Phoenix Sound System Installation In LGB's K-28
by Jim Fowler, Grafton, Ohio (
JLFowler@aol.com)with special thanks to
Cross Creek Engineering, Spencer, Ohio________________________________________________________________________________________________________
A wonderful thing that has happened to me since my involvement in this hobby is the rare opportunities I have gotten from time to time; and this article is about one of those opportunities. How many of you wished you could take home a LGB’s, 30th Anniversary K-28? How many of you would have liked it to happen for free? (I have included a photo study of this K-28 at the end of this article - just click here to jump to it.)
Well, it happened to me. Well, sort of. Since I moonlight doing sound and DCC decoder installations for Cross Creek Engineering, I sometimes get to take my work home with me. Recently, Cross Creek owner Bob Pennock called me and asked me if I would install sound in a K-28. I must tell you I was kind of stunned, I never thought someone would want an after-market sound in one of these rare beauties; but then again, I thought the same of the LGB Shay and I have done a few of those to date! Bob told me that the new owner had actually made an inquiry for sound soon after ordering the unit earlier this year.
Cross Creek is a Phoenix Sound dealer, they sell a good number of these units and I must say that the majority of my professional sound installations for them are of Phoenix's systems. I prefer them for my personal installations and, it seems it is the choice of system for this K-28's future owner as well. Phoenix makes a sound for the K-28 specifically, so that was the soundboard model chosen for this installation.
Upon picking up the unit I was immediately confronted with a small problem. As some of you may know, persons lucky enough to own the K-28 get more than just an old red and white, cardboard box to store the locomotive in when not on display. The K-28 lounges in fine style in a handcrafted, wooden carrying case measuring almost 41 inches in length. It’s a little awkward to carry inside a 1998 VW Beetle (my car!). But, with a little careful handling the K-28 was on the road to saying it's first words.
Understanding the Phoenix Big Sound 97 System
TENDER DISASSEMBLY / ASSEMBLY
An overview of the step-by-step disassembly of the K-28's tender. Also used to understand the re-assembly process.
Deciding were all the sound system's components should be placed.
A look at the modifications needed for mounting the sound system's speaker.
INSTALLATION OF WHISTLE, BELL, AND CHUFF TRIGGERS
Understanding reed switches and how they are used to trigger the various sound functions.
PLACEMENT OF SYSTEM OPERATION SWITCHES
Understanding the operation switches, and their impact.
Getting to the heart of the install process, and an understanding of sound system's wiring .
A few discussion points on testing your work.
Phoenix makes a very impressive sound system, and Aster has made a real gem for LGB as well. When combined, I can't describe or believe the presence this locomotive commands - I can't believe someone could have one of these without sound. I would love to animate one of these units with DCC as well, but that's a future project, hopefully.
I accomplished the installation in about 3.5 hours of actual work. So, this is really one of those one-weekend projects. If after reading this article you decide to have sound installed but do not elect to make it a do-it-yourself project, don't feel bad or that the installation cost was a waste - your reading an example of the good that can come from it.
It is my hope that this article provides you with some insight into any sound system install. I know writing this article has given me a better perspective of writing web page articles. I think I would like to try a few more articles, if this appeals to people.
Please note that my email address has been incorporated into this article, if you have any questions or comments on this article; please feel free to drop me an email.
K-28 PHOTO STUDY
Photo studies are a rarity in this hobby, but an excellent method of conveying information. This photo study of the, limited edition, K-28 gives some people the opportunity to view and learn more about this model's awesome detail. And thanks to my brother Jeff giving me a digital camera for Christmas this year, I am able to take a few photos of this rare offering.
I have to tell you that this is my first effort, so don't flame me too much. I do promise to improve as I get more experience with the camera. If you have any suggestions, please send them to me directly.
Please note that this study is not meant to give dimensional aspects of this model, and is shot using various angles and magnifications. The emphasis here is on the craftsmanship and detail of the model, not to provide engineering or duplication reference.
The photos are grouped into two sections. The first section is composed of various photographs of the locomotive's engine. There is nearly 70 pictures here showing just about every beautiful detail of the K-28 engine. Another interesting aspect that is revealed is the mechanical relationship of loco's drive axles. Oh, by the way, checkout the engine's nameplate! This second section covers the K-28's tender. As you can see it is a little smaller than the first section.
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Engine Photo Gallery: |
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Tender Photo Gallery : |