On Aug 4, 2022, at 1:27 PM, Mike Van Hove <vanhovem22@...> wrote:

Now before you all jump on me and say “Go to the DCC Group” hear me out, please.

I have 2 early Hallmark 2-8-2 engines. They both have mechanical problems that will be more trouble than they are worth.

Here’s the deal: I’m out of HO Std Gage and starting an HOn3 switching layout.

21 ft long with Antonito at one end and Santa Fe at the other.

Both of these towns had dual gauge track, so I thought, why not paint these two dead engines up really nice, and have them sitting on a “ready Track” just for display and sound.

Then, I want to put a Soundtraxx decoder in each one.

Neither one will have a motor, all I want is for them to sit near the depot on a stub track, have the headlight on, Dim, and the occasional sound of the Airpump
and the fireman shoveling a little and the now and then blow off of steam.

Just so it looks alive and ready for the engineer to get his orders, and take off.

So far, that sounds possible but here is my question:

Does a Soundtraxx decoder require motor connections in order for the rest of the sounds to work?

I hope someone in this group has done this and it will be a big help to have clear answer.

Thanks in advance,

Former Standard Gage Guy, who has now seen the light. 🤭

Mike Van Hove