SoundBytes: Train Talk from Milepost 141

SoundTraxx DCC
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Welcome aboard! At SoundTraxx, our staff are modelers just like you. Join us as we share our journey through the captivating world of model railroading. Here we will share our knowledge, experiences, and projects with you. We will also chat with our friends in the hobby and the railroading industry to keep you up-to-date on all things trains. Hop on board and embark on an exciting adventure with us. Everyone is welcome from seasoned collectors to newcomers!

  1. On the Rails & On the Road: Inside Spring Creek Model Trains (S3 E7)

    APR 3

    On the Rails & On the Road: Inside Spring Creek Model Trains (S3 E7)

    George sits down with the team from Spring Creek ModelTrains, a truly unique hobby shop redefining what it means to serve model railroaders. While they do have a physical location—more of a “shoppable warehouse”—their reach goes far beyond four walls. From traveling to train shows as a mobile hobby shop to maintaining a strong online presence, Spring Creek connects with customers wherever they are. With multiple ways to shop, they’ve built an impressiveinventory covering just about everything in model railroading, including a wide range of SoundTraxx products. Tune in as they share their journey in the hobby, how their business has evolved, and what makes their approach stand out. Plus, George wraps things up with a quick dive into one ofSoundTraxx’s most underrated tools—our manuals—and how they can help you get the most out of your decoder.

    38 min
  2. Unlocking Decoder Features: Throttle Tips, Lighting Upgrades & Two New Installs (S3 E6)

    MAR 20

    Unlocking Decoder Features: Throttle Tips, Lighting Upgrades & Two New Installs (S3 E6)

    Tom shares his newly painted Walthers NW2, now upgraded with a Tsunami2 TSU-N18 decoder. George has been working on a Rapido GP38, installing a Blunami decoder and adding new LEDs for improved lighting effects and motor control. They also discuss how to access the full range of SoundTraxxdecoder features using the higher function keys on your DCC throttle—or easily through the Blunami App. Your DCC system is the gateway to these features, so understanding how to use it ensures you get the most out of your SoundTraxx decoders. Related Videos: Introduction to DCC Operation & CV Programming (Webinar9): https://youtu.be/-w5ttfthhNk

    36 min
  3. Road Trips, Rapido Upgrades & Choosing the Right Decoder (S3 E5)

    MAR 6

    Road Trips, Rapido Upgrades & Choosing the Right Decoder (S3 E5)

    George has been on the road! He recently visited Doc’sCaboose in Kansas City, Missouri, for a meet-and-greet, where he had the opportunity to operate on several incredible layouts. He shares stories from the trip along with photos from the operating sessions. Back in the workshop, Tom has been painting his Phase 4Ziegler Coal train and walks through his process, complete with progress photos. George also dives into a new project: upgrading a Rapido C30-7 with Blunami. He explains how to work around Rapido’s proprietary motherboard to gain full access to the lighting functions and get the most out of the installation. The episode wraps up with a practical discussion on choosingthe right decoder board format for your model. They cover key considerations like motor stall current, speaker wattage, and available space inside the locomotive. When it comes to selecting the perfect sound profile, SoundTraxx offers a range of tools on our website, including a Decoder Selector, Sound Selection Reference lists, Sound Samples, and more to help you make the right choice.   Helpful Webpages: Decoder Selector: https://soundtraxx.com/reference/decoder-selector Choosing the Right Diesel Sound: https://soundtraxx.com/reference/choosing-the-right-diesel-sound/ Sound Selection Reference Lists: https://soundtraxx.com/ssr/ Sound Samples: https://soundtraxx.com/reference/sound-samples   Related Videos: Rehab My Loco: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLwWuwya-crVYBbyNyogz_tHG3wIsL45of

    36 min
  4. Blunami in Action & On the Road with Southeast Hobbies (S3 E4)

    FEB 25

    Blunami in Action & On the Road with Southeast Hobbies (S3 E4)

    George is back with his BNSF GEVO, upgraded with a Blunamidecoder that he has been using for his walkthrough of the Blunami App. This impressive model features 20 added LEDs for outstanding lighting effects, making it the perfect teaching tool. The guys emphasize why it’s so important to read the manual and understand how each CV functions—many CVs control multiple features, and without knowing it, you could accidentally disable something you want to keep. Tom even drops a hint about what he’ll be bringing to the next podcast. Later, they welcome special guest Tom from Southeast Hobbies. A frequent traveler to trade shows with an impressive mobile setup, Tom shares insights from the show circuit, talks SoundTraxx products, and explains how quickly they move off the shelves. He also shares his firsthand experience running SoundTraxx decoders—especially the fun and realism of manually notching up your locomotive before it starts to move.

