mlaughlinnyc posted:My main problem with the new stuff is the sound systems. I'm old enough to have heard many steam engines in the 50's and diesels of the 60's, and I have a good memory for them. The model sound systems rarely sound right. The only railroad where I've heard realistic sound is an outdoor railroad in Fn3 on an acre of wooded land.
The most consistent problem is that both steam and diesel have a steady sound that is proportional to speed. That wasn't true then of real railroads and isn't today. A diesel going up grade would be in the eighth notch. At the top of a hill, he'd cut back several notches and the speed would increase - opposite of what model sound does. Coming into a station, the train would be coasting for the last quarter or half mile - no engine sound at all and not proportional to speed.
Another problem is the volume. When running a model railroad, our view is what a railfan sitting on a nearby hill might see, but the sound is that of being next to the train. Being able to hear the sound from many trains at one time is totally unrealistic.
One of the reasons that I've stopped attending operating sessions at my model railroad club is too much sound that destroys the illusion of seeing just the part of the railroad where I am. Much better to have no sound at all and imagine the correct sounds.
I could say more about caboose, dining car and station sounds, but I think this rant has gone far enough. Back to my basement of trains free of modern electronic inconveniences.
Ok. I'll take over for you.
I agree with all you've said. And those engineer and station announcements......oh my goodness. Hoky . Cheesy. Annoying.
Sorry to those that have them. My opinion really means nothing. I promise. Just ask my whole family!
