The Sound Station is a fixed-location sound-effects generator. It does not need any electrical or mechanical connection to a layout. As a fixed-location device, it does not produce onboard locomotive sounds from the tender of a steam locomotive or beneath the shell of a diesel locomotive. The Sound Station comes with a pair of speakers to be placed above or beneath your layout and a corded, handheld activator that looks like a TV remote controller.
Operation could not be simpler. Position the speakers for best sound, plug the power cord into a wall outlet, pick up the controller, and you’re in business. The controller lets you activate any of 18 sounds, some of which can be layered on top of others.
There are six different diesel horn choices, three steam whistle choices, and selections for a steam engine bell, train brakes, coupling, steam release, continuous steam or diesel running sounds, and rail clickety-clack. Also, the Sound Station offers the trackside sounds of a conductor, and a crossing gate bell. A dial controls volume.
The sounds are generic, rather than a particular diesel or steam locomotive. Sound reproduction is clear, and tone range is good, but you won’t be fooled into thinking you are hearing the latest sound systems from Lionel or MTH. Also, you need to coordinate the sounds with train movement on your layout.
Still, for a small investment, the Sound Station adds an awful lot of life to an otherwise quiet layout. I let my sons (ages 8 and 9) use the Sound Station with a loop of track they had set up on the living-room floor. The Station cranked up their imagination /creativity level a big notch (take that, Nintendo!), and I had to fight with them to allow me to bring the Sound Station back to CTT’s office to write this review.
Operating a toy train layout is a feast for the eyes. The MRC Sound System 312 lets your ears join the festivities.
