Class 121

[Georgeconna]

all you need is the wirring sound of a cine camera. reminds me of the West Cork Railway DVD. Lovely.

[Noel]

Revised 121 class DCC sound demo (as requested) without a musical backing track. Demonstrates some of the specific sound functions. The one function I forgot to record was heavy notching and trashing as a heavy trains slowly accelerates from stationary. The LokSound project is by http://wheeltappersdccsounds.co.uk who do all the Irish sound projects for DCkits. I bought my 141/181 decoders direct from Wheeltappers. I will also be getting my existing ESU/MM 071 sound chips re-blown by 'wheeltappers' so I can get 'PowerDrive' mode, control over notching and the extra functions. Enjoy

This LokSound V4 project has 'PowerDrive' capability (i.e. ESU FullThrottle mode) which allows coasting/braking and switching between automatic and manual control of notching. F5 can be used to 'lock' the loco at whatever its current speeds is, including stationary, and throttle control then only controls notching sounds. F5 can be toggled iteratively on/off to simulate heavy trains starting off with poor acceleration causing engine thrashing, and likewise coasting at speed and to simulate long distance braking at idle.

 

Edited November 6, 2018 by Noel

[irishthump]

1 hour ago, Noel said:

Revised 121 class DCC sound demo (as requested) without a musical backing track. Demonstrates some of the specific sound functions. The one function I forgot to record was heavy notching and trashing as a heavy trains slowly accelerates from stationary. The LokSound project is by http://wheeltappersdccsounds.co.uk who do all the Irish sound projects for DCkits. I bought my 141/181 decoders direct from Wheeltappers. I will also be getting my existing ESU/MM 071 sound chips re-blown by 'wheeltappers' so I can get 'PowerDrive' mode, control over notching and the extra functions. Enjoy

This LokSound V4 project has 'PowerDrive' capability (i.e. ESU FullThrottle mode) which allows coasting/braking and switching between automatic and manual control of notching. F5 can be used to 'lock' the loco at whatever its current speeds is, including stationary, and throttle control then only controls notching sounds. F5 can be toggled iteratively on/off to simulate heavy trains starting off with poor acceleration causing engine thrashing, and likewise coasting at speed and to simulate long distance braking at idle.

 

There was a recent firmware update for the V4 decoders which improved the independent brake function. The deceleration value for the brake is now controlled though CV179 (I think, have to doublecheck!). Previously this CV was for the dynamic brake function. You can now set you the loco's deceleration to maximum (255) and coast until you apply the brake to stop the train.

To use this you would need to get Wheeltappers to ensure the firmware is updated. Although this is done automatically when uploading a soundfile.

If you're planning to have a lot of ESU decoders in your fleet I strongly recommend getting the Lokprogrammer. You can do all these adjustments yourself as well as creating and modifying soundfiles. ESU are constantly adding to their library of US loco soundfiles and even now you can have a different engine sound in each of your locos.

[Noel]

Thanks for info Graham @irishthump. If one got a LokProgrammer I know all the engine prime mover recordings are available on the ESU website (eg EMD 567, 645, etc), but where would one source sound files for things like Irish loco horns, flange squeal, brakes, guards whistles, buffer clash, coupling noises, coach door slamming, etc?

 

Edited November 6, 2018 by Noel

[Georgeconna]

Half Expecting the drivers window to slide shut when the train sounds the whistle.

 

Edited November 7, 2018 by Georgeconna

[irishthump]

1 hour ago, Noel said:

the Thanks for info Graham @irishthump. If one got a LokProgrammer I know all the engine prime mover recordings are available on the ESU website (eg EMD 567, 645, etc), but where would one source sound files for things like Irish loco horns, flange squeal, brakes, guards whistles, buffer clash, coupling noises, coach door slamming, etc?

 

The soundfiles for the MM 201 and 071 decoders are available for download from the ESU website (they do this with all soundfiles they produce for other manufacturers).

You can then simply swap out the prime mover sound (or any other sound in the file) for the one from another file. The Lokprogrammer software also contains a library of sounds for this same purpose. Sounds from other files can be saved to this library for convenience. There is a shortage of prototypical Irish horn sounds but Euro and US horn sounds can be altered in pitch to make them more suitable.

My own 141/181  soundfiles use the MM 071 file as the basic template and I just switch out the prime mover. Sometimes I also change the flange squeal and alter the pitch of the horn sound slightly. There are 6 or 7 versions of the EMD567 available on the ESU website, including the prototypical 8 cylinder model. Even if you use the same engine sound in several loco the pitch can be altered slightly to make them sound different.

All of this is simply a matter of "dragging and dropping" in the Lokprogrammer software, it takes no great skill at all.

[Noel]

31 minutes ago, irishthump said:

All of this is simply a matter of "dragging and dropping" in the Lokprogrammer software, it takes no great skill at all.

Thanks Graham for the really helpful advice and info. Having learned to program 6502 machine code on an Apple II in 1978 I am predisposed and very tempted to have a go at learning how to use a LokProgrammer.  

