SoundBytes: Train Talk from Milepost 141

In this episode of On Board with SoundTraxx, Dave has ordered his first locomotive and is excited to install a decoder before heading to George’s layout for an operating session!

For this week’s model show-off, George shares his Missouri Pacific ExactRail 3737 Bethlehem hoppers. He’s adding weight, coal loads, magnetic air hoses, Tangent trucks, and weathering to create loaded and unloaded trains that can pass each other on the layout. With SoundTraxx Reactive Dynamic Digital Exhaust (DDE), you’ll be able to hear the difference in locomotive workload!

Tech Tip: Flex-Mapping & Function Defaults

Are you remapping functions but not getting the results you expected? Dave explains some important things to remember when customizing your decoder’s function mapping:

- One function button can control multiple effects.

- Moving an effect to a different function button does NOT automatically remove the effect already controlled by that button.

- Function outputs do not automatically correspond to function keys. For example, the FX6 function output is not automatically controlled by the F6 button on your throttle. You can configure this using function mapping!

- Learn how resetting CVs can help when your decoder isn't behaving as expected.Tune in to learn more about function mapping, decoder customization, and getting the most out of your SoundTraxx decoder!

#SoundTraxx #OnBoardWithSoundTraxx #ModelRailroad #ModelTrains #DCC #DecoderInstallation #FlexMapping #ModelRailroading #ReactiveDynamicDigitalExhaust #Tsunami2 #Blunami

In this episode, we welcome our new Support Technician, David Kupratis, to the SoundTraxx team! We’re excited to have him on board and look forward to seeing what he brings to the position.

For this week’s model show-off, George brings two MOPACAtlas U30C locomotives that he has upgraded with Blunami and finished up for his coal trains. He also discusses his collection of 45–50 ExactRail Missouri Pacific 3737 hoppers that will be a part of this coal train.

Tech Tip: Learn what Dynamic Digital Exhaust (DDE)is and how to quickly set it up using the Blunami App.

#SoundTraxx #SoundBytes #Blunami #ModelRailroading#ModelTrains #DCC #DynamicDigitalExhaust #DDE #AtlasTrains #MissouriPacific

George is slacking this week—he hasn’t finished a project toshow off! But he makes up for it with some special guests from the ColoradoRPM.

In this episode, George talks with the Colorado RPM teamabout the upcoming show schedule, what you can expect at the event, and why you should come join us. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone and having a great time at this year’s event!

#SoundTraxx #SoundBytes #ModelRailroad #ModelRailroading#ModelTrains #ColoradoRPM #RailroadHobby #DCC #ModelRailroadCommunity

George takes us along for a recent trip to Albuquerque,where he got to see the 2026 Big Steam locomotive, ride the Rail Runner, and check out a uniquely painted Santa Fe Southern Railway locomotive. He also has photos and run-by videos to share from the trip.

There’s no single class that teaches you everything you needto know about model railroading, which is why SoundTraxx creates videos to help you learn and tackle decoder installations with confidence. It is important to use the right tools and materials when installing decoders, including rosin-core solder and electronics-grade flux. Never use plumber’s flux or Tix brand flux on model train electronics. We recommend Chip Quik SMD291 flux for electronics work.

They also discuss an important speaker-matching tip: Makesure your speaker can handle the output of your decoder’s audio amplifier. If your decoder has a 2-watt audio amplifier, you need a speaker—or combination of speakers—capable of safely handling that power. Using a 1-watt or smallerspeaker that can't handle the amplifier’s output can damage the speaker and potentially the decoder. In some cases, multiple speakers wired in series can be used to handle the power output.

And finally, we have some bittersweet news. Tom announcesthat he is leaving SoundTraxx and moving back to Illinois to return to retirement and spend more time taking care of himself. We’re going to miss having Tom here, but we’re grateful for everything he has contributed to SoundTraxx and wish him all the best in this next chapter.
#SoundTraxx #ModelRailroading #ModelTrains #DCC #ModelTrainTips #DecoderInstallation #Railroading #BigSteam #RailRunner #SantaFe

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