SoundBytes: Train Talk from Milepost 141

SoundTraxx DCC
  • 5.0 (5)
  • Hobbies

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. 3d ago

    From Real Trains to Saying Goodbye (S3 E17)

    George takes us along for a recent trip to Albuquerque,where he got to see the 2026 Big Steam locomotive, ride the Rail Runner, and check out a uniquely painted Santa Fe Southern Railway locomotive. He also has photos and run-by videos to share from the trip. There’s no single class that teaches you everything you needto know about model railroading, which is why SoundTraxx creates videos to help you learn and tackle decoder installations with confidence. It is important to use the right tools and materials when installing decoders, including rosin-core solder and electronics-grade flux. Never use plumber’s flux or Tix brand flux on model train electronics. We recommend Chip Quik SMD291 flux for electronics work. They also discuss an important speaker-matching tip: Makesure your speaker can handle the output of your decoder’s audio amplifier. If your decoder has a 2-watt audio amplifier, you need a speaker—or combination of speakers—capable of safely handling that power. Using a 1-watt or smallerspeaker that can't handle the amplifier’s output can damage the speaker and potentially the decoder. In some cases, multiple speakers wired in series can be used to handle the power output. And finally, we have some bittersweet news. Tom announcesthat he is leaving SoundTraxx and moving back to Illinois to return to retirement and spend more time taking care of himself. We’re going to miss having Tom here, but we’re grateful for everything he has contributed to SoundTraxx and wish him all the best in this next chapter.#SoundTraxx #ModelRailroading #ModelTrains #DCC #ModelTrainTips #DecoderInstallation #Railroading #BigSteam #RailRunner #SantaFe

    From Real Trains to Saying Goodbye (S3 E17)

  2. Aug 7

    Blunami on DC, LED Troubleshooting & Avoiding Installation Mistakes (S3 E16)

    George and Tom are back from the National Train Show withstories to tell! Tom shows off an Athearn Genesis Santa Fe F7, featuring a Blunami decoder and Mini Cube Speakers. Since this model will run on a DC layout, Tom also shares the custom braking rate he’s using and explains how Blunami gives you many of the benefits of DCC without requiring you to upgradeyour entire layout. The guys also talk about one of the simple but powerfulfeatures of the Blunami App: giving each locomotive a unique nickname. It’s an easy way to keep your roster organized and make it even easier to identify yourlocomotives. FAQ: Why do my LEDs work before I put the shell on, butstop working after I put it on? If your lights work during testing but stop working once thelocomotive shell is installed, the problem may not be your decoder. George and Tom explain how fragile the wires on some small LEDs can be and how easily they can break during final assembly. They also share best practices to help prevent broken wires and other installation-related problems. SoundTraxx has an extensive quality-control process beforeour decoders leave the factory, so many problems encountered during installation are not caused by the decoder. That’s why it’s important to dosome basic troubleshooting before sending a decoder in for repair—it may not actually need to be repaired! Another common installation problem is using the wrong typeof flux. Always use electronics-grade flux when soldering to a decoder. Flux designed for other applications, such as some hardware-store or brass-model fluxes, can contain acids or other chemicals that may damage decoder components and eventually cause failures. George and Tom explain why the right flux matters anddiscuss the type of flux we recommend for decoder installations, including ChipQuik SMD291.

    Blunami on DC, LED Troubleshooting & Avoiding Installation Mistakes (S3 E16)

  3. Jul 24

    Disney, Train Shows & Building a Custom F7B (S3E15)

    George and Tom kick off this episode by talking about George's recent Disney vacation before looking ahead to the train shows and events where you can meet the SoundTraxx team later this summer. Tom shares his latest project—a custom-painted Athearn Genesis F7B equipped with a Tsunami2 decoder. The discussion turns to the unique role of B units, how they were used in real life, and the features that make them an interesting addition to any diesel consist. Whether you're planning to attend a train show or looking for inspiration for your next locomotive project, there's something for every model railroader in this episode. 🎧 Listen now and let us know in the comments: What consists do you run on your layout? #SoundTraxx #SoundBytes #ModelRailroad #ModelRailroading #Tsunami2 #AthearnGenesis #FUnit #DCC #TrainPodcast #ModelTrains

    Disney, Train Shows & Building a Custom F7B (S3E15)

  4. Jul 9

    Custom Builds, Train Shows & Checking Stall Current (S3E14)

