Athearn N scale F45 Santa fe with tsunami sound on DC layout with MRC Powerpack

This is straight out of box running of F45 with an old DC MRC tech 4 powerpack. Performance was somewhat difficult as it required 70% of throttle to turn on power to decoder (which is normal for DC mode) Tsunami sound was excellent (as always) and makes the old MRC decoders sound like they are blowing chunks of vomit. These engines will pair nicely with an NCE Powercab and should run 100% better on true DCC power. Horns blow & bells ring automatically without user input on DC power. A nice touch but would be annoying for die hard stone age DC users.

Category:

Autos & Vehicles

Tags:

• Athearn
• scale
• F45
• with
• tsunami
• sound
• on
• DC
• layout
• MRC
• Powerpack
• santa
• fe

[Na69Mach1]

I have the same Loco but in Milwuake Road.. My problem is that I have a Digitrax control ,that has no Emerncy stop, which is how they say to "powerdown" diesel. :( But I do like it overall. Plenty of pulling power on My 2% grades. Good sounds at "rolling" noises also. My MRC sound decoder in a F-7 was easier to get dialed in , though as far as the CV's for operating.

[SgtMinuteman]

I highly suggest NCE. I like that I can use it with one hand and still control the throttle and all functions and use my other hand for throwing switches. It can read back CV on the display for programing and advance consisting. I was turned off by digitrax I wanted something i could pick up and with little time spent reading directions operate. Try a Powercab out if you can. Digitrax is old tech, great for it's time, but it's age is showing now with newer decoders that support more functions.

[alancsr2]

No it will not fit in the F40 PH as the decoder is to long. That loco is mine that my Son posted.

[NscaleAmtrak]

Would this decoder fit a F40PH?

[trackspike64]

you need to set your speed control in your cv's it will run better there is settings to fix the jerkiness of the stops and starts so its more fluid or u need to turn ur power up and down lower

[Na69Mach1]

Sgt, My brother has let Me borrow an MRC/Prodigy hand Cab. I used it to Set an address on a Bachmann dd40x. My Digitrax couldn't work with the factory decoder...I may try it on the rails soon to see what it is like. But I already have a base and portable with the Digitrax. :( Also, like the looks of Vid and Railroad..