What started it all? The U28B Union Pacific HO loco, that's what!

 

This is what started it all - my journey with DCC sound. I bought this U28B Union Pacific HO loco in about 2003 having already tried out DCC control with some of my UK outline stock and adding sound was the next logical step. At the time DCC sound for UK outline locos was something that was a specialist area with the main manufacturers yet to release anything ready to run. Whilst attending the Nottingham Model Railway Show a traders stand had several USA outline locos with 'factory installed DCC & sound'! That was the magic phrase and I was interested in looking further - but as I told Mrs. Woody, I was not going to buy! I had some USA n gauge but no HO at the time so this was a completely new territory for me. Then it happened. That moment sense goes out of the window and two things came to mind. Firstly was the loco - a Union Pacific U25B loco. Suddenly I was back in Boise, Idaho, where I can recall parking near to the freight yard in the blistering summer heat and seeing one of these idling awaiting its next duty and I could hear the despatchers radio from the open cab window. With that memory reawakened the second thing came into play - the price - £112. 

Now that was a lot in 2003 but for what this loco was and the memories it reawaken it was a bargain. I still recall trips to the USA every time I look a this and operate it and it has an awesome set of sounds including a really loud horn!  There is something about the Union Pacific livery and diesel locos that just go together so well in my view and I will leave you with some photos to make up your own mind. In the mean time I am glad I started on the DCC sound journey started with this special loco.