I have a Weaver Alco diesel that has Lionel TMCC and EMD sound added. Can I change out the EMD sound for Alco? Where can I get the parts to change it?
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I suspect the easiest way to do such a conversion now that the older RailSounds modular boards are not available is by using the ERR Alco RS Commander. It's not that difficult to graft the ERR board to the existing socket for the RS4/RS5 board. I actually created a little cable to do the connections without modifying the existing motherboard.
I would leave the EMD sound in it. Just say that the ALCo was re-engined at some point. Several prototypes were; some RS-3s for sure and maybe some others.
Dave, I had the same idea.
John, thanks for the info. I need to look at my sound board again. I think it might be an ERR conversion w/TMCC and couplers. It sounds like the f7 w/single horn board on their website.
@PRRMP54 posted:I would leave the EMD sound in it. Just say that the ALCo was re-engined at some point. Several prototypes were; some RS-3s for sure and maybe some others.
True enough, but the sound of an Alco is so much more appealing than that of an EMD.
You used to be able to just get the chips and swap them in and out on the board: remove the shell and swap 'em. I got an MTH SD-9 that had been converted for the previous owner to TMCC/RS by Weaver (this was 20 years ago), and an incorrect Alco chip had been used. I called Gary at Weaver and we did a simple swap - I sent him the Alco chip and he sent me an EMD 567 chip. No money involved (remember those days?).
I do prefer Alco sound, but that EMD SD9 needed an EMD sound. Still have it, I think....
@Tinplatetraincrazy posted:Dave, I had the same idea.
John, thanks for the info. I need to look at my sound board again. I think it might be an ERR conversion w/TMCC and couplers. It sounds like the f7 w/single horn board on their website.
If it's the ERR single board sound setup, it's just move a few plugs to the Alco sound board.
I'm hoping it's an easy change out. I'll try to take a picture and post it.
I have a few pictures of the electronics. Is this newer or the old style? I'm hoping I can plug and play.
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