Model Railroading > Upgrading sound in sound equipped BLI steamers

I have a nice little fleet of BLI 2-8-2s and 4-6-2s. The sound is ok, but I’m thinking about upgrading sound in one of them to see if I can do better. In particular, I’m not that happy with the whistle choices. Only 3 choices and they all sound, just ok... Any suggestions? Has anyone replaced the sound decoder in a BLI locomotive? I’m slightly nervous. I’ve never done this before and don’t want to screw up an otherwise good engine. Learning new skills is part of the hobby, though.

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Had mine replaced with Soundtraxx series 2 along with new speakers works great now.
 

I have replaced two of the three original BLI decoders with T-2 Soundtrax. The USRA Mike after the motor function in the decoder failed, the UP-style DRGW Challenger during a repair of bent axles; the only one left is the Consolidation which still appears to be working OK with it's original decoder!

Dave Ketchum
Cheyenne WY

I have two Reading T-1 4-8-4's where I replaced Paragon3 garbage with Econami's, a N&W A 2-6-6-4 which had QSI which I replaced with Tsunami2, a Blueline N&W A 2-6-6-2 which I installed a Tsunami, and three Alco RSD-15's, two with Tsunami, and one with LokSound Select.

Stuart
 

That is exactly the kind of info I was looking for! And I trust you guys had good results?

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> of bent axles;

How did you do that?

Actually I should have said "misshappen" axle on the # 3 drive axle! Appeared to have not been mfged properly and we decided to replace than try to repair. As a side note, that engine was a replacement unit. The original Challenger would run ok until it hit a rail joint, then go thru a "complete restart". Also happened at all the frogs on switches etc. I put the issue down to poor QC!  Haven't bought a BLI since that either!

David Ketchum
Cheyenne WY

I have at least 10 BLI locomotives and have never had such trouble.

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