In addition to the Early (9 volt battery) and newer (3 volt battery) type, they have built high and lower output versions (HO - O - G).
The upgrade kits are the Heavy Duty "G" gauge type, designed to handle up to 2 motors. That way "one size fits all". The Kit includes the Remote Controled, O gauge "Proto Coulpers".
I've installed the kit in 3 Aristo "G" locomotives, works great and all the wires were long enough in the kit for the longer "G" locomotives.
Don U. TCA 73-5735
These ventures are worthwhile on a high end or Premier loco or for those that simply like to tinker with these things. Often times you can buy a used like new engine with all the bells and whistles cheaper than the cost of buying an engine then the parts to upgrade it.
If your layout runs conventional type locos. The Proto 1's were decent runners with adequate sounds. If you can get it cheap enough and factor in the battery issue and the reset chip it may be a good deal. If you aren't running DCS on your layout. I see no other advantage than the cruise feature or more prototypical chuffing that a Proto 2 would give you over a Proto 1 after all that expense.
37fleetwood wrote: how similar are the boards from engine to engine? they make this engine in proto 2.0 my thought was to buy a Pennsylvania starter set with the cheaper 2-8-0 consolidation and install the electronics lock stock and barrel into the older Torpedo. I will probably put the proto one stuff into the Consolidation and sell it to someone clearly marked as this having been done. are there different proto 2.0 boards based on the shape of the engine? I'm handy enough that this doesn't scare me too bad. I'm only needing to know if one out of the consolidation will be the same shape and size as the one that would come in a new Torpedo. thanks for the help so far!Scott
how similar are the boards from engine to engine? they make this engine in proto 2.0 my thought was to buy a Pennsylvania starter set with the cheaper 2-8-0 consolidation and install the electronics lock stock and barrel into the older Torpedo. I will probably put the proto one stuff into the Consolidation and sell it to someone clearly marked as this having been done. are there different proto 2.0 boards based on the shape of the engine? I'm handy enough that this doesn't scare me too bad. I'm only needing to know if one out of the consolidation will be the same shape and size as the one that would come in a new Torpedo. thanks for the help so far!
Scott
Hello Scott:
That is an interesting idea. The conversion kit sells for $180 (50-1901) but you can get a starter set for around $250.00 which includes track, transformer and cars. The challenge is that you will first need to disassemble everything from the starter engine and then reinstall everything into your desired engine. If successful, one of the nice things about PS2 is that you can load different sound files to match the type of engine you are running.
However, before you head in this direction, I would recommend that you visit the MTH site and download the instruction manual for the conversion. You may be able to get a better idea IF you are able to cannabalize the parts from one engine and install them in another. I would love to see this done.
Good luck,
John
From what I know about PS-1 & PS-2 systems, DON"T try to mix and match!! Use PS-2 only with PS-2 and observe the color codes (little dots on the bottom of the engine and tender)on the engines or engine and tender combo must match!! PS-2 is a much more complex system than PS-1.
Lee F.
PROTO SOUND I, is a sound system only, based on the QSI system. It uses battery backup to retain memory.
PROTO SOUND II, is a Digital Control System (DCS) for the locomotive with a built in remote control Sound System. It holds its memory in "flash ram" and uses the battery only to maintain voltage for the sound over dead spots or in conventional control. The upgrade kits from "I" to "II" works well, but is not for anyone not into electronics. If you want to go to Digital Control as well as upgrade sound, it is the way to go. Some hobby shops will do this for $100 - $150 plus the $189 for the kit. If you are going to do it yourself, then join the MTH Club and save $40 on the Kit. The kit supplies and replaces all PC boards, all lights, battery, and requires drilling to mount parts. As when working with any micro-computer, observe Anti-Static protection. Not for the faint of heart.
wrmcclellan wrote: Scott,PS1 locos can end up with a scrambled control chip if the battery gets too old and low in voltage. MTH sells a kit for about $45 that includes a special chip and the chip puller to allow you to reset the loco and reinstall the original chip.
Scott,
PS1 locos can end up with a scrambled control chip if the battery gets too old and low in voltage. MTH sells a kit for about $45 that includes a special chip and the chip puller to allow you to reset the loco and reinstall the original chip.
The MTH web site has the reset kit listed for $24.95.
Regards,
thanx for the info. first I don't know what is wrong with it that is why it is so cheap. it is one of the Pennsylvania Torpedo engines, which I have always been fond of. they go for quite a bit new so either the upgrade or the clunker idea will be cheaper. don't some of the dealers have this reset chip and offer to reset your engine for a nominal fee? maybe I will just get the reset chip I may be able to use it again in future.
You can buy a PS2 set of boards from MTH and upgrade the loco and this will cost you about $180 ($150 if you are a MTHRRC member). But depending on the loco, you may find the same loco has been offered more recently with PS2.
So if you just like doing upgrades on your own - I highly recommend you buy a new kit vs looking for a clunker with PS2 due to the sensitivity of the electronics and the cost if the clunker electronics do not work. If you are just wanting a particular loco with PS2 - you might serch for it to see if it has been reoffered with PS2.
Regards, Roy
I am not a good source of information on this but from what I have read and heard the problem with PS-1 engines are related to the battery. If the battery dies and does not have sufficient charge, it is likely that the engine will lock up. You will hear the "three clanks of death" indicating that the engine has frozen. The good news is that MTH sells a reset kit (50-1023) for about $25.00 that will allow you to get the engine working again. Secondly, you can get a BCR (Battery Component Replacement) for another $25.00 and not worry about a battery dying again. The only drawback with a BCR is that you need to wait a small period of time after power up for the BCR to be charged.
Others with direct experience may be able to provide more insight.
Other than this issue, I have heard that PS-1 engines are good runners and are well constructed.
Good Luck,
Ok, I looked a bit last night and didn't find quite the answer I was looking for. there were several options listed but initials were used and I don't know what they mean. I am looking at buying an older Mth engine with Proto Sounds 1. it has problems I'm assuming are battery related. I may fix the problems with the existing system but are there more options? can you get a proto sounds 2.0 tender and make it work? should I look on ebay for a broken up proto sounds 2.0 engine and tender set with good electronics? are there other makers who's electronics will interchange? should I avoid this engine altogether and spend and get a newer one? this one is just too cheap to pass up.
thanx
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