Kato DD51 Sound Card (22-271-1) Deep Dive & Review

This article follows on from my long look at the Kato Sound Box and the C11 steam locomotive sound card. You might want to read that first to get a better understanding of how the Kato Sound Box works and how it compares to the on-board DCC sound features more familiar to European and American railway modellers.

Background

The DD51 is probably the best-known Japanese diesel locomotive. Introduced in 1962, a total of 649 were built and they enjoyed an extremely long and successful career on the Japanese railway both before and after privatisation. JR Freight inherited the majority of them, putting them to good use on heavy freight trains (often coupled together in pairs) and they remained in service until 2021. As it happens, Kato designed the sound card to match the 'A-Updated' DD51s based at the Aichi depot like the one Kato produce as model 7008-H. The other companies owned smaller numbers using them on passenger trains, particularly sleeper trains.

It makes sense then that Kato have produced a sound card for a numerous, long-lived diesel class. Compared to the C11 card, this card is a Sound Priority card, which means that it is designed to provide a more immersive experience right from the start. Where the C11 card was quite easy to use with few subtleties, the DD51 card rewards careful use.

DD51 Sound card (22-271-1)

What's in the box?

• DD51 sound card with removable protector for the exposed electrical contacts
• English and Japanese instructions on the backing card
• Removable (bilingual) card that sits on the Sound Box control panel

Like most Kato sound cards, this one comes with the packaging that will slide open so that the card can be returned after it has been used, the cardboard sliding back over the plastic blister, keeping it safe until next time. That's important because the copper contacts on the sound card are delicate and if scratched or snapped would render the card useless.

Using the DD51 card

When you plug the card into the Sound Box and press the button to switch the sound effects on, you immediately hear a start-up sequence. The engine then ticks over until you adjust the throttle. Before you do that, though, try pressing and holding down button #6 — the engine now shuts down. Quite a nifty effect if you're just starting a running session and want to 'park' the loco while you think about what you want to do. Pressing #6 again starts the engine up once more, and button #1 blows the whistle, which you might want to do before setting off, just to let your N scale people know the engine is about to move!

So far, so simple. When you turn the throttle up slowly the engine doesn't immediately start to move. Instead, what happens is that the engine revs up until the driver notches up the throttle and the locomotive starts to move, and then it slowly accelerates to simulate the momentum of a heavy train. You can adjust the rate at which this happens using the Sync dial: more negative and the process happens more slowly (as if pulling a really heavy freight train) or more positive to speed things up (better suited to when running light engine or toying with one or two wagons in a yard).

Obviously, the point to this is to simulate how trains really work, and the need for careful driving if you want to start or stop the train within the limits of your layout. But there's an extra feature if you stop just short of the wagon or coach you want to couple up to. Hold down #5 while turning the controller throttle and the locomotive will move instantly, just as if you were using a traditional controller. Even better, it will still play the proper sequence of sounds, like the motor revving, it just speeds up the sequence to match the controller.

For whatever reason, this doesn't work when braking a train from speed though. If you are tootling along and need to stop quickly, pressing and holding #5 won't do anything to speed up the stopping process. So, you're left with either waiting until the train slows down slowly or else immediately stopping the train using the Eject button.

In any event, once the train is running the engine revs up when you increase speed, and if you reduce speed, you'll hear the engine idle until you increase the speed again. The voltage to the model isn't changing any, so the motor is working as hard as it was, but the sound effects have changed to make it sound like the diesel engines inside the locomotive are idling. When the model works harder, perhaps by going up a steep slope, the Sound Box detects the change in Back EMF and the sounds now change to the diesels revving up as they tackle the increased workload. It's all very clever.

The card details six main features, one for each button:

1. Whistle (3 tones to choose from: press #1 and #2 together to select: Eject button goes red, press #1 to cycle through them, then #2 to lock down your choice)
2. Coupler (alternates between coupling and uncoupling)
3. Brake (application when moving, release when stationary)
4. ATS (button toggles the sound on or off)
5. Engine straight to idle (also used for stopping adjustment as described above)
6. Engine start-up/shut down sequence (plays coupler slack clanks while moving)

Inside the Sound Box there's a nifty 'comic book' that lays out (in English and Japanese) ways to use sound cards to 'tell a story' as you drive the train. Steam, electric, diesel, and multiple unit examples are given — rather generic examples, but enough to make it clear how you can use the sound card creatively.

