PS1 Engines with Problems

[Anonymous]

I'm looking at a few PS1 engines that are having issues - not wanting to run, horn blowing when they decide to run etc. What would ya'll say these are worth? They're SD-60 premier's not sure of the year....
I've seen a lot about batteries causing problems. How much would it run to switch out the board for something upgraded? I know changing out for PS2 is probably very expensive relative to what the engine is worth, but how much does that upgrade cost?

How common are the problems on PS1 engines? I'm also looking at an 0-8-0 steam engine but it's not having any problems so far....

[Anonymous]

Many people still run and enjoy PS1 engines. Right now one of their appeals are their lower price for someone just starting in the hobby.

Early PS1 engines often have battery issues that in some cases scrambled the control boards. A hobby store may very well be able to use the MTH unscrambling Chip and a new battery and have you back in operation. Another
product to consider is the Battery Eliminator which someone else can post alink to. This device, a capicater (sp) replaces the battery by slipping into the same spot as the 9volt battery.

I'm currently running PS2 engines and still have PS1 engines I run at our club shows that run in conventional mode. Look at PS1 engines as a good value for trains that are often the only available model of some engines. MTH Coal Turbine, MTH Big Blow Turbine, until PS2 version arrives.

Prices vary widely and you will be able to get a good price if you look enough
places. List what you're looking for on forums and see what is available and for how much.

The early PS1 SD60s should be under $200 is my guess. Good luck and
enjoy them.

[spankybird]

I also have many (about 10 or 12 of them) PS1 engines and run them without any problems

The problem of the engine blowing its horn when running sounds like dirty track or using a crop sine wave transformer and not an engine problem.

The up grade kit is $179 or so and about $125 to have it installed. IMO its not worth upgradeing a railking engine to PS2. This being a Pirmier engine, you would have to condsider the price you paid for the engine to see if it makes Cents to you.

[Anonymous]

Doesn't sound too bad. From what I've read I kind of figured it might be a transformer problem. I don't know how much I should pu***he guy on what transformer etc he's using. He's fed up with the engines having problems and really doesn't want to fool with them as he's got a ton of stuff. I'm looking at getting an 0-8-0 switcher and 2 sd-60 premiers for about $100 because they aren't running right. Sounds like they're well worth that.

[philo426]

Go for it!That is a great value and you will regret it if you pass it up!

[Anonymous]

A $100 for three PS-1 locos is a good deal whether they are running or not. The two diesels could be gutted and used as dummies.