This has come up from time to time, and most recently in a more general thread about MTH. MTH Steam Engines and Disels with Protosounds-1 (PS-1) often can be found at bargain prices, be it live, or on-line. Are they worth it, and what can be dome with them if the PS-1 does not work, or is scrambled. Thanks Ken
I’d say if it is still new - or you can trust the seller that it hasn’t been scrambled, you can take a chance - BUT just be sure a fresh battery is in it before you start it up the first time. I did this with a Daylight 4-8-4 (the only I re-painted into New York Central) and it ran like a dream. The last thing anyone wants is to hear the clangs of doom.
If a guy prepares himself with a board descramber (30 bucks) to deal with the clang of death the bargain hunt becomes less risky. For the price, replacing the rechargeable battery with a new one or BCR for that matter is good insurance. Then of course you got the risk of permanent damage such as tosted electronics. In any event, I agree. Buyer beware and prepared.
Even without the electronics the engines are well made and will run well. You could always gut the PS-1 parts and either install a DCRU, ElectricRR parts, DIgital Dynamics TMCC components or even PS-2 electronics if it suits you.
Absolutley! As long as you don’t destroy the collector value like Bob did painting his GS in NYC colors**…THE HORROR!!![:O]**
Can you upgrade PS-1 to PS-2 / DCS? If so what is the cost?
MTH sells 3 PS2 Upgrade KIts, Diesel, Steam, and “G” Gauge (can be ordered On-Line). It lists for $180 and includes all parts needed, including the speaker for sound, to add DCS Control and Full Sound. MTH Club Members get a large discount.
Do you enjoy wiring or repairing trains? A forty page Manual walks you through the installation. It takes time, a few holes to drill, some Soldering, changing all bulbs, backup battery is now 3 volt, and you set it up with your home computer. When your done and have tested Conventional Control, you download the DCS and Sound Files to the engine from the MTH Web Site. It is a real project. I have done 5 for myself (including adding PS2 to other brand engines), results are great
Is there anyway to just take out the PS1 and run the train in convetional mode?
I have a couple of Proto 1 Railking locomotives–I took out the MTH battery in each one and replaced them with fully charged NIMH batteries, to be on the safe side, and haven’t had a problem. I have the New Haven EP-5 and Union Pacific Gas Turbine.
You can remove all the proto-1 stuff and replace them with an electronic e-unit. Be forewarned, though, that you will lose the coil coupler feature, sound, and possibly some lighting features.