Proto 1 Thoughts or ideas.

[seacoast]

I was at a Greenberg show recently. A few train dealers had good prices on
"MTH proto 1" engines premier and railking. Are these things duds and am I asking for headaches buy purchasing some of these engines? I really liked a
C&O steam turbine (price was good). I did some research and MTH has upgrade kits (there is a $cost+) and I do not really feel like buying a new engine just to have to turn around and upgrade it.
My question is: Are proto 1 (new in the box/never run ) worth it and will I have to constantly charge batteries and have maintenance problems?

[spankybird]

Hi Seacoast,

It would help if you told us if this is a RailKing or Premier engine and how much you are paying for it.

An upgrade kit is $150 for club members and $170 for non members, installation if you have it done is about $125.00 or so. IMO a Railking is not worth an upgrade to PS2.

As far a the battery is concerned, you can replace the NiCad with MiNh or with a BRC and never have a battery issue again.

http://thomas-distributing.com/ap-200-1.htm

http://www.jandwelectronics.com

Some people have converted the PS1 engines to TMCC for command control.

Hope this helps

tom

[seacoast]

A premier NYC F-3 ABA for $399.00, the Steam Turbine was $599.00. both-
mint in box & never used. I liked the products but I am more familiar with Lionel Postwar & MPC. Thanks for the links. So I can not run them with DCS?
I just did not want problems with batteries etc.. As MTH is new to me (in terms of purchasing products).

[Jim Duda]

You most certainly CAN run PS-1 stuff with DCS...just follow your DCS User Manual instructions (page 97 in mine). I find the DCS handheld to give rock solid results whereas the whistle button on my LW Txfrmr doesn't always give the results that I want.

I'm sure I'm not the only one on the forum who runs the PS-1 equipment with the DCS system...

[Anonymous]

Great topic seacost. It appears as if there is a slight trend happening right now with a few train show vendors/dealers offering great blow-out prices on new MTH
PS-1 engines. I've seen prices as low as almost half of suggested reatail. At a recent show a few dealers were blowing out new RailKing PS-1 engines at $225 ea.

However, I wouldn't go through the time, inconvenience or expense for the PS-2 upgrades. I would only replace their batteries with BRCs and then enjoy your new found bargains.
BillFromWayne
www.modeltrainjournal.com

[seacoast]

I also see quite abit of proto 1 leftovers in the two "O" Toy Trian Magazines also. Yes it sounds more practical just to replace the batteries as suggested. I did not know that MTH was still making new "proto 1". The margins must be huge on the engines , i.e
$ 1000 engine for $600 + or minus but the dealers/local train shops have to pay the electric bill.

[mpzpw3]

If they are brand new and in the box, DON'T RUN THEM!!! Replace the battery with a Nimh first. You will not have a problem. Purchase the Battery Eliminator, and it appears you will never have to worry again. I have 2 PS-1 locos, and I love them! I am planning on replacing the batteries with the eliminator, and I really think they will run forever.

[seacoast]

Do you have a link to battery eliminator site?

[spankybird]

QUOTE: Originally posted by spankybird

Hi Seacoast,

It would help if you told us if this is a RailKing or Premier engine and how much you are paying for it.

An upgrade kit is $150 for club members and $170 for non members, installation if you have it done is about $125.00 or so. IMO a Railking is not worth an upgrade to PS2.

As far a the battery is concerned, you can replace the NiCad with MiNh or with a BRC and never have a battery issue again.

http://thomas-distributing.com/ap-200-1.htm

http://www.jandwelectronics.com

Some people have converted the PS1 engines to TMCC for command control.

Hope this helps

tom

I am glad you read my posting and check the ref sites I gave you.

Here it is again

http://www.jandwelectronics.com
tom

[lionelsoni]

Mine have run great since I replaced the computer by a Lionel e-unit and whistle.

[seacoast]

Thanks Spankybird you have a cool layout too!

[Anonymous]

Seacoast,

You can run PS-1 with DCS (just as Jim says), but they will be running in conventional, via one of the "Variable" channels. You can even run a PS-2 in command mode on the same track at the same time.

If you want to run a PS-2 in command mode, you can purchase an "Equalizer" or UCUB board to convert it to TMCC, or a PS-2 upgrade from MTH-to operate in command with DCS.

I agree with the post above about not trying to run it without replacing the battery-either with a BCR or a Nimh.

[seacoast]

OK
I agree - a new battery "BCR" or equivalent. Where can I look at equalizers or UCUB boards- I checked out converting it to PS-2 and its pretty darn $$$ close to 300 depending on who does the install..

[Anonymous]

Seacoast,

Train America Studios makes the UCUB. Digital Dynamics makes the Equalizer. Both of these firms have web sites and great technical support. I have purchased products from both and have been very pleased (I have installed the Equalizer, but not the UCUB yet--I have done about 5 TAS installations).

If you do the PS-2 install (as opposed to paying someone else), you are only out $180.00 or so. If memory serves, the instructions are on MTH's website, so you can download them, read them, and see if you want to tackle it. I have not done it yet, but look forward to it in the future.