Hi Guys,

Yesterday I went silly again (EvilBay) and got a 39230 BR 23 for what I considered a more than fair price (cheers Alex) however it stated quite clearly that the sound didn't work. http://www.ebay.com.au/i...trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

This will be my first Softdrive Sine purchase so sorry if this is common knowledge but I can find nothing relevant.

I was happy to take a punt as once I determined that I could use a bog stock 21p decoder in it and I have a stockpile of 60945's I though what the hell. I also though that there may be a problem with the speaker or the wiring bundle near the worm drive at the back of the lok.

While trying to find any info about "no sound" issues on the net last night the only reference I came across was https://www.marklin-user...ng-Sound.aspx#post314158 and some vague references on German forums.

I also came across 3 other 39230's from different sellers ALL stating that they were "NEW" but also "No Sound". This is the only one I can find today, the others must have finished since last night http://www.ebay.com.au/i...&hash=item2ecd82a342

Ok, what I gather from the German forums (mein gesprochenes Deutsch ist krank & net translation is dodgy at best) is that there was a issue with the early decoders, both ESU V3 and Marklin but nothing directly related to the "no sound" problem with the 39230 BR 23 I bought and the 3 I found last night on eBay UK/US and the 3rd was in Europe somewhere.

This led me to believe that there "may" have been a dodgy batch of them that escaped the factory/quality control.

Anyone have any idea wether there was a "dodgy" batch or have experience with the "no sound" problem

Or am I just lucky ?

Thanks in advance lads,

Shane

Thanks Tom,

I plan on checking the speaker and wiring first, that was my first thought.

I was unsure as to the exact decoder in it as I came across several (german) sites that mentioned the ESU V3 Loksound as well as Marklin. Also a tad puzzled by the huge board in the tender as shown in the exploded view. Seams like overkill if its just for the rear LED's, unless they use a sub amp for the speaker ?

I'll also check out the function mapping as you suggest before I go trying one of my 60945's in it. Last thing I want to do is blow one of them up by accident.

Cheers mate,

Shane

Yes Alex,

Turned up yesterday and with the quick look I've had appears as new.

Unfortunately it turned up with a pile of kits from Carey and 2 boxes of stuff from Countrylink so the better half is a little bit cranky with me at the moment and I'm keeping all train related items out of sight for a few days until she calms down.
(think there is a thread in that)

Will investigate the sound issue and post some pic's on the weekend hopefully.

Even without the sound it was a fair price in my opinion for a c-sine BR 23.

Cheers Tom,

I'll look into that on the weekend. (assuming its safe by then)

Thanks,

Shane

Arh yes Alex,

It was far too good a deal (for Oz) to pass up, you just don't see that many if any c-sine lok's that aren't going for near retail here.

And last night I had to go and get a 37186 with a 39160 on Tuesday evening. I HAVE TO STOP.

I don't call it EvilBay for nothing........ no wonder she is a tad miffed with me at the present.

So when do we have our first "Marklin Anonymous" meeting

Yes Alex,

T'was me.

After this thread https://www.marklin-users.net/forum/yaf_postst31327_Questions-on-new-to-me-Rheingold-set.aspx brought back memory's of toying with getting one and then it popped up I though what the hell. As you say not a common loco to find in Oz and the price wasn't too bad. In fact the first one I have seen locally full stop. I looked on eBay DE and it was a good $50 cheaper than the lowest priced one on there.

Was never sure about the sound as I saw a video awhile back of one with "motion" sounds but another with only "bells & whistles"

I dislike that dealer's prices in general and their descriptions leave a lot to be desired but it is either providence or I'm a great big bunny. Find out next week.

Well done Francisco,

Mine "looks" new with no evidence of usage on the shoe but will be a day or 2 before I get a chance to investigate the sound issue.

These are rare as rocking horse poop in Australia so even without the sound was a great buy for me.