MATT LOVELL demonstrates how to add a bit of sound to your layout.
One of the standout products released in the last twelve months by Noch are their Sound Scene modules. These units allow you to add sounds to your model railway or diorama without the need of DCC equipment. They are easy to install and add a whole new dimension to the scene.
Adding additional items and electronics to the railway enhances the model or scene and in the past moving figures, vehicles and lights have taken place to turn the railway into a living model. With the addition of sound you can not only see the scene come to life but hear it as well.
To install the module you will need the following:
Start by measuring the diameter of the speaker, it should be about 38mm, but using a 40mm hole cutter will give a bit of room to move the speaker if you need to. Cut a 40mm hole into the area you wish to mount the speaker. This can be done at the construction stage or into an existing model.
Once the hole is cut use the Flexible Modelling Sanders to make sure there are no rough edges or splinters which could get into the speaker.
Next insert the speaker into the hole to check the size.
Using the screws provided secure the speaker to the base.
Once you are happy with the position of the speaker we can now look at powering it up.
Locate the 16v terminals on the adaptor supplied with the GMC-WM1 Transformer.
Next, attach the red and black wires from the circuit board to the screw terminals on the adaptor.
Plug the WM1 transformer into the adaptor. The red light will come on to indicate there is power to the adaptor. You will also hear the sounds coming out the speaker. For ease of turning the sound on and off I installed a GM507 Single Pole Single Throw (SPST) Mini Switch into the circuit between the red wire and the WM1 adaptor.
To level out the ground around the speaker use some GM232 2mm Cork Mat with a 40mm hole cut out of it to sit around the speaker.
This will then allow you to sit a building over the speaker without too much of a height difference. You can also mount the speaker under the board and secure it with the screws pointing up. The sound I have used for this article is the Industry sound which is ideal for workshops, garages and factory units.
Below is an example of what this module sounds like.
Other Noch sound modules are available for different scenes.
Each pack comes complete with the speaker, a circuit board and a pack of figures to suit the scene and can be positioned anywhere on the model. I recommend using the Deluxe Materials DLAD-29 Tacky Wax to position the figures where you want them and then glue them down with the Deluxe Materials DLAD-10 Speedbond PVA.
These sound scenes are a great way to add another feature to your model railway.
CLICK HERE to download Noch's Sound Scene instructions