    41 min
  5. Amherst 2026 Recap, Kato GP35 Rapido E8, Blunami Lighting Hacks + RGS 20 Chasing (S3 E3)

    FEB 13

    Amherst 2026 Recap, Kato GP35 Rapido E8, Blunami Lighting Hacks + RGS 20 Chasing (S3 E3)

    George and Tom recap the 2026 Amherst Railway Society Show! Despite plenty of snow, the turnout was strong, and the show was a great success. Tom shares his plans for a Kato GP35 Phase I B, debating whether to make it a GP28 or a GP35M and install a Blunami decoder. Meanwhile, George dives into his latest project: a Rapido E8. He removed the factory red class lights, repurposed them as a cab light, and added Blunami for full sound and control. The two break down how Rapido configured the class lights, Mars light, and emergency light—and how George plans to separate and customize their control. He also demonstrates how to program a cab light to automatically illuminate when the locomotive comes to a stop—a feature you can set up with any lighting effect on any Tsunami2 or Blunami decoder. Plus, Tom chased the RGS No. 20 coal-fired locomotive and shares some great footage from the trip. Snowy railroading, decoder upgrades, lighting tips, and prototype inspiration—it’s all in this episode. Related Videos: Operations 101: Class Lights (Episode 9): https://youtu.be/l0i5vqmFYWM

    32 min
  6. Brass Caboose Upgrades & Decoder Reset Basics (S3 E2)

    JAN 23

    Brass Caboose Upgrades & Decoder Reset Basics (S3 E2)

    George brings in a Missouri Pacific brass model caboose he painted, upgraded with new trucks, and outfitted with a SoundCar. Then Tom walks you through the correct way to reset the decoder, highlighting a crucial step that’s been missed a lot lately: cycling the power. Tune in for hands-on modeling tips and decoder know-how you can use right away.

    22 min
  7. Back on Track: Layout Planning, Realistic Operations, and Show Season Ahead (S3E1)

    JAN 13

    Back on Track: Layout Planning, Realistic Operations, and Show Season Ahead (S3E1)

    George and Tom are back after the holidays and talkingtrains once again! This week, they dive into layout building and Tom’s plans for a new home layout, with a focus on how real railroads operate—and how you can model those same practices through thoughtful layout construction and locomotive operation. They also highlight the beautiful work of Charlie Duckworth,sharing photos of his impressive layout for those watching the video version of the podcast. The conversation then shifts to upcoming shows, including Prototype Rails in Cocoa Beach, Florida on January 8, 2026, and Amherst in Massachusetts on January 24. To wrap things up, George and Tom get practical with adiscussion on wire management, exploring different options to keep your installations clean, organized, and reliable. Related Videos: Wire Management with SoundTraxx: https://youtu.be/PtOP5-fmKuE

    35 min
  8. Rehab, Retail, and Getting Started with Blunami (S2 E22)

    2025-12-26

    Rehab, Retail, and Getting Started with Blunami (S2 E22)

    Tom kicks things off with an undecorated Bluford Shops Missouri Pacific caboose, sharing plans to paint it, add lighting, and install either a SoundCar decoder or a BLU-1100. George then brings in his “Rehab My Loco” Athearn SD40 to show how far a model can be elevated with some hands-on work and a new decoder. The conversation wraps up with a visit from Wes at Just Trains in California, where they talk about the hobby, running a local hobby shop, and how Blunami makes it easier than ever for beginners to get started.

    44 min
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About

Welcome aboard! At SoundTraxx, our staff are modelers just like you. Join us as we share our journey through the captivating world of model railroading. Here we will share our knowledge, experiences, and projects with you. We will also chat with our friends in the hobby and the railroading industry to keep you up-to-date on all things trains. Hop on board and embark on an exciting adventure with us. Everyone is welcome from seasoned collectors to newcomers!

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