I have a chance to buy an engine with the early pro sound technology. I thought I have read reviews where that isn’t so good. I like the engine scheme and road name. What are your thoughts?
Rob
I had the same dilemna. I ended up buying the PS1, and had it upgraded by TAS for $300 to PS2. Ended up being a good decision. I only had PS2 controllers, DCS etc… But ended up with a valuable train that cost less than what it was worth.
And even moreso, we really enjoy it.
The PS1 system was okay for its time - but like beer - it doesn’t age well.
When a PS1 engine was working correctly, it could be a challenge (you need to read a manual to understand what I mean), but a lack of running usually meant that batteries died and problems would arise after that.
If you can run it before buying it, do it.
I’ve got two (a Centipede and an SD90) and a 50% operating rate.
To this day, I still pick up a Proto 1 engine here & there, usually at a real bargain. If you see one in the paintsheme you desire, go for it. When you get it home, immediately drop in a new NiMh 8.4v battery from Radio Shack (just go ahead and buy the battery charger too). Replacing batteries in MTH is a given, like changing your car’s oil.
And like BK said, make sure you test it before taking it home. Don’t want a damaged board from a bad battery.
Let me just add that mechanically, they are good little machines, their weak spot is the electronics. You can find some genuine bargains out there, but you might want to factor in the possible cost of either a TMCC or PS2 upgrade, or something more radical like conversion to a simple electronic reverse unit.
I just so happened to have stopped by my LHS on Tuesday and they had the new MTH 490 C&O Streamlined Hudson with PS2… a few months back I bought a non-PS (just horn and whistle) 491 with 7 passenger cars… my price was just a bit over what the new PS2 engine cost… so I may end up with a 490 and 491 (I just love the yellowbelly) if I can talk the wifey into it for christmas… but they also had a WM F3 A-B-A set that I really like because I don’t have many diesel engines and the price is very good for them as well…
Decisions Decisions…
As for PS1 vs PS2… like Fife says, if the PS1 runs, drop a new battery in it and go for it! I’ve got a couple new batteries to buy myself…
Thanks for the advice everyone. I will test that bad boy first just to make sure it’s not a bad boy! lol Thanks again.
PS1 is a sound system used before 2002. Battery problems, keep it well charged or buy the BCR unit as a battery replacement.
PS2 is a combined Sound and DCS digital control system, no battery problems. Good Sound in conventional control, as good as it gets with full sound access by DCS digital control.
If you are in the MTH Club and have a reasonable feel for wiring, the Upgrade Kit from PS1 to PS2 is $150 (members only) or $190 to the public.
Been there, done that!
rockn77,
Glad to hear you will be testing the engine before you buy! There really is nothing wrong with proto-1 engines, as long as you start out with a good one, and keep the battery charged, or install a bcr. Absolutely make sure you get the instruction manual for the engine! Programming can be a real chore, moving the throttle up and down so many times, so the manual will help. These engines are great bargains for the conventional operater. I recently purchased the Lionel conventional F-3 set, and aside from the pilot, trucks, and a little different paint scheme, My proto-1 engines compare very well. Not quite as well detailed, but not too many people would notice.
I’m not a big brand vs. brand guy, I buy from alll the manufacturer’s if they make what I want. If a guy can find a working proto-1 engine that he wants, and knows the pitfalls, buy it. Same goes for all the manufacturer’s.
With proto 1 you have to replace the battery with a BRC.