TrainBoss™ Defect Detectors
You can cut the suspense with a knife as the last car of your Hotshot passes the Defect Detector at Milepost 92.6. Here comes the report — No Defects! It's smooth sailing from here as you listen to the usual statistics: Axle Count, Train Speed, Train Length, Temperature, and a very business-like "Detector Out".
Recreate the sound of modern railroading on your layout with the TrainBoss™ Talking Defect Detector. Customize its messages to match your railroad. And watch your crews sweat everytime they pass! Model railroad operations will never be the same again.
Check out this video demonstration of TrainBoss™ Defect Detectors in action.
Hotbox and Equipment Defect Detector for model railroads
- Voice report or visual display options to match your railroad era:
- Modern male or female automated trackside voice reports (1980s – Today)
- Trackside and remote operator displays (1940s – Today)
- Train crew voice reports (all eras)
- Speaks/displays 6 types of defect alarms for passing trains: hotbox, dragging equipment, high car, wide or shifted load, sliding wheel
- Reports train axle count, speed and length, temperature, and total axles per session
- User customized voice reports to match your prototype
- User defined alarm probability for each defect type, 1/30 to 1/8000 cars
- Infrared Axle Sensors support day and night operation in all scales
- Volume-controlled speaker output and stereo jack for powered speakers
- 200 mA alerting outputs drive LEDs, motors, relays, or other railroad electronics such as C/MRI, DigiTrax, and JMRI
- Inputs to 1) Repeat last message, 2) Force alarm on next train, 3) Clear alerts
Simple installation
- One-piece Axle Sensors slip under installed track for correct alignment
- Screw terminals for all circuit board connections
- Factory configured for immediate use
- Polarity-independent DC (9-12 V) or AC (7-9 V) at 250 mA required
- 8-Ohm speaker or powered speakers not included
Included parts:
- TrainBoss™ Defect Detector Circuit Board
- Axle Sensors (2)
- Push-Button Switch
- Panel Display Bezel (with Model TB-22D only)
- Panel Template
- Vinyl Tubing
- Product Manual
New Features and Options in TB-22F/M
- Male or Female Automated Voice
- Radio static bursts before and after automatic voice messages
- Greeting message when train is first detected
- Rounding up or down to ensure even axle counts
- Defect counts from end of train (as well as the original head of train)
- Additional words and phrases
See the Female Sound Samples to the right for a demonstration.
Notice: This product simulates defect detection for model railroads and does not sense the true condition of rail cars.
Talking Defect Detector Model No. TB-22F/M
Modeling defect detectors of all eras, the Talking Defect Detector speaks and displays 6 types of defect alarms for passing trains with the probability you assign. The Talking Detector also reports axle count, train speed and length, and temperature — just like automated detectors on the prototype. For a bygone era, listen as rear trainmen report defects and speeding engineers. The Talking Detector can also be configured as a Displaying Detector. Speakers and Display Bezel not included.
The Voice Chip of your choice (male or female) is included. Please order by automated voice type:
Female Voice Model No. TB-22F $139.95
Male Voice Model No. TB-22M $139.95
Important: If your rail is larger than Code 125 (1/8"), please let us know. We will provide longer LED leads on your Axle Sensors.
Custom Word or Phrase Item No. TB-CWP
Boulder Creek Engineering is happy to add a word or phrase that's special for your railroad. We'll record and add it to the more than 100 words and phrases already included with the TrainBoss™ Talking Defect Detector. And we'll load it on as many Talking Defect Detectors as you order.
Custom words or phrases must be ordered separately for each automated voice type, male and female, if both are desired. For example, "Colorado and Southern Ry." in both male and female voice would be two orders of that phrase for a total of $20.
Be sure to include your email address with your order so we can contact you for pronunciation or other questions.
Voice Chip Item No. TB-VC22F/M
You can change the automated voice on your Model No. TB-22F/M Talking Defect Detector from male to female or vice versa by swapping the Voice Chip.
Please order an additional Voice Chip by automated voice type:
Female Voice Chip Item No. TB-VC22F $30.00
Male Voice Chip Item No. TB-VC22M $30.00
Upgrade Item No. TB-UG22F/M
Customers who desire the latest features and vocabulary can upgrade their current Talking Defect Detector to Model No. TB-22F/M. You must send your Talking Defect Detector circuit board postpaid to Boulder Creek Engineering and order the upgrade below.
If you are upgrading to the Female Automated Voice with Custom Words or Phrases, you must reorder your Custom Words or Phrases separately, Item No. TB-CWP above.
Please order by automated voice type:
Female Voice Upgrade Item No. TB-UG22F $10.00
Male Voice Upgrade Item No. TB-UG22M $10.00
Displaying Defect Detector Model No. TB-22D
Modeling defect detectors from the 1940s to today, the Displaying Defect Detector drives LEDs or semaphore motors to alert train crews and remote operators. With its Display mounted on the back of its circuit board, the Displaying Detector is ready to deliver fascia or panel mounted defect reports. And like the Talking Detector, it also ties into C/MRI, DigiTrax, JRMI, and more — without all the talk. Includes Display Bezel.
Model No. TB-22D $89.95
Important: If your rail is larger than Code 125 (1/8"), please let us know. We will provide longer LED leads on your Axle Sensors.
Display Bezel Model No. BZ-25
Smoked lens bezel mounts in front of the TrainBoss™ Defect Detector display for non-talking installations. This bezel is included with Display Defect Detector Model No. TB-22D. It is available separately for non-talking installations of Talking Defect Detector Model No. TB-22F/M.
Model No. BZ-25 $4.95