George and Tom are back from the National Train Show withstories to tell! Tom shows off an Athearn Genesis Santa Fe F7, featuring a Blunami decoder and Mini Cube Speakers. Since this model will run on a DC layout, Tom also shares the custom braking rate he’s using and explains how Blunami gives you many of the benefits of DCC without requiring you to upgradeyour entire layout.

The guys also talk about one of the simple but powerfulfeatures of the Blunami App: giving each locomotive a unique nickname. It’s an easy way to keep your roster organized and make it even easier to identify yourlocomotives.

FAQ: Why do my LEDs work before I put the shell on, butstop working after I put it on?

If your lights work during testing but stop working once thelocomotive shell is installed, the problem may not be your decoder. George and Tom explain how fragile the wires on some small LEDs can be and how easily they can break during final assembly. They also share best practices to help prevent broken wires and other installation-related problems.

SoundTraxx has an extensive quality-control process beforeour decoders leave the factory, so many problems encountered during installation are not caused by the decoder. That’s why it’s important to dosome basic troubleshooting before sending a decoder in for repair—it may not actually need to be repaired!

Another common installation problem is using the wrong typeof flux. Always use electronics-grade flux when soldering to a decoder. Flux designed for other applications, such as some hardware-store or brass-model fluxes, can contain acids or other chemicals that may damage decoder components and eventually cause failures.

George and Tom explain why the right flux matters anddiscuss the type of flux we recommend for decoder installations, including ChipQuik SMD291.

George and Tom kick off this episode by talking about George's recent Disney vacation before looking ahead to the train shows and events where you can meet the SoundTraxx team later this summer.

Tom shares his latest project—a custom-painted Athearn Genesis F7B equipped with a Tsunami2 decoder. The discussion turns to the unique role of B units, how they were used in real life, and the features that make them an interesting addition to any diesel consist.

Whether you're planning to attend a train show or looking for inspiration for your next locomotive project, there's something for every model railroader in this episode.

🎧 Listen now and let us know in the comments: What consists do you run on your layout?

#SoundTraxx #SoundBytes #ModelRailroad #ModelRailroading #Tsunami2 #AthearnGenesis #FUnit #DCC #TrainPodcast #ModelTrains

George and Tom kick off this episode with a look at theupcoming train shows and events where you can meet the SoundTraxx team over the next few months.

Tom shares the latest progress on his U-boat project,highlighting the custom details and upgrades he's adding to bring the model to life. George then showcases a unique locomotive project—a customized 2-8-2Broadway Limited Mikado paired with a brass tender that's been adapted to fit the model. The locomotive is equipped with a Blunami BLU-2200 decoder, four Mini Cube speakers, upgraded lighting, and numerous custom details.

Tech Tip: Before installing any decoder, check yourmodel's stall current. George explains why measuring stall current is an essential step to help prevent decoder damage and ensure you choose the right decoder for your locomotive.

Listen now, and don't forget to subscribe so you never missan episode of SoundBytes: Train Talk from Milepost 141.

#SoundTraxx #SoundBytesPodcast #ModelRailroading#ModelTrains #DCC #Blunami #Tsunami2 #TrainShow #RailroadModeling#ModelRailroad #HOScale #NScale

George and Tom are getting ready for the Fourth of July bydiscussing how various railroads are doing the same. George also unveils his long-awaited mystery project—a beautifully customized Proto 2000 GP18 painted in a striking Missouri Pacific 1976 Bicentennial scheme.

Equipped with a Blunami decoder, upgraded lighting, and scratch-built details, this one-of-a-kind locomotive has an incredible story behind it. The guys talk about the inspiration, customization process, and the history of the prototype.

For this episode's Tech Tip, George explains why good wiremanagement is essential during any decoder installation. A broken wire caused unexpected behavior in his project, but because the wiring was neat and organized, he was able to quickly diagnose and repair the issue.

#SoundTraxx #Blunami #ModelRailroad #ModelTrains #DCC#ModelRailroading #TrainTalk #Proto2000 #MissouriPacific #Bicentennial #GP18#Railroading #HOScale #TrainHobby #OnBoardWithSoundTraxx

This week on SoundBytes: Train Talk from Milepost 141,George and take you behind the scenes to show how SoundTraxx decoders are designed and assembled right here in Durango, Colorado. Planning a trip throughtown? We offer scheduled facility tours, so be sure to reach out if you’ll bein the area.

