Steam Q1a Operation Manual Rev 4.1.2
20/24
24 August 2006
Quantum System Sounds
47
Steam Chuff: The familiar steam chuff comes from steam exhausted from the steam chest through the smoke stack, which creates a
powerful draft to feed the fire. QSI Quantum Chuffing produces four distinct Chuff sounds per drive wheel set, a rhythm recognized by all
steam fans.
Articulated Chuff:
Articulated or Duplex steam locomotives have two sets of steam Chuff sounds that will go gradually in and out of
synchrony. Most articulated locomotives had less weight over the front engine, which resulted in more slippage, causing the two engines to
run at slightly different speeds.
Cylinder Cocks: When a steam locomotive sits idle for an extended period of time, water condenses and collects in the steam chest. Since
water is not compressible and can damage the cylinder valves, the engineer must open special cocks on the steam cylinders to allow the
water to be ejected as the piston moves. As the locomotive moves out, clouds of steam and water are propelled out on either side of the
locomotive in such a flurry that it sometimes obscures the wheels and valve gear of the engine. Hear the sounds of Cylinder Cocks on the
model as the locomotive starts out after it has been idle in Neutral for at least 25 seconds. The Cylinder Cock sounds are synchronized to
the Chuff and shorten in duration as the loco’s speed is increased. After the locomotive has reached 12 smph or 16 Cylinder Cock sounds
have occurred, the Cylinder Cock sounds will slowly terminate as the last of the water is expelled and the engineer shuts off the cylinder
cocks valves.
Whistle: The Quantum System uses authentic locomotive sounds whenever possible. If you blow the Whistle briefly, you will produce a
realistic short Whistle sound or “hoot”. Some locomotive models have special Whistle Endings, which can be “played” by tapping the horn
button immediately after finishing Whistle operation.
Horn: Steam locomotives sometimes had both a whistle and a horn. If the Horn is available on your model, it can be selected with the
Alternate Horn Selection key, F11. The Quantum System uses authentic locomotive sounds, whenever possible. If you blow the Horn
briefly, you will produce a realistic short Horn sound or “hoot”. Some Quantum Sound sets have special Horn Ending, which can be
“played” by tapping the horn button immediately after finishing horn operation.
DCC only.
Bell: Steam locomotives can have either a pull bell or pneumatically operated mechanical bell. With pull bells you will hear a different
sound as the bell swings forward and backward producing the familiar ding-dong effect. Pneumatic bells produce a very repetitive ring and
often at a much faster ring rate than a pull bell. During turn-on in Neutral, you will hear the pneumatic clapper gain greater throw with each
stroke until it finally strikes the Bell. During shut down in Neutral, you will hear the Bell sound fade out for either pneumatic or pull Bells.
Doppler Run-by: The locomotives sounds get louder as the train approaches, then immediately drop to a much lower pitch and lower
volume as the train passes by. With a little practice, you can activate the Doppler Effect exactly when and where you want. Doppler pitch
change is based on the speed of the locomotive, so the sounds change more dramatically when the locomotive is running faster. After the
Doppler shift has occurred and the Whistle is no longer being blown, the Bell shuts off automatically and locomotive sounds return to
normal.
Air Brakes: When prototype train brakes are applied, air is released from the brake lines to reduce the pressure. The more the pressure is
reduced, the greater the braking. You will hear a continual air release sound from the steam locomotive model as braking is continually
increased. The longer the air is released, the quicker the steam locomotive model will slow down. Once all the pressure is released, the
locomotive will continue at maximum braking, which can still require a long stopping distance depending on your Load settings.
DCC
and
QARC only.
Blower or Steam Locomotive Hiss: On a moving locomotive, the steam from the steam chest venting through the smoke-stack draws air
through the fire box, keeping the fire healthy. When the locomotive is sitting still, blowers are often turned on to vent steam through the
smoke stack to maintain the draft. Blowers were often turned off soon after the locomotive started out. The QSI steam Blower sound on
steam locomotives will turn on gradually followed by a continual steam hiss. The turning on and off of steam Blower Sounds is automatic
and depends on the direction state.
Air Pumps: When a locomotive is sitting still, the pumps come on at a steady beat to replace the air lost from the brake air release and from
pneumatically operated appliances. Once the pressure is up, the pumps only operate occasionally to maintain the pressure. Large steam
locomotives may have more than one pump operating independently.
Appliance Air Release: Compressed air is used on locomotives for operating various appliances. You will hear either a Short Air Let-off or
Long Air Let-off at various times.
47 Not all features are included on every steam locomotive. Consult your Steam Model Specifications sheet for a list of features and sounds that apply to your particular locomotive
model.
