MTH Railking 4-6-2 Reading Crusader

[KEVINK22]

Hey All,

 I was on the website of a local hobby shop near me, and they have a MTH Railking 4-6-2 Reading Crusader steam engine for sale. The engine from what i have found through some research is the same one that MTH had in it's 1999 Volume 3 catalog which is the same year proto sound was introduced. My question is does anyone think that this would be a good item to aquire for my collection?

I know from what i have read hear on the forum and through other sites that the original proto sound, or proto sound 1 can have some issues. Is this something i should take into consideration, and also how is the smoke output? Anyones input would be great. Thanks!

[Seayakbill]

I have all my original MTH PS-1 locos. When the batteries in the locos hit the 5 year mark I replaced them with the BCR's. Using this process I never have had any of the problems associated with the dead battery scrambling issues. This morning I was running the MTH DAP PS-1 Turbine, ran great, super strong puller with above average sounds vs todays locomotives even though the sound system would be considered ancient.

[jefelectric]

Kevin, They also made this loco in PS2, are you sure the one listed is PS1.  I have the whole train with the PS2 loco and it runs and looks great.

[phillyreading]

I have this engine in PS-1, would love to have it in PS-2! The major issue with a PS-1 engine is making sure the battery, or BCR, is fully charged before powering up. This engine is supposed to have five passenger cars with observation cars on each end, so the train would not need to be turned around, just reverse the engine & tender. At least that is how the Reading Company ran the set.

[KEVINK22]

I am really not sure. In the description it just states that it is RK 4-6-2 Reading Crusader. All the other MTH  items say Proto Sound 2. Here is the description:

MTH3011521

RK RDG CRUSADER 4-6-2 W/SD

I took the MTH item number and went on the MTH site to product locator. It said that it was issued in the 1999 Volume 3 catalog and made no mention of Proto Sound 2.0. What do you think? Am i missing where it says Proto Sound 2.0? Thanks for your thoughts.

[phillyreading]

That number, 3011521 cab # 117, is definately a PS-1! I have the exact model of this one by MTH.