So, imagine the DD51 in a yard, waiting to pick up some container flats before hauling them out and onto the mainline. Your driving experience at the Sound Box might be something like this:

• Check controller is in reverse
• Turn throttle all the way down
• Press #6 if you need to start the engine up — not usually necessary
• Check Sync is slightly negative to simulate momentum (-1 to -2 seem fine to me)
• Press #1 quickly to give a quick warning to any N scale people standing too close!
• Slowly dial the controller up to less than 25% full voltage — have faith in the excellent flywheel-equipped, 5-pole motor! It'll take some time before the loco starts to move, but when it does, it'll crawl towards the wagons
• Within 5 cm of the wagons, turn the throttle down to zero
• You can use the Start dial very effectively to tweak the speed of the locomotive: turn it positive to make the engine inch forward faster, turn it negative to slow it down — this gives you on-the-fly fine tuning that'll stop you missing the wagons before you stop or crashing into them because you're going too fast!
• Press #2 to hear the coupling sound
• Change the direction on the controller to forwards
• Optionally, dial the Sync setting to even more negative to simulate the momentum of a heavy load
• Press #1 quickly and then a second time for a longer 'toot' to get the traditional Japanese pattern to indicate the driver is ready to move forwards
• Slowly turn the controller up to around 25% to accelerate the train out of the siding

As you can see, there's a lot going on, which underscores the point that the Kato Sound Box is more than just passive sound effects playing in the background. To really use the system well, you can use other dials (specifically, the Sync and Start dials) alongside the throttle to get the full immersive experience.

But there's more! If Sound Priority mode isn't your cup of tea, and you want the locomotive to act in response to the throttle just like it would without the Sound Box, you can toggle over to Controller Priority mode by pressing #3 and #5 at the same time. When the green light over the Sync dial flashes, the Sound Box no longer simulates momentum. 

You can use the Start and Sync dials in this mode though. Turning the Start dial down, even as far as -4, effectively damps down the response from the throttle, so that the locomotive doesn't start moving until you've turned the throttle up quite a way. Sound effects are moderated accordingly, so you don't have the sight and sound of the model roaring away too quickly. The Sync dial sets how quickly the sound effects cycle up and down the 'notches' as the speed of the diesel engines change. Turn the dial towards the positive numbers (+2, for example) and it cycles through the notches faster, giving a more satisfying range of sounds from the engines even though the model itself is still moving relatively slowly.

Incidentally, the sound card remembers which of the two modes it was used in last. Switching between this done using that #3 and #5 button combination mentioned before, the flashing green LED over the Sync dial indicating that the change has happened. When it flashes, the card is in Controller Priority mode, but when it stays on constantly, you're in Sound Priority mode.

Conclusion

While the C11 card was relatively straightforward, the more I play around with this card, the more I respected the clever engineering that went into it. Of course, if you want to use it for plain vanilla background sounds, the Controller Sync mode gives you that. However, the Sound Priority mode really is something else: immersive, quite fiddly to use at first, but ultimately very rewarding.

Kato have a full listing of their sound cards on their website, here, and if you click through to the page for the DD51 sound card, you can hear a preview of the sound effects described in this post. With a retail price of ¥2,900 (around £12) the value seems hard to fault, assuming you already have a Sound Box to play it on.

Kato 7008-5 DD51 (#DD51-842 Imperial Use Locomotive) Review

I've looked at the Kato DD51 locomotive elsewhere on this blog so what follows isn't a super detailed review of this particular model. But this model was a bit of a 'white whale' for me, being attractive and unusual -- but not widely sold in the UK. So when I did come across a secondhand one at a model railway show for £45, I couldn't resist it!

Background

Built in 1971, DD51-842 was designated for use on the Japanese Imperial train in 1973. This train ran only very occasionally, no more than few times per year. This was because only the Emperor and Empress (or their Emeritus and Dowager equivalents) were allowed to use the Imperial train; other members of the royal family used less prestigious -- though presumably quite nice! -- trains.

It was primarily used when electric locomotives could not, for example on non-electrified routes. When it hauled the Imperial train, DD51-842 had the Imperial emblems placed on its front running board: two Japanese flags (Hinomaru) and the gold chrysanthemum seal (Kikumon) between them. These were removed if the Emperor was not on the train, even if the locomotive was hauling the Imperial coaches as empty stock. In addition, the locomotive differed from other DD51s in a number of cosmetic differences. These included stainless steel handrails, silver-painted exhaust stacks, polished silver rather than white running boards, and immaculately painted and polished accents (such as window frames).

The locomotive was tweaked internally in various ways to dampen down vibrations and improve reliability. The DD51s were already very reliable locomotives, but redundancy systems were added to minimise any risk of breakdown in service.

