Welcome aboard! At SoundTraxx, our staff are modelers just like you. Join us as we share our journey through the captivating world of model railroading. Here we will share our knowledge, experiences, and projects with you. We will also chat with our friends in the hobby and the railroading industry
In this episode of On Board with SoundTraxx, Dave has ordered his first locomotive and is excited to install a decoder before heading to George’s layout for an operating session! For this week’s model show-off, George shares his Missouri Pacific ExactRail 3737 Bethlehem hoppers. He’s adding weight, coal loads, magnetic air hoses, Tangent trucks, and weathering to create loaded and unloaded trains that can pass each other on the layout. With SoundTraxx Reactive Dynamic Digital Exhaust (DDE), you’ll be able to hear the difference in locomotive workload! Tech Tip: Flex-Mapping & Function…
In this episode, we welcome our new Support Technician, David Kupratis , to the SoundTraxx team! We’re excited to have him on board and look forward to seeing what he brings to the position. For this week’s model show-off, George brings two MOPACAtlas U30C locomotives that he has upgraded with Blunami and finished up for his coal trains. He also discusses his collection of 45–50 ExactRail Missouri Pacific 3737 hoppers that will be a part of this coal train. Tech Tip: Learn what Dynamic Digital Exhaust (DDE) is and how to quickly set it up using the Blunami App. #SoundTraxx #SoundBytes…
George is slacking this week—he hasn’t finished a project toshow off! But he makes up for it with some special guests from the ColoradoRPM. In this episode, George talks with the Colorado RPM teamabout the upcoming show schedule, what you can expect at the event, and why you should come join us. We’re looking forward to seeing everyone and having a great time at this year’s event! #SoundTraxx #SoundBytes #ModelRailroad #ModelRailroading#ModelTrains #ColoradoRPM #RailroadHobby #DCC #ModelRailroadCommunity
George takes us along for a recent trip to Albuquerque,where he got to see the 2026 Big Steam locomotive, ride the Rail Runner, and check out a uniquely painted Santa Fe Southern Railway locomotive. He also has photos and run-by videos to share from the trip. There’s no single class that teaches you everything you needto know about model railroading, which is why SoundTraxx creates videos to help you learn and tackle decoder installations with confidence. It is important to use the right tools and materials when installing decoders, including rosin-core solder and electronics-grade flux .…
George and Tom are back from the National Train Show withstories to tell! Tom shows off an Athearn Genesis Santa Fe F7, featuring a Blunami decoder and Mini Cube Speakers. Since this model will run on a DC layout, Tom also shares the custom braking rate he’s using and explains how Blunami gives you many of the benefits of DCC without requiring you to upgradeyour entire layout. The guys also talk about one of the simple but powerfulfeatures of the Blunami App: giving each locomotive a unique nickname. It’s an easy way to keep your roster organized and make it even easier to identify…
George and Tom kick off this episode by talking about George's recent Disney vacation before looking ahead to the train shows and events where you can meet the SoundTraxx team later this summer. Tom shares his latest project—a custom-painted Athearn Genesis F7B equipped with a Tsunami2 decoder. The discussion turns to the unique role of B units, how they were used in real life, and the features that make them an interesting addition to any diesel consist. Whether you're planning to attend a train show or looking for inspiration for your next locomotive project, there's something for every…
George and Tom kick off this episode with a look at theupcoming train shows and events where you can meet the SoundTraxx team over the next few months. Tom shares the latest progress on his U-boat project,highlighting the custom details and upgrades he's adding to bring the model to life. George then showcases a unique locomotive project—a customized 2-8-2Broadway Limited Mikado paired with a brass tender that's been adapted to fit the model. The locomotive is equipped with a Blunami BLU-2200 decoder, four Mini Cube speakers, upgraded lighting, and numerous custom details. Tech Tip: Before…