However another side of me is conscious of the time I might spend in persuit of customised sound projects and the steep learning curve needed to achieve quality projects and innovation at the cost of progressing other aspects of the hobby. Neil in WheelTappers has been very helpful and accommodating, already building customised projects for me using supplementary sound files I have provided him (eg alternate rail clank for two axle wagons and bogie stock, horns, etc). I’m delighted with the 141 and 181 custom projects he’s done so far. Perhaps in time, but I need to get on with reballasting a lot of track and scenic work first. 

[Irishrailwayman]

4 hours ago, Noel said:

Thanks Graham for the really helpful advice and info. Having learned to program 6502 machine code on an Apple II in 1978 I am predisposed and very tempted to have a go at learning how to use a LokProgrammer.  

However another side of me is conscious of the time I might spend in persuit of customised sound projects and the steep learning curve needed to achieve quality projects and innovation at the cost of progressing other aspects of the hobby. Neil in WheelTappers has been very helpful and accommodating, already building customised projects for me using supplementary sound files I have provided him (eg alternate rail clank for two axle wagons and bogie stock, horns, etc). I’m delighted with the 141 and 181 custom projects he’s done so far. Perhaps in time, but I need to get on with reballasting a lot of track and scenic work first. 

Noel, I have a Lokprogrammer that you are welcome to borrow to have a tinker around with if you want. Gerry

[Noel]

26 minutes ago, Irishrailwayman said:

Noel, I have a Lokprogrammer that you are welcome to borrow to have a tinker around with if you want. Gerry

Thanks for the very kind offer Gerry. I may take you up on the offer after I have laid the track for Gort. Noel

[irishthump]

19 hours ago, Noel said:

Thanks Graham for the really helpful advice and info. Having learned to program 6502 machine code on an Apple II in 1978 I am predisposed and very tempted to have a go at learning how to use a LokProgrammer.  

However another side of me is conscious of the time I might spend in persuit of customised sound projects and the steep learning curve needed to achieve quality projects and innovation at the cost of progressing other aspects of the hobby. Neil in WheelTappers has been very helpful and accommodating, already building customised projects for me using supplementary sound files I have provided him (eg alternate rail clank for two axle wagons and bogie stock, horns, etc). I’m delighted with the 141 and 181 custom projects he’s done so far. Perhaps in time, but I need to get on with reballasting a lot of track and scenic work first. 

Yeah I hear you. When it comes to creating sound files from scratch I haven't had the time to go down that particular rabbit hole!

But there are other reasons I strongly recommend the Lokprogrammer... Blank decoders can be got for 99euro from supplies like Modellbahne. The cheapest decoders I can find from the UK (with a loaded soundfile) cost around £115 and if for some reason you're not happy with the file, you're stuck with it! (I realise suppliers are accommodating and will probably change a file for you but that necessitates you sending the decoder back to them). Legomanbiffo, who uses Loksound, will sell you the file if you wish for £10 so you can load and fine tune it yourself.

Also, ESU are constantly upgrading the firmware and features on the V4 decoders. Full Throttle, for example, needed a firmware update for it to function, the improved brake function is the same. Without the programmer I'd have had to send my decoders off to be reblown before I could use those features.

[Noel]

Yes that makes good sense. Its inevitable for me I guess, but not just at the moment. Gort is priority number one at the mo, and then reballasting Kingsbridge. Had some fun earlier consisting two sound locos B121 and B165 using advanced consist on the NCE. 

[Noel]

Two photos.  Photo below of 121 class era and livery I was attempting to capture with the model in the 2nd pic below.

B123 at Sligo 1967.

B121 model - 3D Shapeways kit.

The photo of B123 above was originally posted on the forum here by Kevin http://irishrailwaymodeller.com/applications/core/interface/imageproxy/imageproxy.php?img=https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5599/15518402891_db3f89e1ef_b.jpg&key=7fd247f9f3aa3fce2bd00a9d1c94918c9c73f9d07b8d3d99d58d31fd4264378c

[Blaine]

The final CAD's were available for viewing at the recent MRSI show, 2019 all going well. There will be several versions available with all variants covered, from B121 in Silver/Grey to 124/134 in IE Orange

[WRENNEIRE]

I was talking to an elderly gent today from Wexford St.
He told me to show nobody, but you know me, 

A few minor issues have arisen which may knock delivery back by 4 -6 weeks but we should have them by mid summer at the latest

Enjoy.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[fishplate7]

Oh my sweet Lord...I'm not going to get any sleep now!! Amazing!

[Glenderg]

39 minutes ago, fishplate7 said:

Oh my sweet Lord...I'm not going to get any sleep now!! Amazing!

