Question on FM Trainmaster bodies

[Deputy]

Can anyone tell me how "interchangeable" the FM Trainmaster bodies are between Lionel, MTH and Williams? I am talking about current production, not the postwar stuff.

I have a feeling it would be less expensive for me to buy an MTH Proto 2 FM Trainmaster and swap the body with a Proto 1 unit, than send a Proto 1 in for an upgrade to Proto 2. But I don't know if the mounting is the same.  

Dep

[rtraincollector]

not sure but I would think and seem to have heard befor betwen lionel and MTH or Williams no but between mth proto 1 and proto 2 maybe

[Bob Keller]

You might want to call MTH for a definitive answer, since they made the products.

[DMUinCT]

Can only guess!  But watchout;

Bodies,

  Williams and Lionel come from the same sub-contractor, Sanda Kan, but may be quite different.  The K-Line version also came from there and had inproved detail.  MTH is built elsewhere. Will the holes line up ?? Will it fit the frame ??

Lights on MTH,

ProtoSound I is backed up with a 9 volt Battery.  ProtoSound II is backed up with a 2.4 volt NiCad Battery Pack.    PS II use low wattage 6 volt bulbs, upgrade instructions say "Do NOT use existing headlight and backup light bulbs in your engine with the PD-2 circuit."   This would indicate that any bulbs in the old shell (body) would have to be changed.

MTH markets Upgrade Kit for PS-1 (or any engine) to PS-2, $190 list (about $150 net).   Before you commit to any action, go on-line and download (free) the MTH DCS Uprade Manual for Diesel. (43 pages)