Running MTH PS-2 Engines With Traditional Transformer

Are there any problems operating MTH PS-2 engines with a traditional transformer (Lionel TW)? I’m not interested in DCS at the present time.

The Rail King RS-3 diesel (and I presume all PS-2 locos) allows you to perform these functions from a TW:
Directon - Fwd, Neutral, Rev
Activate Freight Yard Sounds
Fire the Rear Coupler
Fire the Front Coupler
Speed Control On/Off
Lock into a direction On/Off
Reset to Factory Defaults
Whistle/Horn, Bell
All the above by sequences of Bell and Whistle button pushes.

Automatic Sounds:
Squealing Brakes
Cab Chatter
Engine Start-up, Shut-down

Anybody want to add anything…?

JimBo - I believe you got it covered. Very well done. [8D]

I’m not sure Jim. With the TW won’t you have to wire in an optional bell button? Before I bought a Z4000 I had to use one with my Lionel 1033.

I believe you are correct. [:)] They can be bought for about $15.00 each.[;)]

I looked for an external bell button off and on for five years while I tried to run my PS-1 with a ZW. Maybe I am in a consumer unfriendly area, but I was told by at least three fairly reputable hobby shops that they were no longer available. The wiring circuitry is pretty simple, and I was collecting parts to build one when I threw up my hands and bought a Z-4000. The difference in ease of operation was so breath taking that I bought another PS-1. I like Mike. Even if he did force me to buy a four hundred dollar transformer for the lack of a fifteen dollar bell switch.

Doug Johnson

See Doug, you should have joined the forum sooner.

The Bell Button part number is 610-5906-1from Warren’s Trains at

http://www.wmtlionelparts.com

tom

But then I would have had nothing to complain about, Tom. What good is a cantankerous old man that has nothing to complain about?

Seriously, thank you. I am on my way over there to order a couple.

Doug Johnson

You can also get the button direct from Lionel. Go to their Cust Service area and then to Replacement parts and enter 610-5906-001, $13 + shipping.

Regards,
Roy

Tom and the guys are correct…you WILL need a “Sound Activation Button” if there isn’t one built into your Txfrmr…Sorry!

Some one said thare was an artical on making a better sound button in Classic Toy trains.Anybody still have the schematic??? Andy

When I had my railking 686 I used a Tech 2 transformer, and it worked, I had a whistle, but no bell (my IR remote broke)