N scale CPR/BCR Royal Hudson build thread

[craigolio1]

I haven't measured it but I'll do that and get back to you. That speaker and enclosure was provided by Fredrick and it wasn't until the last couple of days that I learned they come in different sizes. Haha.

What are you using in your installs?

Craig

[jdcolombo]

I haven't measured it but I'll do that and get back to you. That speaker and enclosure was provided by Fredrick and it wasn't until the last couple of days that I learned they come in different sizes. Haha.

What are you using in your installs?

Craig

These days for diesels I use an 8x12mm from Soberton in a 3D-printed enclosure from Keystone Customs (John LeMerise).  For steam, I use a 13x18 Knowles from a stash I bought a couple of years ago before they quit making them.

John C.

[craigolio1]

Ahh awesome. I think the ones I was testing are Knowles Fox. I too bought a stash when it was discussed on here that they were to stop production. I bought what ever was the one people were all excited about. Kind of makes me sad since I have a dozen of them and I know that the Zimo sounds better. I'm hesitant to use them in future diesel installs knowing there are better speakers available. It would be a shame to put in the expense and time and not get the better speakers.

Hi did you settle in your choice? Was it as sale or recommendations? Or did you do you own testing?

Craig.

[jdcolombo]

Ahh awesome. I think the ones I was testing are Knowles Fox. I too bought a stash when it was discussed on here that they were to stop production. I bought what ever was the one people were all excited about. Kind of makes me sad since I have a dozen of them and I know that the Zimo sounds better. I'm hesitant to use them in future diesel installs knowing there are better speakers available. It would be a shame to put in the expense and time and not get the better speakers.

Hi did you settle in your choice? Was it as sale or recommendations? Or did you do you own testing?

Craig.

For the 8x12 it was a matter of there not being any other choice.  Soberton is the only one available, and John L. was nice enough to engineer a 3D enclosure for it that fits perfectly and is exactly the right height for my first-gen hood diesel installs (e.g., GP7/9, RS11; but they also work great in the GP30/35).   I did my first couple of diesel installs with the Fox, but then decided that there wasn't much improvement over an 8x12, and the 8x12 was a much easier installation unless you were doing an install in an SD9 or other long-frame high-hood.   For steam, the tender usually has enough room for a 13x18, and I stick with the general principle that bigger is better.   Actually, I've tested a 13x18 side-by-side with an 11x15, and they both sound very good, but the 13x18 is noticeably better.  Both of them outperform the Fox, IMHO, although I have a bunch of those left over from early days, too.

In general, the "sugar cube" speakers (really they are manufactured to put into cell phones and tablets) come in 8x12, 9x16, 11x15 and 13x18mm sizes.   I don't use the 9x16 much anymore.  The 13x18 is almost always preferable if you can fit it in, and SBS4DCC sells them with pre-made 3D printed enclosures (though you should get the "double deep" enclosures to provide enough free-air space to maximize volume and frequency response).  If you want a sense of the range of these speakers that is available and how various folks configure them, see what is available at SBS here:

http://store.sbs4dcc.com/sugarcubespeakers.aspx

In real-world use, I'm not sure I can hear much of a difference as long as they all are put in a sealed enclosure with about 1000 cubic mm of internal air space.  The 11x15 and the 13x18 are louder than the Fox, but everything is too loud at factory defaults anyway, so it's just a question of how much I turn the volume down.   These days, I've started using two sound units when I have a 3-unit diesel consist, so I've got plenty of volume!

John C.

[Lemosteam]

Just curious guys, whats the latest on the design?  Looking forward to some design updates!

[CNR5529]

Unfortunately there is not much interesting progress to show right now. Both of us have been swamped with our respective day jobs, but we hope to get back at it soon!

On my end, I have been slowly tinkering with valve gear mods to the pacific (emphasis on slowly), as well as looking at suitable alternatives for the trailing truck. It appears that the bachmann berkshire has a trailing truck that is very similar to what we need. Just need to get my hands on one to measure it out.

I think @craigolio1 was working on some of the more convoluted etching origami for steps and ladders and such. These are being designed for maximum strength while also acting as overlays for the metal tender frame.

[craigolio1]

Hello! I'm still alive and still addicted to the RH. I actually have three jobs (full time Firefighter, part time 911 operator, and have a small business installing and designing A/V systems). The A/V business is crazy with year.  I've poured a stamped concrete path at my house and am currently installing a ceiling in my sunporch. Also my son has exploded in swimming and we find ourselves with a swim season that lasts until August this year instead of June, due to some extra swim meets that he never used to qualify for. Anyway, I'm exhausted. Haha.

Last time I did anything was about two months ago. I've finished the artwork for the sides and front/back ends of the coal tender. I'm currently working on the top and coal bunker, and yes, as Fredrick pointed out, brainstorming other parts like the steps. I've sketched them out on paper but need to get them into CAD. I'm still very much learning the software.

It'll likely be Sept before I can really get back into it, but it's still very much alive.

Craig

[craigolio1]

Just so people don't think we have forgotten about this, it's still hapenning. Trains are on the back burner for me as I'm studying for a promotional exam that's at the end of March.

After that though, I plan to be full STEAM ahead.

Craig

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Craig, you might want to check this out...
http://ntrak.org/Steam2017/index.html

[craigolio1]

I've seen that one before but thank you. The N Trak Stram books are always worth getting.

Craig