Basic sound system for LGB.

N

Nobbygas

Registered
I'm new to the forum, and also newish to G scale trains, so apologies if I seem to ask a few stupid questions.

I have an LGB starter system with the 'Stainz' type loco. It's basically for my son to use. I wish to introduce sound. Can anyone advise me of the cheapest way of doing this? I'm not looking to build a complicated system, but something that is simple.

Thanks in advance.
 
Welcome to the forum.

The Stainz loco in some starter Sets has a basic sound system .

Ask your model shop to demonstrate it.

For better sound, you could install a sound decoder, such as the Massoth ones, but these are quite expensive for a beginner, and your son will probably be happy with the Stainz's sound as it is....
 
If you just want sound to interest your son I would just ebay the current stainz and get a sound one. it's not great but the kids like it!
 
Are you talking about getting a sound tender?

I bought this set about 8 years ago, and there is no sound in it.
 
Nobbygas said:
Are you talking about getting a sound tender?

I bought this set about 8 years ago, and there is no sound in it.
Click to expand...

Can you tell us the model number of the loco Nobby?

It'll be under the chassis.

Also, is there a 'Direct Decoder' sticker underneath?

If you have the box for your set, it should say if the loco has sound.

If you don't have sound there are various options for sound cards.

The cheapest ones are from MyLocoSound and are about £40-50. A more expensive option is to fit a Massoth S or LS decoder, but this is in the order of £120-160. However, the loco will then be ready for digital operation.

Sound tenders are also another way, but they may be hard to find....
 
Nobbygas said:
Are you talking about getting a sound tender?

I bought this set about 8 years ago, and there is no sound in it.
Click to expand...
No Nobby, most Stainz have sound fitted in the roof of the cab. If you look at the place where the firebox door should be, you should find a 3 position switch. Have a fiddle with that switch and you should get basic sound - like Ian say's good enough for the kids though. :thumbup:

Welcome to the madhouse BTW. :bigsmile:
 
yb281 said:
The sound quality can be quite variable. One of the units used is actually pretty good, but another version sounds like scraping toast.
Click to expand...
I can confirm that there are indeed these two variations. Other than listening to them running I've no idea how you can tell the difference though as I suspect that the locos have the same model number.
Member Moonraker produces a relatively low priced sound card that is worthy of consideration.
http://www.mylocosound.com/
 
Hi,
Just confirming Neil's comment, our MyLocoSound soundcards are voltage controlled and have been installed in quite a few Stainz. Most are track powered but a few have been converted to radio control and battery power at the same time.
Please email me at sales@mylocosound.com if you have any questions.

Regards
Peter
 
There are indeed two versions of the Stainz factory sound. First version is pathetic to say the least. It was the first release sound around the early 2000's. The sound required considerable voltage before the chuff (?) commenced.

The far better second version was released around 2004. This version will give chuff as soon as the throttle is advanced. Both versions of sound are still very basic and no where near the quality (?) of the powered sound tender.

In so far as sound tenders, the first release around 1998 had chuff only but had decent sound. The later versions with bell and whistle are very good and are in general, decoder ready for motor control.
 
An update:

I've had a look at my loco, and in fact what I have is an LGB 92179 OTTO small switching loco, and not a Stainz. Could the mylocosound card be fitted to this unit?
 
Nobbygas said:
An update:

I've had a look at my loco, and in fact what I have is an LGB 92179 OTTO small switching loco, and not a Stainz. Could the mylocosound card be fitted to this unit?
Click to expand...

It could be fitted but fitting anything into OTTO is very tight, especially if you want to keep the cab clear! Managed to squeeze a LGB 55021 decoder into the coal bunker of mine . The problem is that the boiler has a small diameter and is chocka with lead if I recal correctly.
 
Nobbygas said:
Maybe it might be better to upgrade to a Stainz?
Click to expand...
Well if you want really basic sound for the kids, that would be a good solution and save the price and bother of fitting some sort of chip. Just be aware that not all Stainz have a sound system, there are even VERY basic modern ones that don't have it fitted, so make sure you get one with sound fitted. If you want to sell the Otto to fund the Stainz purchase, you'll have no probs selling it on here - it's a VERY popular loco for conversions. :bigsmile:
 
Nobbygas said:
I've had a look at my loco, and in fact what I have is an LGB 92179 OTTO small switching loco, and not a Stainz. Could the mylocosound card be fitted to this unit?
Click to expand...

I'm personally not familiar with this loco but have heard of a customer who installed the soundcard in the cab roof (where is is invisible to all except ants and worms) and the speaker in the coal bunker. The speaker needs to be oval to fit.

Regards
Peter
MyLocoSound
 
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