Kato Pacific Surfliners

[DMU-Fan]

Sure, you could go that route, or... hear me out...
https://soundtraxx.com/products/tsunami-soundcar

I have not used one (yet) but I have seen them in operation, they are great for cab cars, and they have other noises besides the bell and horns. They are also 8.5mm wide so will most definitely fit in most freight cars and passenger cars.

This seems like the ideal product to use! I just watched their video, and it’s specifically listed as an application for the car. Thanks for the find!

[OrangeAnon]

I found some additional photos on twitter. Interesting points; in the first shot (and the one earlier in this thread) it's apparent they've tooled entirely new trucks for this. In the closeup the numberboards appear lightable, if not by default then certainly with a custom install.



https://x.com/ra_venRa_ven/status/1819680571729281110
https://x.com/ra_venRa_ven/status/1819678164588843512

[EspeeGoldenState]

Friend of mine installed few of those in his Kato UP executive train.  The effects they produce (usually random wheel squeals and clicks) really add an extra sound dimension. When he first  told me he did that I thought it would be just a silly gimmick, but once I heard it running on the layout I was very impressed.

But can it be programmed to play he horn and bell only when the train is running in reverse?  If not, some additional futzing with the throttle will be needed.

That's the larger "standard" 59210 LokPilotFX.
https://sbs4dcc.com/products/esu-59220-lokpilot-5-fx-standard-nmra-dcc-function-only-decoder-nem652-8-pin-wired-plug.html

The 59120 LokPilotFX micro is tiny, 8mm x 7mm.  https://sbs4dcc.com/products/esu-59120-lokpilot-5-fx-micro-nmra-dcc-function-only-decoder-nem652-8-pin-wired-plug.html

Yes, you can cut off the connector, making it wired-in decoder.

Sure the LokPilot is smaller, but I guess if you didnt actually want horn sound or anything but just to control the lights individually it would work, but I think if I was going to go through all that trouble of hardwiring, I'd rather try to make a LokSoundFX and speaker fit.

[jagged ben]

They do have a sound and function only decoder but they might be (are) too big for n scale at 21.5mmx15.5mmx5.5mm in size. The two decoders are 58210 and 58219 with the difference being the connector.

That seems like it would fit just fine in an N Scale hi-level passenger car.

[pilpro]

I found some additional photos on twitter. Interesting points; in the first shot (and the one earlier in this thread) it's apparent they've tooled entirely new trucks for this. In the closeup the numberboards appear lightable, if not by default then certainly with a custom install.



https://x.com/ra_venRa_ven/status/1819680571729281110
https://x.com/ra_venRa_ven/status/1819678164588843512

The tooling looks great! Thanks for sharing!

[peteski]

Looks like the ditch lights are separate parts, and the EOT markers have clear red lenses.

[greenwizard88]

I thought that was the PRR Keystone train for a hot moment. I was almost really excited.

[tehachapifan]

Where have folks been reserving these from? I haven't been able to log in or sign up at a certain online shop in Colorado and emails asking for assistance have gone unanswered. Looking for a place that typically offers a good discount from MSRP.

[spookshow]

https://hogtrainz.com/shop/product-category/kato-amtrak-surfliner/

[tehachapifan]

Thanks, Mark!

[DMU-Fan]

Has anyone ordered a Kato product with the DCC preinstalled? If you have, did they do any other work to the loco (i.e. installing separate LED's to have individually flashing ditch lights)? or just slap a decoder in?