC operations. BTW has the smoke from the fires North of you drifted your way yet?
No smoke here yet.
Power to the people
Man, that's tough, seeing a locomotive stop working on you after a long time of usage and or service, time for it to go.
You could always put another loco or 2 with it and make a storage or dead line type of arrangement. Just a thought also something I plan to do with same tunnel motors
HO scale mouse chewing on the track feed wire, making contact with the frame?
Well, this is unfortunate for sure. But it does help me decide I'd rather not deal with their decoders for sure. I'll need to check out ESU which I forgot about entirely and see if they have RGS Steam sounds to compare against a TCS Wow Steam decoder
Wow! RIP Soundtraxx.
Rik, it seems to me that GP38 has a wiring problem. First, broken wires in the trucks (probably the sideframe wipers), and then two decoders failing, one after the other? If it walks like a duck... I run Soundtraxx and Esu, plus two TSU-Wow Sound with no issues. I did have one locomotive, which I bought used and knew it had an issue (Athearn Genesis GP15), which turned out to be a truck wire broken. That's been it. If you want to sell that Geep, let me know! :)
no, the wiring was fixed. It's the decoders that were failing for one reason, then another. anyway shopping for an esu to drop in it.
@@socalscalemodels the ESU installation would make a great video - jest sayin'! :)
I wouldn’t put any decoder in until you test the motor current draw and check the feeders and the speaker. Something is taking the decoders out. Even check your track voltages on the rail.
You are truly right
Very sorry that this issue didn't have a happy ending. Sell off the loco, or fit a LokSound, and keep on going. Keeping you, and all Californians, in my thoughts.
Seems to me the least they could have done was for you to send them the decoder. That way, it could have been tested to access the fault.
So what you are saying is that you really like Soundtraxx?
That’s too bad it’s a cool looking engine I would try another decoder
I really like your videos by the way
shopping esu decoders already
That's to bad Rick, you almost want to put some graffiti on it that says you s#$*k! I had bought two soundtraxx decoders to put in the two GP7 ready to run and burned out both headlights on them, I guess I had to get resistors for them to maybe.
You even supported and advertised for them! Sounds like they didn't want to admit it was actually just a bad decoder. Hubby and I enjoy watching your channel. Just put a new banner over their name and change it all.
I’d like a crack at fixing it. No charge.
thx but I'm gonna use it as a learning platform for a new decoder from esu
You should try a TCS WOW Sound....ESU you need to be a brain 🧠 surgeon with all the extra stuff you have to purchase (In my opinion) but sorry bout your issues with sound traxx, I personally haven't had an issue when I've called an talked with them.
Audio cutting in an out. Speaker wiring? Cracked Solder joint?
Send it to Georgia Bigfoot Trains get an ESU with Scale Sound Systems Speakers. He makes some great HO Mods and Installs.
I just got a New GATX Boxcar from Aurora Miniatures in Canada. Can’t roll 5-6” without Derailing on straight good track. 3 hours trying new axles/Wheels. Playing with trucks. 3 of 4 axles were Out of Gauge. Narrow. Fixed that. Still worst Derailer ever owned. Wrote comprehensive email. 🙄
New werehouse name Vandely industry's , from the Seinfeld episodes.
Truly a shame, that's my favorite of your fleet. I wonder what the issue is with the locomotive itself?
I also wonder if there is a different decoder you could wire in that would work.
But not a good look from SoundTraxx, that's for sure.
You should "close down" SoundTraxx on your layout and rename the business as ESU 😂
Yea never been impressed with the sound quality of sound track only have one in their up gas turbine all my other stuff runs on lok sound 4/5 works flawlessly 😊
Soundtraxx.
@ sorry typo error
No one is perfect.😉@@johnkelley4874
Change your layout business. Not being too hard. You have tried numerous times to get this resolved and Good Day Sir
Do you want to sell it to me for parts?
Well, might as well put this POS on Craig’s list.
Might as well give this to one of your fellow You Tubers as a challenge!
Something fishy here. Sountraxx is a very successful business. I have known the owners since they moved the operation to Durango. To blow up two decoders in the same loco leads me to think that there is something wrong with the locomotive.
It might be very informative to know the other half of this story.
Surely you should have returned the loco to the retailer/manufacturer to see what the issue was? Soundtraxx are a 3rd party to the manufacturer who is at fault here, you're disappointment should be with the manufacturer. Stay safe Engineer Rick. :)
I bought a new soundtraxx decoder to replace the first one. Now this new decoder is not working.
@socalscalemodels I know you've replaced the decoder but you should have gone thru the retailer. I'm guessing there's a short going on in the loco. Do you have a decoder tester? If you're getting really peeved off you could just remove the motor and run the loco as a paired dummy. I've did this in the past. Annoying but better than nothing ;)
Sorry this Geep 38 story went sideways, honestly though I've had a similar experience with other manufacturers that I won't name. I think adding weeds is a great idea, just shove the loco to the end of that track and let nature take over. It can be a great advertisement for how they handle their customers after a sale; pay us, then get lost. 😡
Damm shame. Seems nobody stands behind there products anymore 😡
lol industry is gone wow now that's funny...well done
Hey, it pays to advertise. Looks like they just spent $1M on negative advertising.
Is the locomotive going to be a dummy?
Why not rename the business back before it was Soundtraxx. That way you dont need to worry about adding weeds.
shopping for an esu decoder already