Model Railroading > Sound for SP Alco C415

I am going to convert a Key Imports SP Alco C415 (HO Scale) to DCC with sound. I know that you can't get sound card with the unique sound of a C415, but I do know that there are Alco 251 sound systems out there.

Does anyone have a recommendation as to which one I should look at? I have to do the headlights, mars and the red stop light on both ends and an SP horn (what model was that anyway?) would be nice as well.

Thanks in advance

Brian

Brian, ESU LokSound has a 251 sound decoder.

Are you ready for the Kaslo M630s?????
John

CCT41 Wrote:
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> Brian, ESU LokSound has a 251 sound decoder.
>
> Are you ready for the Kaslo M630s?????
> John


Well, John, as you well know, I've been leading the charge for the M630 forever. I helped a little with recent OMI run of M's and still bang the drum occasionally for someone else to do a less expensive version (though the OMI's were lovely).

This time, I think I will stand back and see what comes of all this chat.

Brian

Alco C415s were powered by the 8-cylinder 251 prime mover and had a unique sound, different from 6, 12 and 16-cylinder 251 prime movers. If I remember correctly, the C415 was the only domestic application of the 8-251.

The Pentrex video “Those Amazing Alcos – Part 3” has a good segment on the C415 with excellent sound.

Dennis

CNW Wrote:
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> Alco C415s were powered by the 8-cylinder 251
> prime mover and had a unique sound, different from
> 6, 12 and 16-cylinder 251 prime movers. If I
> remember correctly, the C415 was the only domestic
> application of the 8-251.

> Dennis


Yes, that's correct, I noted that in my original message. They sounded nothing like any other alco.

Reminds me of the GE 8 cylinder FDL used in the U18B. It sounded completely
different from it's 12 and 16 cylinder big brothers. Had more of a tractor
sound to it.

How close is the C415`s sound to the U18B? Is the U boat a "throatier" sound with the 8-251 a little higher pitched? Also look on the Model Board at the "New Bowser Releases" and you will see some info on up coming C630/C630M/C636`s.
John W.

Is the C415 still running around out at Western Jct? Someone real clever might be able to make the recordings of the 8-251 for decoder use.

shadow Wrote:
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> How close is the C415`s sound to the U18B? Is the
> U boat a "throatier" sound with the 8-251 a little
> higher pitched? Also look on the Model Board at
> the "New Bowser Releases" and you will see some
> info on up coming C630/C630M/C636`s.

I dunno, I can't comment on the 8-251, as I've never even seen a C415 (other than
photos), let alone heard one ;)

The Burlington Junction has two, but I never heard them at more than run two or three and then not under a load. The U18B`s were not quite drowned out by the C30-7 or GP40 or C40-8 that they were in consist with, so I could almost hear them. Then again that was almost twenty yars ago.