Hi -

For Christmas, my wife gave me (allowed me to have?) a 3046, the SNCF version of the BR44. It's a classic - while it's not as detailed as the newer 37886, it's still a beauty. I'd like to convert it to digital.

I have a spare 60904 conversion kit (changed me mind on another lok). It's the simple answer and should work fine. The model is on the supported list. But I'm also thinking that sound would be nice. A Loksound decoder with BR44 sounds would be ideal. I've never used a LokSound before so have some questions.

1) I assume the speaker comes with the decoder. Is that right?

2) How big is the speaker?
The natural place to put it would be the tender, but when I opened it up, I found it is not just an empty shell but has cross-beams of plastic cells (~14.5mm x 22mm) to make it rigid. The speaker, unless very flat (4mm), likely wouldn't fit. As for the boiler, it doesn't look like there's enough room in there to fit the speaker either - but I suppose that would depend on the size of the decoder.

3) Could cutting some of the plastic out of the inside of the tender ruin the model? Of course being careful. but would that make the model ruined in someone's eyes? Also, how to cut?

4) Finally, a general question: are there any concerns on possible pulling power of the LokSound.

I'm not in a rush. I don't want to ruin the lok.

Has anyone done this conversion for a comparable lok? Any suggestions?

Thanks,
David

Hi David,

why - it's your small world and only your opinion that counts. That's about it ...

Have fun,
John