    George and Tom kick off this episode with a look at theupcoming train shows and events where you can meet the SoundTraxx team over the next few months. Tom shares the latest progress on his U-boat project,highlighting the custom details and upgrades he's adding to bring the model to life. George then showcases a unique locomotive project—a customized 2-8-2Broadway Limited Mikado paired with a brass tender that's been adapted to fit the model. The locomotive is equipped with a Blunami BLU-2200 decoder, four Mini Cube speakers, upgraded lighting, and numerous custom details. Tech Tip: Before installing any decoder, check yourmodel's stall current. George explains why measuring stall current is an essential step to help prevent decoder damage and ensure you choose the right decoder for your locomotive. Listen now, and don't forget to subscribe so you never missan episode of SoundBytes: Train Talk from Milepost 141. #SoundTraxx #SoundBytesPodcast #ModelRailroading#ModelTrains #DCC #Blunami #Tsunami2 #TrainShow #RailroadModeling#ModelRailroad #HOScale #NScale

    Custom Builds, Train Shows & Checking Stall Current (S3E14)

  5. Jun 26

    Mystery Project Reveal, 4th of July Railroads, & Wire Management Tips (S3E15)

    George and Tom are getting ready for the Fourth of July bydiscussing how various railroads are doing the same. George also unveils his long-awaited mystery project—a beautifully customized Proto 2000 GP18 painted in a striking Missouri Pacific 1976 Bicentennial scheme. Equipped with a Blunami decoder, upgraded lighting, and scratch-built details, this one-of-a-kind locomotive has an incredible story behind it. The guys talk about the inspiration, customization process, and the history of the prototype. For this episode's Tech Tip, George explains why good wiremanagement is essential during any decoder installation. A broken wire caused unexpected behavior in his project, but because the wiring was neat and organized, he was able to quickly diagnose and repair the issue. #SoundTraxx #Blunami #ModelRailroad #ModelTrains #DCC#ModelRailroading #TrainTalk #Proto2000 #MissouriPacific #Bicentennial #GP18#Railroading #HOScale #TrainHobby #OnBoardWithSoundTraxx

    Mystery Project Reveal, 4th of July Railroads, & Wire Management Tips (S3E15)

  6. Jun 12

    Built in Durango: Decoder Tours, a Custom GP15, and Why CVs Can't Break Your SoundTraxx Decoder (S3E12)

    This week on SoundBytes: Train Talk from Milepost 141,George and take you behind the scenes to show how SoundTraxx decoders are designed and assembled right here in Durango, Colorado. Planning a trip throughtown? We offer scheduled facility tours, so be sure to reach out if you’ll bein the area. Tom also shows off his Missouri Pacific GP15 from Athearn,upgraded with a Tsunami2 decoder, added detail parts, new speakers, LEDs, and custom function mapping. Tech Tip of the Week: Don’t be afraid to change CVs.You cannot damage a SoundTraxx decoder by experimenting with CV settings. Our decoders are designed with safeguards that prevent this. You may end up withsettings you don’t like, but you can always reset the decoder and keep fine-tuning until it sounds and performs exactly the way you want. Listen now and join the conversation! #SoundTraxx #SoundBytesPodcast #Tsunami2 #Blunami#ModelRailroad #DCC #ModelTrains #HOScale #RailroadModeling #TrainTalk #DurangoColorado #Athearn #GP15 #ModelRailroading #TrainPodcast

    Built in Durango: Decoder Tours, a Custom GP15, and Why CVs Can't Break Your SoundTraxx Decoder (S3E12)

  7. May 29

    Custom GP15-1 Upgrades, Mystery Projects & LED Wiring Tips (S3E11)

    Tom shares his custom-painted Athearn Genesis GP15-1featuring upgraded lighting, steps, wheels, decals, and a Tsunami2 decoder.George’s mystery project is still underway, but the reveal is getting closer —and it will be worth the wait. The guys also break down one of the most common installationquestions: how to identify which LED is wired to which decoder output. Ifyou’ve ever been confused while wiring lights or troubleshooting functions,this episode is packed with helpful tips. #SoundTraxx #Tsunami2 #ModelRailroading #DCC #ModelTrains#Athearn #GP151 #DecoderInstall #HOScale #RailroadModeling #TrainLayout#ModelRailroadPodcast

    Custom GP15-1 Upgrades, Mystery Projects & LED Wiring Tips (S3E11)

  8. May 15

    Collectible Swag, Loyalty Rewards & New Train Projects! (S3E10)

    George and Tom talk about the limited-edition SoundTraxxswag you can collect, plus our new loyalty program for shoppers atSoundTraxx.com — the more you buy, the more you save! Tom shares updates on a GP15 custom project he’s beenworking on, while George drops hints about his next layout project. Think youcan figure out what it is from the photos he shares? Let us know your guessesin the comments section! #SoundTraxx #ModelRailroading #ModelTrains #TrainLayout#HOScale #DCC #Tsunami2 #Blunami #RailroadModeling #Locomotive #TrainHobby#CustomLocomotive #GP15 #ModelTrainCommunity

    Collectible Swag, Loyalty Rewards & New Train Projects! (S3E10)
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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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