Tom also shows off his Missouri Pacific GP15 from Athearn,upgraded with a Tsunami2 decoder, added detail parts, new speakers, LEDs, and custom function mapping.

Tech Tip of the Week: Don’t be afraid to change CVs.You cannot damage a SoundTraxx decoder by experimenting with CV settings. Our decoders are designed with safeguards that prevent this. You may end up withsettings you don’t like, but you can always reset the decoder and keep fine-tuning until it sounds and performs exactly the way you want.

Listen now and join the conversation!

#SoundTraxx #SoundBytesPodcast #Tsunami2 #Blunami#ModelRailroad #DCC #ModelTrains #HOScale #RailroadModeling #TrainTalk #DurangoColorado #Athearn #GP15 #ModelRailroading #TrainPodcast

Tom shares his custom-painted Athearn Genesis GP15-1featuring upgraded lighting, steps, wheels, decals, and a Tsunami2 decoder.George’s mystery project is still underway, but the reveal is getting closer —and it will be worth the wait.

The guys also break down one of the most common installationquestions: how to identify which LED is wired to which decoder output. Ifyou’ve ever been confused while wiring lights or troubleshooting functions,this episode is packed with helpful tips.

#SoundTraxx #Tsunami2 #ModelRailroading #DCC #ModelTrains#Athearn #GP151 #DecoderInstall #HOScale #RailroadModeling #TrainLayout#ModelRailroadPodcast

George and Tom talk about the limited-edition SoundTraxxswag you can collect, plus our new loyalty program for shoppers atSoundTraxx.com — the more you buy, the more you save!

Tom shares updates on a GP15 custom project he’s beenworking on, while George drops hints about his next layout project. Think youcan figure out what it is from the photos he shares? Let us know your guessesin the comments section!

#SoundTraxx #ModelRailroading #ModelTrains #TrainLayout#HOScale #DCC #Tsunami2 #Blunami #RailroadModeling #Locomotive #TrainHobby#CustomLocomotive #GP15 #ModelTrainCommunity

Tom finally wraps up his Ziegler Coal NW2—fully painted,detailed, and ready to run. He walks through his Tsunami2 decoder install,sharing insights on detailing, painting, and dialing in performance. You’llalso see how he set up automatic lighting and fine-tuned deadband for smooth,prototypical operation.

Meanwhile, George showcases a Rapido E8 upgraded withBlunami, diving into Echo and Reverb. He breaks down what each effect does,demonstrates how they transform any sound, and explains the CVs behind themagic. Plus, he shows just how simple it is to customize everything using theBlunami App.

#ModelTrains #DCCSound #Tsunami2 #Blunami #ModelRailroading #TrainSound#HOScale #DecoderInstall #RailroadModeling #SoundTraxx #TrainTech#HobbyElectronics #ModelTrainLayout

Tom takes on an older Atlas U23B, walking through plans torepaint, detail, and upgrade the decoder. George shares his MOPAC Proto 2000 GP38 equipped with Blunami—fully detailed and running beautifully at slow speeds.

From there, the conversation shifts to Dynamic DigitalExhaust (DDE), SoundTraxx’s exclusive feature that automatically adjusts your locomotive’s throttle based on load and grade. They break down how DDE works and walk through how to properly calibrate it on Tsunami2 and Blunami-equipped models.

#ModelRailroading #SoundTraxx #Blunami #Tsunami2 #DCCSound#ModelTrains #TrainTech #Locomotive #RailroadModeling #DecoderInstall#TrainHobby #DynamicDigitalExhaust #DDE

CV Programming, DCC Myths and More with SoundTraxx(Webinar 6): https://youtu.be/lRJFJSHwtuk?si=HcW9qZrblqO_b0_x

George sits down with the team from Spring Creek ModelTrains, a truly unique hobby shop redefining what it means to serve model railroaders. While they do have a physical location—more of a “shoppable warehouse”—their reach goes far beyond four walls. From traveling to train shows as a mobile hobby shop to maintaining a strong online presence, Spring Creek connects with customers wherever they are.

With multiple ways to shop, they’ve built an impressiveinventory covering just about everything in model railroading, including a wide range of SoundTraxx products. Tune in as they share their journey in the hobby, how their business has evolved, and what makes their approach stand out.

Plus, George wraps things up with a quick dive into one ofSoundTraxx’s most underrated tools—our manuals—and how they can help you get the most out of your decoder.