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FUNCTIONS: MORE INFORMATION
F1 Bell
We have used a fantastic recording for our SW1200. We polled a bakers’ dozen of
railroaders and came to the conclusion that the bell ring rate is firmly set to “as long as
it makes noise.” Every engine seemingly had a different bell ring rate. We chose a nice
one.
F2 Horn
We loved our last horn recording so much, we decided to use it again! To get a short
“toot” just tap F2 or your “HORN” button. If you hear a long tail-off you are tapping for
too long. If, no matter what you do, you just can’t get the darn thing to make a short
“toot,” switch to NCE. The default horn is a single chime Leslie S-25, but we also have
5 more horns to pick from on the decoder. Refer to “Horns” below. (Or just blurt out,
HONK HONK!)
F3 Curve Squeal
Since it was never possible for an SW1200 (or any road switcher for that matter)
to SILENTLY go about working tight curves and switches without waking up half the
neighborhood, we’ve included curve squeal for these hard-working road switchers.
Press F3 for curve squeal. If your DCC system supports latching on F3, the curve squeal
will continue as long as F3 is pressed. If not, you need to press once to turn on the squeal
and press again to turn it off.
F4 Dynamic Brake
Look, some people like the sound of it. Some people don’t. Most SWs didn’t have them,
but that’s not stopping us from including it. Some were in fact retrofitted with dynamics,
so now you’ve got the sound all ready in the event you want to do some kitbashing.
F5 Doppler Horn
We’re known for our doppler horn recordings, and we’ve managed to find a space
shuttle equipped with an air compressor big enough to blow a beautiful Leslie S-25. It’s
a wonderful sound, so make sure to play this tune on approach to a level crossing.
F6 Rotary Beacon (if equipped)
If your locomotive comes equipped with a rotary beacon, this function will allow you to
activate it. Pressing F6 turns it on. Pressing F6 again will turn it off. This process can be
repeated infinitely. If your beacon does not work, check and see if it’s a different type of
beacon, because we’ve got so many lights available on the SW1200, you’d think we
cleared out a warehouse at a discount!
F7 Dim the Headlights
If you are approaching a station or an oncoming train you can turn off the ditch lights
and dim the headlights automatically by pressing F7. You don’t want to blind anyone,
now do you? I’m getting a sense of déjà vu. I’m getting a sense of déjà vu. Bobby, you’re
fired. Bobby, you’re fired.
