Ixion Fowler – DCC kits, Installs and Decoders

Description

EDM Models were delighted to work with Ixion as these locos were in production to create a sound project to suit the loco. We also worked with renowned sound creator, Paul Chetter, to record one of the last remaining working Fowlers to get the authentic sounds. Our grateful thanks to the Swindon & Cricklade Railway for access to `Woodbine’ for a day.

As Originally built these locos had Donkey Engines to start the main engines reflecting the state of vehicle electrics of the day. As electrickery developed nearly all were coverted to electric start. All the working survivors are electric.  The Donkey engine start for this sound project is actually a very similar unit that has been restored for the narrow gauge Kerr Stuart diesel 4415 under restoration on the Festiniog Railway. Also, when originally built these locos had mechical klaxons but with improved electrics and air brakes most were converted to air horns.

The sound project features `Real Drive’ which replicates driving the real thing with proportional acceleration and braking. Initially it takes a bit of getting used to but once you have you’ll want every loco fitted with it.

We have four variants of the sound project to cover these options: –    (we’ll e-mail to confirm your selection)

• • • • Z10A         Donkey Engine start – Air Horns
      • Z11A         Donkey Engine start – Klaxon (most popular)
      • Z12A         Electric Start – Air Horns
      • Z13A         Electric Start – Klaxon

You’d think, given that they can do DCC sound in Z gauge models, sound in this would be easy. Sadly, its not as there is very little available space in the body close to the DCC socket. You can just squeeze an N gauge motor only decoder in but not a sound one. Simplistically the electronics board and the DCC socket is in the space where the decoder needs to go!

We have three purchase options:-

Custom install done by us:  For this option you send your loco to us, we fit the sound system using custom made jigs and parts. We also address some of the common issues that can affect these models  (dodgy Chinese super glue etc) and set them up with your choice of address. In this option your model is rewired to fit a ZIMO MX645 decoder, a custom made keep alive concealed within the chassis and an especially sourced speaker and laser cut mount to get the best from the decoder. The option of the sound file mastered for us by Paul Chetter (copyright EDM Models) is installed and set up. The loco is returned with full operating instructions.

Installation Kit:  We no longer supply a kit for this loco.

Decoder Only: We supply an MX645 decoder. The option of the sound file mastered for us by Paul Chetter (copyright EDM Models) is installed. You are on your own as to how you fit it in to the loco, what speaker you use and where you fit it in. Operating instructions are included.

Please Note: Decoders are programmed to order so it can take a few days to get your order programmed and shipped

NEWS

OTHER DECODERS:  We can supply the sound project on any ZIMO decoder. Please e-mail for more info.  The electric start/air horn option is ideal for other diesel mechanical shunters.