I’ve been introduced to a local specialist in DCC conversions and loco electrics generally.
He says he’s heard the problem with the sound quality from 60Hz sound cards being adversely affected by 50Hz power before. Well, that’s why you deal with specialists. He also knows NAROGG, the group I’ve started attending.
He has recommended installing a bypass in the loco, so that by switching over, the traction current goes directly to the wheels (providing control from the transformer in 12v DC). This means that the tender can be unplugged, leaving the sound card isolated (the tender has no centre rail current collectors). Otherwise it runs as normal on 20v AC.
Sounds good so far.
He also suggests that when he has had time to examine the loco, he could probably remove the “Rail Sounds” and fit a QSI card providing “steam” sounds, plus a bell and whistle controlled from the transformer, along the lines of the BLI HOn30 2-8-0. The sound card could be connected through the original on/off switch, leaving an option for running without sound.
Im quite excited by all this...
