Being new to this fourm, I would like to ask the members of the entry of mth into the train hobby will be able to be run with my exsting DCC system. thankyou in advance
blackdog,
Yes, it should. However, the more functions your DCC systems has, the more you’ll get out of your K4…and sometime to be released 2-8-8-8-2.
MTH’s DCS system comes with 28-functons. I saw one at the World’s Greatest Hobby (WGH) show in Pittsburgh Monroeville, PA earlier this year. Funky looking controller.
Tom
The MTH-proprietary DCS system, however, will not run your DCC engines. The HO K4 is equipped with a dual-mode decoder that will run either on DCC or DCS.
The original MR review of this engine said that it couldn’t really achieve its rated top speed with DCC, because the DCS track voltage is higher and the motor is designed for that. I believe some people here have said they fixed that problem in the production version.
From what I’ve heard, owners are generally happy with their MTH K4’s in HO.
Actually, it was held in Monroeville; I was there too…I’m the tall guy in the photo.
Ted,
I stand corrected. It was indeed Monroeville. I thought it was a good show. Crowded…but a good show.
Tom
Your post is probably going to start another series of comments about MTH because the HO community is very split regarding MTH. Their K4 is supposed to run very well and is their only locomotive available in HO. They have elected to have a proprietary DCC system that as posted is required to obtain all the features . Everyone else has produced DCC systems that for the most part are highly compatible. That is something to consider. Broadway Limited Industries also has a K4 that is DCC and sound equipped that is totaly compatible with other DCC systems and in the same price range. In addition they offer many locomotives beside a k4. The only other engine announced by MTH is an oddball engine owned only by the Erie and Virginian railroads and it has been about two years since the K4. My personal opinion is they will not stay active in the HO sector for much longer if this announced engine is not a high seller. I do not own any BLI engines but if I were making that choice I would choose the BLI over the MTH.
ndbprr: the MTK K´4 is astronomically better than the BLI, with their exclusive smoking fun, and lot of sounds, conversations, annoucements, superb slow motion, etc. etc. It runs on DC, DCC and DCS. I have the NCE PowerCab with 28 functions, and can enjoy everything. I´m first for the Triplex!!!
The MTH has some very glaring errors to a PRR fan as does the BLI as does the Bachman. Let’s not start the war again. Serious HO modelers do not want “smoke fun” and the associated fallout on the rails. It is not “astronomically better”. It is an option.