Empire Builder Trainset - problem with locomotive sound.

[CDreier]

Gary, I wonder if you can help with the engine sound in the Empire Builder trainset. Unlike my LN F9 (I also updated the sound pack) and NS Business trainset, the engine sounds don't include any "clicks" when applying the throttle, no noise of brake pressure when the airbrakes are released, etc.. I took a look at my .eng file and it appears to be correct so I'm really at a loss. Thank you!

[GaryG]

Hi

My first guess - did you replace the sms files in the Sound directory?

Perhaps review the "Aliasing.rtf" information in the BLW_F9_LN\_Docs directory to see if you've missed a step.

GaryG

[CDreier]

I've done the aliasing using the sound and cab folders from within the aliasing folder. The clicks are there now, but I don't seem to have enough background engine sound when throttling up - I only seem to hear a turbine and not much ambient engine noise. Also, I'm not sure I'm hearing track noise while underway. Also, in my Trainset\Common.Snd\ I have 2 BLW folders. One is simply BLW and the other is BLW_Sound. The files within seem to be somewhat different. To make sure I'm correct, which of the 2 sets should I be using? Thanks.

[GaryG]

Hi

Gaetan changed his sound files naming methods at some time. Without examining all your needed sounds, it's probably safest to keep both sets. Having both doesn't affect MSTS because they only get looked at if a loco that is loaded actually uses them; you only lose some disc storage space.

Track noise isn't part of this loco sound set definition. If the volume of that is low as well as the engine sounds, I think something else may be your problem. Perhaps confirm that your MSTS sound 'Quantity' setting is set at maximum so you are using the SL5 settings.

GaryG

[CDreier]

Gary, we're getting closer. I am following the instructions in the BLW_F9_LN Doc folder (aliasing.rtf). I've made sure that the sounds for each engine are now F7eng.sms or F7B.sms for each and every unit (.eng file) in my three GN F7 folders in Trainset - there are multiple .eng files in these folders. I have also changed the DielseEngine values for each and every unit (A and B units) as well as the Throttle NumNotches as shown for each and every unit. What's happening now is that the sound is much better in terms of the locomotive - but I have a reverberation or "double sound" on the voice files. Any idea what I've got wrong? Also, again thank you - this is a good learning lesson and I'm sure others will benefit from reading this thread in the future.

[GaryG]

Hi

Glad to hear progress is being made. I've also heard the double cab radio sound at times. That wasn't my addition to the sounds so I didn't 'bother' looking into what triggers it; I usually spend most of my running time with the 2, 3 or 4 views.

Just had a look at the .sms file ... you can try some trouble shooting for me

I'm assuming you have two or more locos in the consist. In the F7cab.sms file, try changing the "Distance ( 100 )" to "Distance ( 15 )" to see if that helps. I have a hunch you're hearing the cab sounds of the next loco as well. If this is the case, the low volume might also be fixed a bit.

GaryG

[CDreier]

Should that be 15 for both activation and deactivation?

[GaryG]

Yup and I'm just juessing at 15, could be more or less to solve the doubled sound.

GaryG