Price: $29.99
Comments: The Kato Sound Box is an analog sound controller that connects to a direct-current (DC) power pack and works with any manufacturer’s locomotives, since the sound plays through the device. The Sound Box uses plug-in cartridges, called Sound Cards, that have sound files for different types of locomotives. (See my review of the Sound Box with Electro-Motive Division 1st Generation Diesel (non-turbocharged) Sound Card in the June 2015 Model Railroader.) Kato recently released new Sound Cards, including one labeled EMD 2nd Generation Diesels with Turbocharger that proved a perfect match for the firm’s HO scale mid-production SD40-2.
The high-quality sound files are provided by SoundTraxx. The sound of the turbocharged 645 diesel was spot on, and I appreciated being able to adjust the engine rpm independently of the locomotive speed. Unfortunately I couldn’t adjust individual volume levels. The horn is a bit on the quiet side compared with the engine sounds. Other user-triggered effects include the bell, coupler, and dynamic brake fan.
Additional Sound Cards now available include U.S. Light Steam, FEF-3/GS-4 (Heavy Steam), EMD 1st Generation Diesel with Turbo, EMD 3rd Generation Diesel, and General Electric 3rd Generation Diesel.
The Sound Cards and Sound Box remain a useful option for those who wish to add sound to their model railroads without installing decoders or converting to Digital Command Control.