Quite impressed, and I'm a picky hoor at the best of times! R

[Noel]

Thsose look fabulous, every conceivable detail accounted for. Love the grab rail detail as per the early variants. This will the jewel in MMs crown. Mid summer, these will be worth the worth wait from the this venerable stable. Thanks for the information.  like the way the coupling has been mounted in the valance and not on the bogie via a large hole

A pair of B&Ts, delivery Grey’n’yellow/Gold, super train and one tippex at least, that’s five hopefully. 

[popeye]

You won't be needing any Noel you have your own high class ones. 

[NIRCLASS80]

Looking good. Cannot wait. 

[Robert Shrives]

lovely looking CADS, and proved right again - last week added buffers to my resin kit ! 

Thanks to the kind "gent of Wexford St." 

Robert 

[Noel]

5 hours ago, popeye said:

You won't be needing any Noel you have your own high class ones. 

Thanks but as they say in Panto “oh yes I will”,  absolutely nothing compares to a finescale Murphy Model GM diesel loco, and it’s impossible to build or kitbash anything in any medium remotely as good. Perhaps I’ll need a few less alright, but I cannot wait to pair a B&T MM 121 with my own B121 or nose to nose with the others. The IE tippex livery is extermly difficult to do well with any precision so I’m releived an MM IE Tippex livery 121 will be joining the fleet this summer. A few weeks delay is no problem, grateful to have some concret news at last. I’m sure these will have been worth the wait, and the best yet from Wexford Street.

@WRENNEIRE Dave any rough indication of pricing range, or information on livery / running number combinations that will be available. 

Edited March 6, 2019 by Noel

[Railer]

I'd say it's safe to say these will be more expensive that the MM 071s. Possibly in the €170-180 price range if not a tad more.

[StevieB]

They certainly look the DB’s. Did the elderly gent give any indication of what liveries when.

Stephen

[Noel]

14 minutes ago, StevieB said:

They certainly look the DB’s. Did the elderly gent give any indication of what liveries when.

Stephen

On 11/18/2018 at 5:23 PM, Blaine said:

The final CAD's were available for viewing at the recent MRSI show, 2019 all going well. There will be several versions available with all variants covered, from B121 in Silver/Grey to 124/134 in IE Orange

[jhb171achill]

1 hour ago, Railer said:

I'd say it's safe to say these will be more expensive that the MM 071s. Possibly in the €170-180 price range if not a tad more.

Worth every cent - unlike some of the rip-offs on eBay! 

My wallet will be seriously melted this year......

[irishthump]

Paddy Murphy for president!

Wonderful news! Thankfully I'll only be needing a couple of these so my wallet wont take too much of a hammering...

Will MM be producing a sound decoder for the 121?

 

8 hours ago, Noel said:

I like the way the coupling has been mounted in the valance and not on the bogie via a large hole

 

Noel, I'd say the coupling will have the same mounting as the 141/071's. You can see the valance insert in the cad drawings.

A body mounted tension lock coupler would be unreliable on all but the broadest curves.

[Noel]

2 minutes ago, irishthump said:

Paddy Murphy for president!

Wonderful news! Thankfully I'll only be needing a couple of these so my wallet wont take too much of a hammering...

Will MM be producing a sound decoder for the 121?

WheeltappersDCCsound already have a sound decoder for 121 (ie LokSound V4) and are working on an updated LokSound V5 chip. I have the wheeltappers one and very happy with it.

[JasonB]

4 hours ago, Robert Shrives said:

lovely looking CADS, and proved right again - last week added buffers to my resin kit ! 

Thanks to the kind "gent of Wexford St." 

Robert 

Keep that build going Robert, you're pushing us ever closer to getting our hands on these beauties. Any chance of you upping the pace 

[WRENNEIRE]

Price will be similar to the IRM A's I believe, Paddy deals in the filthy "Dolla" so depending on what road our near neighbours take there could be a few Euro more on the bill, He is also doing a decoder which should also be useable in some of your  141's I believe

Liveries to be decided but as they mostly double headed I reckon 3-4 in each so plenty of number differences

[jhb171achill]

Clearly, the Brexit nonsense is going to impact on price in no matter what scenario things are priced or sold.....

[Noel]

30 minutes ago, jhb171achill said:

Clearly, the Brexit nonsense is going to impact on price in no matter what scenario things are priced or sold.....

Certainly I can guarantee brexit will be used as an excuse by service providers and suppliers in an attempt to explain delays, price increases, product issues, the weather, the price of store heifers in Mullingar mart, over cooked food in restaurants. Wait for it

Edited March 6, 2019 by Noel

[enniscorthyman]

Super news.I may buy another money tree for the back garden.

I bet the 121 is a lot more akward to get correct with the difference in lights ,Windows etc.

Edited March 6, 2019 by enniscorthyman

[ak425]

Fantastic news, a long last .  Now I wonder what livery 134 will be in ?

[Seabreeze]

I'm so looking forward to these locos

[jhb171achill]

I think the grey/yellow and black’n’tan are coming first, with “supertrain”, “tippex” and “3-pin plug” liveries later.

As mentioned above, a couple of number alternatives for each livery is what I heard.