George and Tom are getting ready for the Fourth of July bydiscussing how various railroads are doing the same. George also unveils his long-awaited mystery project—a beautifully customized Proto 2000 GP18 painted in a striking Missouri Pacific 1976 Bicentennial scheme. Equipped with a Blunami decoder, upgraded lighting, and scratch-built details, this one-of-a-kind locomotive has an incredible story behind it. The guys talk about the inspiration, customization process, and the history of the prototype. For this episode's Tech Tip, George explains why good wiremanagement is essential during…
This week on SoundBytes: Train Talk from Milepost 141,George and take you behind the scenes to show how SoundTraxx decoders are designed and assembled right here in Durango, Colorado. Planning a trip throughtown? We offer scheduled facility tours, so be sure to reach out if you’ll bein the area. Tom also shows off his Missouri Pacific GP15 from Athearn,upgraded with a Tsunami2 decoder, added detail parts, new speakers, LEDs, and custom function mapping. Tech Tip of the Week: Don’t be afraid to change CVs.You cannot damage a SoundTraxx decoder by experimenting with CV settings. Our decoders…
Tom shares his custom-painted Athearn Genesis GP15-1featuring upgraded lighting, steps, wheels, decals, and a Tsunami2 decoder.George’s mystery project is still underway, but the reveal is getting closer —and it will be worth the wait. The guys also break down one of the most common installationquestions: how to identify which LED is wired to which decoder output. Ifyou’ve ever been confused while wiring lights or troubleshooting functions,this episode is packed with helpful tips. #SoundTraxx #Tsunami2 #ModelRailroading #DCC #ModelTrains#Athearn #GP151 #DecoderInstall #HOScale…
George and Tom talk about the limited-edition SoundTraxxswag you can collect, plus our new loyalty program for shoppers atSoundTraxx.com — the more you buy, the more you save! Tom shares updates on a GP15 custom project he’s beenworking on, while George drops hints about his next layout project. Think youcan figure out what it is from the photos he shares? Let us know your guessesin the comments section! #SoundTraxx #ModelRailroading #ModelTrains #TrainLayout#HOScale #DCC #Tsunami2 #Blunami #RailroadModeling #Locomotive #TrainHobby#CustomLocomotive #GP15 #ModelTrainCommunity
Tom finally wraps up his Ziegler Coal NW2—fully painted,detailed, and ready to run. He walks through his Tsunami2 decoder install,sharing insights on detailing, painting, and dialing in performance. You’llalso see how he set up automatic lighting and fine-tuned deadband for smooth,prototypical operation. Meanwhile, George showcases a Rapido E8 upgraded withBlunami, diving into Echo and Reverb. He breaks down what each effect does,demonstrates how they transform any sound, and explains the CVs behind themagic. Plus, he shows just how simple it is to customize everything using theBlunami App.…
Tom takes on an older Atlas U23B, walking through plans torepaint, detail, and upgrade the decoder. George shares his MOPAC Proto 2000 GP38 equipped with Blunami—fully detailed and running beautifully at slow speeds. From there, the conversation shifts to Dynamic DigitalExhaust (DDE), SoundTraxx’s exclusive feature that automatically adjusts your locomotive’s throttle based on load and grade. They break down how DDE works and walk through how to properly calibrate it on Tsunami2 and Blunami-equipped models. #ModelRailroading #SoundTraxx #Blunami #Tsunami2 #DCCSound#ModelTrains #TrainTech…
George sits down with the team from Spring Creek ModelTrains, a truly unique hobby shop redefining what it means to serve model railroaders. While they do have a physical location—more of a “shoppable warehouse”—their reach goes far beyond four walls. From traveling to train shows as a mobile hobby shop to maintaining a strong online presence, Spring Creek connects with customers wherever they are. With multiple ways to shop, they’ve built an impressiveinventory covering just about everything in model railroading, including a wide range of SoundTraxx products. Tune in as they share their…
Tom shares his newly painted Walthers NW2, now upgraded with a Tsunami2 TSU-N18 decoder. George has been working on a Rapido GP38, installing a Blunami decoder and adding new LEDs for improved lighting effects and motor control. They also discuss how to access the full range of SoundTraxxdecoder features using the higher function keys on your DCC throttle—or easily through the Blunami App. Your DCC system is the gateway to these features, so understanding how to use it ensures you get the most out of your SoundTraxx decoders. Related Videos: Introduction to DCC Operation & CV Programming…