While the locomotive is famous for its Imperial service, it still did regular day-to-day work including freight and passenger turns. Latterly, it was popular motive power for special trains. Obviously, the flags were not in use then! It remained in service until 2024 until being retired. Currently at Nagano General Rolling Stock Centre there is some hope that this special locomotive will be preserved.

Kato 7008-5 DD51-842

What's in the box?

• DD51 locomotive featuring unique Imperial train livery
• Working headlights
• Chemically blackened wheels
• Plastic sprues with hooters, jumper cables
• Imperial flags and chrysanthemum detailing parts for the loco front
• Silver (rather than black) Arnold Rapido couplers fitted
• Replacement (black) knuckle coupler
• Two passenger train headboards
• Two-page instruction leaflet (in Japanese)

While cosmetically different to the basic model, this model matches the usual Kato specification: directional lighting, see-through cabin, and a silky-smooth flywheel-equipped motor that works beautifully.

Performance and detailing

Performance is excellent. The heavy duty motor in this locomotive will handle any realistic train without problems. Response is smooth and pretty quiet. The flywheel ensures acceleration is steady and the locomotive coasts through Unitrack points without hesitation.

The headlights light up in the direction of travel -- unlike the situation with many British locomotives, Japanese models don't typically have working red tail lights. On the other hand, Japanese coaching stock and brake vans (cabooses) commonly have working tail lights, which is perhaps a more realistic approach anyway. However, out of the box, and unlike the Tomix models, you can't turn off the headlights when running this locomotive as part of a double headed train.

The detailing on this model is excellent, and the enhanced paintwork really sets it apart from the standard JNR red-liveried DD51. The chrome and stainless steel accents look beautiful.

However, the Imperial regalia at the front is an exercise in frustration. These are very brittle and the force required to clip them onto the running board seemed to exceed the force needed to damage them! Eventually, I needed to use some fine brass wire and superglue to create something a bit more sturdy, and then attached that to the running board instead. The wire is well enough hidden it isn't really noticeable.

Conclusion

If you can find one for a reasonable price -- or if Kato reissue it sometime in the future -- this is a fun addition to anyone's stud of Japanese locomotives.

With a long career and the potential to turn up almost anywhere on a 'special' train (without the Imperial emblems) or at the head of the Imperial train (with the emblems) you could justifiably use this loco on most layouts. Coupled up with another DD51 it'd be just as useful hauling a freight train, too.

While the super-brittle Imperial emblem is annoying, it does add a touch of class to the model that, possibly, justifies the efforts required to install it without breaking it! Doubly so if you choose to invest in the Imperial train pack, 10-853.

 

Kato and Tomix DD51 Deep Dive & Review

Both Kato and Tomix produce models of this useful diesel locomotive.

There's a really detailed comparison of the two models here (in Japanese) that focuses on the appearance of each model. So, what follows is more on the features and performance of each model from the perspective of someone outside of Japan more used to European or North American models.

Background

The DD51 diesel-hydraulic locomotives were built in large numbers by Kawasaki, Hitachi, and Mitsubishi between 1962 and 1978. Although they resemble centre cab locomotives like the German V100 and British Class 17, the DD51 locomotive was bigger and more powerful. However, to keep the axle load down, the 78 to 84 ton locomotives were given an unusual Bo-2-Bo wheel arrangement. In other words, while the front and back bogies have powered axles, the bogie in the centre is not powered and instead helps to spread out the weight.

Two V12 diesel engines provide up to 2,200 HP and use a Voith hydraulic transmission to drive the axles. The locomotives have a maximum speed of 95 km/h (about 6o mph), adequate for freight trains but somewhat limiting as far as passenger work goes. Still, the earlier versions (known as the 0-series and 500-series) were equipped with steam generators to heat passenger coaches. This was instealled in a cabinet inside the larger central cab. However, the final series of locomotives, the 800-series, lacked the steam generator and was intended primarily for freight train operations.

While the 0-series lacked multiple unit control gear, the 500- and 800-series locomotives could be operated in multiple and were often found working in pairs.

Designed for both passenger and freight work, these were for a long time the standard 'mixed traffic' diesel locomotive of the Japanese railway system. Until displaced by electric or diesel multiple units, they were often assigned to local passenger trains that had once been worked by steam locomotives. In later years they were primarily used as freight engines on non-electrified routes, but some notable passenger workings in more recent times included the Imperial train (specifically, locomotive DD51 842) and sleeper trains on the island of Hokkaido.

At first glance, DD51s all look pretty similar. However, there are some minor differences between different series. The earliest 0-series locomotives have circular headlamps that protrude from the end of the bonnet, whereas all the later DD51s have headlights recessed into the bonnet in a much more aesthetically pleasing way. The 500- and 800-series locomotives also have cooling fans in the cab, revealed by either two or one protrusion on the roof respectively.

