I was at a Greenberg show recently. A few train dealers had good prices on
“MTH proto 1” engines premier and railking. Are these things duds and am I asking for headaches buy purchasing some of these engines? I really liked a
C&O steam turbine (price was good). I did some research and MTH has upgrade kits (there is a $cost+) and I do not really feel like buying a new engine just to have to turn around and upgrade it.
My question is: Are proto 1 (new in the box/never run ) worth it and will I have to constantly charge batteries and have maintenance problems?
Hi Seacoast,
It would help if you told us if this is a RailKing or Premier engine and how much you are paying for it.
An upgrade kit is $150 for club members and $170 for non members, installation if you have it done is about $125.00 or so. IMO a Railking is not worth an upgrade to PS2.
As far a the battery is concerned, you can replace the NiCad with MiNh or with a BRC and never have a battery issue again.
http://thomas-distributing.com/ap-200-1.htm
http://www.jandwelectronics.com
Some people have converted the PS1 engines to TMCC for command control.
Hope this helps
tom
A premier NYC F-3 ABA for $399.00, the Steam Turbine was $599.00. both-
mint in box & never used. I liked the products but I am more familiar with Lionel Postwar & MPC. Thanks for the links. So I can not run them with DCS?
I just did not want problems with batteries etc… As MTH is new to me (in terms of purchasing products).
You most certainly CAN run PS-1 stuff with DCS…just follow your DCS User Manual instructions (page 97 in mine). I find the DCS handheld to give rock solid results whereas the whistle button on my LW Txfrmr doesn’t always give the results that I want.
I’m sure I’m not the only one on the forum who runs the PS-1 equipment with the DCS system…
Great topic seacost. It appears as if there is a slight trend happening right now with a few train show vendors/dealers offering great blow-out prices on new MTH
PS-1 engines. I’ve seen prices as low as almost half of suggested reatail. At a recent show a few dealers were blowing out new RailKing PS-1 engines at $225 ea.
However, I wouldn’t go through the time, inconvenience or expense for the PS-2 upgrades. I would only replace their batteries with BRCs and then enjoy your new found bargains.
BillFromWayne
www.modeltrainjournal.com
I also see quite abit of proto 1 leftovers in the two “O” Toy Trian Magazines also. Yes it sounds more practical just to replace the batteries as suggested. I did not know that MTH was still making new “proto 1”. The margins must be huge on the engines , i.e
$ 1000 engine for $600 + or minus but the dealers/local train shops have to pay the electric bill.
If they are brand new and in the box, DON’T RUN THEM!!! Replace the battery with a Nimh first. You will not have a problem. Purchase the Battery Eliminator, and it appears you will never have to worry again. I have 2 PS-1 locos, and I love them! I am planning on replacing the batteries with the eliminator, and I really think they will run forever.
Do you have a link to battery eliminator site?
I am glad you read my posting and check the ref sites I gave you.
Here it is again
Mine have run great since I replaced the computer by a Lionel e-unit and whistle.
Thanks Spankybird you have a cool layout too!
Seacoast,
You can run PS-1 with DCS (just as Jim says), but they will be running in conventional, via one of the “Variable” channels. You can even run a PS-2 in command mode on the same track at the same time.
If you want to run a PS-2 in command mode, you can purchase an “Equalizer” or UCUB board to convert it to TMCC, or a PS-2 upgrade from MTH-to operate in command with DCS.
I agree with the post above about not trying to run it without replacing the battery-either with a BCR or a Nimh.
OK
I agree - a new battery “BCR” or equivalent. Where can I look at equalizers or UCUB boards- I checked out converting it to PS-2 and its pretty darn $$$ close to 300 depending on who does the install…
Seacoast,
Train America Studios makes the UCUB. Digital Dynamics makes the Equalizer. Both of these firms have web sites and great technical support. I have purchased products from both and have been very pleased (I have installed the Equalizer, but not the UCUB yet–I have done about 5 TAS installations).
If you do the PS-2 install (as opposed to paying someone else), you are only out $180.00 or so. If memory serves, the instructions are on MTH’s website, so you can download them, read them, and see if you want to tackle it. I have not done it yet, but look forward to it in the future.