George has been on the road! He recently visited Doc’sCaboose in Kansas City, Missouri, for a meet-and-greet, where he had the opportunity to operate on several incredible layouts. He shares stories from the trip along with photos from the operating sessions. Back in the workshop, Tom has been painting his Phase 4Ziegler Coal train and walks through his process, complete with progress photos. George also dives into a new project: upgrading a Rapido C30-7 with Blunami. He explains how to work around Rapido’s proprietary motherboard to gain full access to the lighting functions and get the…
George is back with his BNSF GEVO, upgraded with a Blunamidecoder that he has been using for his walkthrough of the Blunami App. This impressive model features 20 added LEDs for outstanding lighting effects, making it the perfect teaching tool. The guys emphasize why it’s so important to read the manual and understand how each CV functions—many CVs control multiple features, and without knowing it, you could accidentally disable something you want to keep. Tom even drops a hint about what he’ll be bringing to the next podcast. Later, they welcome special guest Tom from Southeast Hobbies. A…
George and Tom recap the 2026 Amherst Railway Society Show! Despite plenty of snow, the turnout was strong, and the show was a great success. Tom shares his plans for a Kato GP35 Phase I B, debating whether to make it a GP28 or a GP35M and install a Blunami decoder. Meanwhile, George dives into his latest project: a Rapido E8. He removed the factory red class lights, repurposed them as a cab light, and added Blunami for full sound and control. The two break down how Rapido configured the class lights, Mars light, and emergency light—and how George plans to separate and customize their…
George brings in a Missouri Pacific brass model caboose he painted, upgraded with new trucks, and outfitted with a SoundCar. Then Tom walks you through the correct way to reset the decoder, highlighting a crucial step that’s been missed a lot lately: cycling the power. Tune in for hands-on modeling tips and decoder know-how you can use right away.
George and Tom are back after the holidays and talkingtrains once again! This week, they dive into layout building and Tom’s plans for a new home layout, with a focus on how real railroads operate—and how you can model those same practices through thoughtful layout construction and locomotive operation. They also highlight the beautiful work of Charlie Duckworth,sharing photos of his impressive layout for those watching the video version of the podcast. The conversation then shifts to upcoming shows, including Prototype Rails in Cocoa Beach, Florida on January 8, 2026, and Amherst in…
Tom kicks things off with an undecorated Bluford Shops Missouri Pacific caboose, sharing plans to paint it, add lighting, and install either a SoundCar decoder or a BLU-1100. George then brings in his “Rehab My Loco” Athearn SD40 to show how far a model can be elevated with some hands-on work and a new decoder. The conversation wraps up with a visit from Wes at Just Trains in California, where they talk about the hobby, running a local hobby shop, and how Blunami makes it easier than ever for beginners to get started.
Tom kicks things off with an undecorated SW1200, walkingthrough his prep work before paint, lighting, and decoder installation. Meanwhile, George pulls his popular General off the shelf for a BLU-1100 upgrade. He covers what he customized on the model, how he dialed in thedecoder settings to accurately replicate the real locomotive, and why the BLU-1100 is such a solid choice. They also dive into an important topic: decoder safety. AllSoundTraxx decoders are designed with built-in safeguards—so you cannot damage a decoder by changing CVs . While you might get an unexpected result, a reset…
George and Tom are joined by Arron from A&S Trains to talk about the A&S website and their unique approach to traveling to tradeshows—bringing the full hobby shop experience right to attendees. From there, the conversation shifts into a deep dive on Blunami, where George, Tom, and Arron share why it’s one of their favorite ways to run and enjoy their trains.
