BLI Pennsylvania M1a/b

[nscaleSPF2]

That is actually a very desired feature, missing from some sound decoders.  When a steam loco accelerates, the chuffs will be "labored" (sharper and louder sounding).  Then whe the loco's speed steadies, the chuffs will fade and become quieter.  This is very similar to how your car sounds: When you are accelerating, the engine sounds louder than when you are driving on a flat road at a steady speed.

Thanks, Peter.  I didn't know that.

One other thing.  I measured the wheel spacing with my NMRA gage.  All axles were within spec.

[Ed Kapuscinski]

The chuff volume thing is interesting, in that it really demonstrates the complexities of sound. I started realizing them as I was playing with my Virtual Sound Decoders, and REALLY realized it when I saw this video, featuring diesels, which are significantly simpler than steam in every way.

[wazzou]

That is a sweet video of the LokSound capabilities and a nice layout too.

[reinhardtjh]

That LokSound "Full Throttle" is a new feature that was supposed to be released as new firmware for the V4 and Select decoders on April 23rd (I think) but got delayed due to a technical problem with the LokSound Programmer (which you need to load the new firmware into current decoders) software.  It's coming "Real Soon Now".

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Yeah. I think it really addresses something important and part of why rail transportation is as efficient as it is: the disconnect between how hard locomotives are working and how fast the train is going.

[eric220]

Yeah. I think it really addresses something important and part of why rail transportation is as efficient as it is: the disconnect between how hard locomotives are working and how fast the train is going.

You know, I'd never really appreciated that until I operated a steam locomotive in Ely, NV a few years ago.  The throttle works like the gas pedal (or throttle) in your car.  The difference is that instead of minute variations of the pressure on your foot to maintain speed, you're throwing a six foot long metal bar that's moving machinery with the force of your throw.  "Uh oh, we're accelerating; I need to dial the throttle back 1%" becomes an aerobic workout.  Maintaining a constant speed requires constant adjustments.

[Smike]

seem to get quieter after the engine reaches a steady, constant speed.

For mine, it is more of an abrupt cut down in volume. I see the proto merits, but it may need some tweaking of a CV or two. I'll need to check it there is sound ramp profile for this.

[mike_lawyer]

I moved to HO a few years ago simply because of the lack of PRR steam, and I did not have sufficient time to scratch-build locomotives anymore with two small kids and a demanding job.  Seeing this M1 kind of makes me want to go back to N.  I have not started a layout in HO yet, so who knows, maybe I will go back.  Does BLI have any plans for any more PRR steamers in N?

[peteski]

You know, I'd never really appreciated that until I operated a steam locomotive in Ely, NV a few years ago.  The throttle works like the gas pedal (or throttle) in your car.  The difference is that instead of minute variations of the pressure on your foot to maintain speed, you're throwing a six foot long metal bar that's moving machinery with the force of your throw.  "Uh oh, we're accelerating; I need to dial the throttle back 1%" becomes an aerobic workout.  Maintaining a constant speed requires constant adjustments.

No cruise control, eh?   

[chicken45]

I moved to HO a few years ago simply because of the lack of PRR steam, and I did not have sufficient time to scratch-build locomotives anymore with two small kids and a demanding job.  Seeing this M1 kind of makes me want to go back to N.  I have not started a layout in HO yet, so who knows, maybe I will go back.  Does BLI have any plans for any more PRR steamers in N?

Yes. The T1 in 1 year.

[reinhardtjh]

Yes. The T1 in 1 year.

Which will give me time to recover from the M1 and save up for the H8/9/10 Or I1sa in 3 years. 

[Dave V]

I moved to HO a few years ago simply because of the lack of PRR steam, and I did not have sufficient time to scratch-build locomotives anymore with two small kids and a demanding job.  Seeing this M1 kind of makes me want to go back to N.  I have not started a layout in HO yet, so who knows, maybe I will go back.  Does BLI have any plans for any more PRR steamers in N?

You're not the only one who did that (Inkaneer?).  I'll be honest, I was tempted too...especially when BLI did the H10 2-8-0.  It would have been fun to do an obscure branchline or even the Bellefonte Central in HO.  Then I moved to Colorado and was very tempted to go back to HOn3 (Blackstone Models, I'm looking at you!).  In the end it was only out of a combination of stubbornness and laziness that I kept the N scale Pennsy faith, and now I'm very glad I did!

[Mike C]

For mine, it is more of an abrupt cut down in volume. I see the proto merits, but it may need some tweaking of a CV or two. I'll need to check it there is sound ramp profile for this.

I adjusted the sound levels down ...a lot  .  My problem is that I don't seem to have that drifting mode , if I ever had it to begin with . I know what to do with Soundtrax decoders to get it , but this decoder is a mystery .  I even downloaded their Paragon 2 steam users manual and tried a bunch of CV's with no luck .

Is there an expert in the house ???

[mike_lawyer]

If BLI did an I1 in N-scale, I would probably go back to N.  I have a scratchbuilt I-1 from a Kato chassis, but I really need a bunch of them, and I simply don't have the time to do all the scratchbuilding necessary.  Hopefully BLI dives more into N-scale steam.

[altohorn25]

Well, I figured out how to double-head the M1's. Removed the dummy coupler. Took one of FVM (former unimates) dummy couplers, cut the back off of it which left a small square shape on the back of the coupler. Shaved it down just a bit and it fit right in the original coupler hole in the pilot without having to cut into the pilot at all.  Used CA to attach (not ideal, but it works).  Ran it around the layout and it works fine on my 19" radius curves. Since it doesn't swing side to side, I'm not sure how tight of a radius it will work on, but it works for what I need.  Got both of them weathered up and added coal to the bunkers.  They're ready for revenue service.  Was pulling 50 MT 33' loaded hoppers around my layout with no issues (I don't have any more hoppers, but they would probably pull 60-70 cars).  I'm happy.

Nate

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