I just got the last Life-Like Proto 1000 New Haven RS-11 #1405 from M.B Klein. I would like to know if it’s a highly detailed engine, If it’s a good runner, & how easy is it to install a Non-Sound Decoder.
It’s been a while since I had one in my hands, but it has the “standard” proto drive with the newer can motor and should run very nice. There are some replacement board decoders available from both NCE and Digitrax and probably others. The detail level is better than the old Atlas/Kato RS-11, but I can’t remember if it had separate grabs. I do remember the handrails were very nice.
I just checked a photo of a low-nose conversion I did of the Proto 1K and it come with the grabs, and door handels, come to think of it, I don’t really know why it wasn’t a P2K mopdel.
I’m sure you’ll be pleased.
Here’s a link to installation information I submitted to TCS:
http://www.tcsdcc.com/decoderpics/Like_like_proto_RS-11/life_like_proto_1000_rs.htm
It was my first installation. I think if I had it to do again, I would remove the existing light board and hard-wire in a decoder (probably not the same one). Note that the bulbs are 1.5v, and would need resistors or to be replaced with high voltage bulbs.
My engine runs great. I have had trouble in the past with electrical pickup. Either the wheels were dirty, or some oil got on the axels and interfered with conduction of current from the wheels to the truck side frames.
Jim
New Haven I-5,
Yes, it’s pretty detailed. Yes, it’s a good runner. The decoder is, IIRC, a solder job into a circuit board where you must also cut some traces (it’s not a plug-n-play). If you can solder, it’s no problem.
modelmaker51,
The reason why it’s not P2K is that they don’t offer any “road specific” detail, and the RS-11’s had different fuel tanks, steam gen. options, etc.
What nobody’s asked yet, however, is if it’s a good model of an RS-11? The answer is…no, not really. The cab height compared to the hood height looks way off. The exhaust stack should be flush with the hood top but it’s got some wierdo RS-3 stack sticking up there. And just where is the shutter control box?
The updated “Atlas Classic” RS-11 is, IMHO, a superior model.
Paul A. Cutler III
Weather Or No Go New Haven
I have the June 2004 issue of MR, which has the the Proto RS-11 review. It says something about Atlas & NCE drop in decoders & decoder boards. Do these even exist anymore?
probably could find one on ebay…
Unless it’s several years old, it shouldn’t be a “hardwire” DCC installation. I bought my DWP RS-11 new in 2005 and it had the “plug and play” receptacle, so I assume any one made since 2004 or so should have it. BTW yes it is a very nicely detailed and good running engine.
It came today! I say its excellent.
I don’t know the different look between Hand-Wire & Plug’n’Play. Can you show me your RS-11 PC Board so I can tell the difference.