An important distinction is between the warm, cold, and semi-cold specifications. The warm climate specification is the basic model that generally lacks features suited to the cold and snowy conditions common in some parts of Japan. These can be found widely across central and southern parts of the main island (Honshu) including Tokyo.

The cold specification (known as the A-specification) is for very cold environments including the northernmost part of Honshu (the Tohoku region) and the island of Hokkaido. The cold specification DD51s have equipment to prevent flexible hoses and pipes from freezing as well as snow ploughs and ice protection for the windows. Their most characteristic feature, though, are the circular, rotating window panes designed to ensure the driver can see clearly, even in heavy snow.

 The semi-cold specification (or B-specification) is designed for the fairly cold western part of Honshu, the Chugoku region, which includes the city of Hiroshima. This part of Japan is colder than its latitude might suggest, but not so cold as Hokkaido. The semi-cold DD51s have most of the features seen on the cold specification ones, but most notably (for modellers at least) lack the rotating windows.

As you'd expect for a class of locomotives that operated from the mid 1960s well into the 2010s, they were painted in many different liveries over the years.

The Tomix (2219) model

What's in the box?

• DD51-1000 locomotive, semi-cold (B) specification
• Removeable snowploughs
  
• Working headlights
• Chemically blackened wheels
  
• Optional roof (without cooling fans)
• Switch (inside the cab) to turn off the headlights
  
• Plastic sprues with number plates, maker plates, and radio antennas
  
• Replacement knuckle couplers (Arnold-type pre-fitted)
• Four different passenger train headboards
• Optional weight
• Very detailed, four-page instruction leaflet (in Japanese)
  

As the list of optional parts above should indicate, the model is supplied unnumbered so that it can be personalised as needed. There are four different sets of numbers. Once cut off their sprues, these plates are pushed into positioning holes where they sit quite securely. This is a bit of a faff, but it does mean that you can have several examples of the same model on your layout, all with different running numbers.

The cab clips away quite easily, revealing a small switch for turning off the headlights. This is useful where you're running two locos together, as the one at the back would not normally have its headlights on.

The model runs extremely well. It's smooth and quiet. Apparently, the DD51 was the first Tomix model to feature a flywheel! Current collection is from the front and back bogies but not the center bogie. Compared with the Kato model, but like other Tomix models, the Arnold coupler is rather large. A metal weight is included in the box that can be installed inside the cab to improve traction, but this hardly seems necessary. While you might get a bit more haulage or better grip on steep gradients, the weight will take up some of the space inside the cab.

The Kato (7008-H) Model

What's in the box?

• DD51-1000 locomotive, cold (A) specification
• Removeable snowploughs
  
• Working headlights
• Chemically blackened wheels
• Plastic sprues with three different sets of number plates
  
• Replacement knuckle couplers (Arnold-type pre-fitted)
• Two-page instruction leaflet (in Japanese)

Another very smooth, very quiet model that performs just as well, if not better, than the Tomix one. There are fewer extra parts included in the box, but otherwise detailing is just as good. There are some key differences in appearance though, reflecting the type of locomotive featured here. As a 'late' model DD51, circa 2003/2004, this model features a radio antenna on the front of the cab used for ship-to-shore communications. Circular (rotating) windows indicate that this is the full cold specification type designed for use in snowy, icy environments.

 

Like the Tomix model, the middle bogie does not collect current. On the other hand, brass flywheels on the motor ensure the model has exceptionally smooth, steady acceleration. The model is even more fun when used with the Kato Sound Box and the DD51 Sound Card. This gives you a nice variety of sounds including engine starts, revving when the load, gradient, or speed increase, and three different whistles.

Conclusion

Neither model is what you'd call DCC-ready in the sense of having a standard slot into which a decoder can be installed. But other than that, both the Kato and Tomix models are excellent. I'd have no qualms buying either model or running them together as a double-header. They run extremely well, even through insulated frog points and tight (~30 cm) radius curves. Even though the Tomix one comes with a few extra options and detailing parts, there's otherwise nothing much to choose between them when it comes to livery and detail.

At the time of writing this, the models retail in Japan for around 9,000-10,000 Yen, about £40-50. So, they're quite cheap when compared to European and British N-scale models, especially. But with that said, if you buy them from Japan rather than locally, you're going to pay a significant amount in shipping -- and perhaps twice that if you need to send it back because it doesn't work! When it comes to buying locally versus ordering from Japan, you pays your money and you takes your choice.