I have one diesel loco with sound on my layout. While the sound is great and all, I would like to be able to get it to sound a little more prototypical. What I would love is to have only 8 speed "notches", and the ability to coast (is that the right word?) long distances, and apply the brakes with the push of a button. Is this possible with any type of decoder without having to manually control the engine sounds? Today the loco has a ESU Loksound decoder.

After a lot of cleaning and gleaming of the track I finally had reliable track work and my 3 truck gear driven locos run all over it without any problems.  I then added a new (to me) PFM United 2-truck Shay to the roster.  The 2-truck Shay was professionally overhauled now has a can motor, flywheel, a stay alive, and a Tsunami decoder and speaker installed.  It runs great until the second truck goes onto any frog on my layout.

Ok, I've got most of the "short" problems solved. However, there is a problem with the code 70 switches not having good steady blade contact and I'm not sure how to solve it. When the engine hits the switch, I can push against the rail with my wood uncoupling stick (to a point the engine hits it) or press down on the ties or the throw bar plastic piece and the rail makes better contact.