Tom shows off his newly upgraded Athearn GP15-1 C&EI, now equipped with Blunami and renumbered. George brings his ScaleTrains D&RGW Rio Grande GP30—also upgraded with Blunami—and demonstrates full lighting control. Together, they dive into how SoundTraxx decoders can enhance your layout. By using realistic features like momentum, braking, and other prototypical behaviors, you can make your layout feel larger, extend your operating sessions, and boost overall enjoyment of the hobby.
It’s fall in Durango, CO, and Tom has a new undecorated Walthers NW2 that he plans to paint to resemble a Zeigler Coal NW2. He’s also preparing to install a new BLU-1100 in it. Meanwhile, George shows off his Precision Scale On3 C-19 RGS 41, which he’s upgraded with Blunami. This model is battery-equipped, eliminating the need for track power. George explains how he upgraded the lighting on the locomotive and shares how class lights were used on real locomotives. He and Tom also discuss battery power and how you can run Blunami in deadrail. Watch now to join the discussion! Related videos…
George shows off our 35th Anniversary gear, available now on our website. He highlights some of our industry firsts, including our very first product, the Hyperlight, and our role in helping establish the DCC standard. Then, he gives a sneak peek at the new Blunami App for Apple devices, featuring powerful updates like CV Copy, CV Utility, Function Mapping Management and Naming, Consist Functions and Consisting, and Locomotive Sorting. Explore the Basics of DCC with SoundTraxx (Webinar4): https://youtu.be/t4xYHXkJXUk?si=WNm3g7ntKHarQ8Ic Consisting Blunami Decoders…
George and Tom chat about their passion for customer service and connecting with fellow modelers. Tom shows off his upgraded Athearn Genesis GP38-2 featuring a Blunami BLU-21PNEM8 decoder, while George shares a fewmodeling tips and gives an update on his recently rebuilt Bachmann engine that still needs a little TLC after a nose-dive. They also cover upcoming tradeshows SoundTraxx will be attending and share news about the soon-to-be-releasedBlunami Apple App.
Tom shares his modeling plans for a GP15, inspired by George’s Rehab My Loco series. With the paint stripped and the model prepped, he's ready to dive into upgrades—including a new Blunami decoder. Meanwhile, George shows off the nearly completed SD40 from his “Rehab My Loco” series, highlighting the custom lighting and some of the Blunami features he’s using. George recaps his whirlwind month of July with a behind-the-scenes look at life on the tradeshow circuit. From setup to teardown, hear what it’s really like for presenters on the road and he drops a small teaser about what’s next for…
Tom is hard at work on a 2010 Athearn Genesis GP15-1. He has given it a fresh paint job, cleaned the mechanism, added new wheels, installed a Blunami decoder, upgraded the speakers, added several detail parts, and is now focusing on upgrading the lighting. George doesn’t have a model to show off this week—but he does have a scary story about a night scene on his layout. Decoder Tip of the Month: Is your model acting like it has a mind of its own? It might not be a decoder issue. Before you panic, try resetting your DCC system—it could be the trick to bring things back under control!…
We’re excited to introduce the newest member of our Support Team — Tom Austin! A lifelong model railroader and fast learner, Tom is already diving in and ready to help you get the most from your SoundTraxx products. In this video, Tom shows off his GP15-1 and chats with George about the installation process, lighting upgrades, and how to rename functions using the Blunami App for Apple devices. George also shares his brand-new Atlas B23-7 and walks through how easy it is to set up with Blunami. By copying settings from his GP38, he quickly gets the B23-7 running — only needing to swap in the…
About SoundBytes: Train Talk from Milepost 141
Welcome aboard! At SoundTraxx, our staff are modelers just like you. Join us as we share our journey through the captivating world of model railroading. Here we will share our knowledge, experiences, and projects with you. We will also chat with our friends in the hobby and the railroading industry
SoundBytes: Train Talk from Milepost 141 is a English leisure & travel podcast from SoundTraxx DCC. Melo plays each episode straight from the publisher's own feed — no ads added, no account needed — and remembers where you stopped, in this browser only.
The Melo app keeps playing with the screen off, works in the car and on your watch, wakes you to your station, and browses the whole catalogue offline. Free, no ads, no account.
