MTH 20-5510-1O PRR P5a Electric

[OhioZephyr]

I'm looking for input above the above MTH locomotive. I can purchase one on eBay for about $400, but I read one review that this engine from 2000, is subject to failure because of the older electronic PS/2 boards are subject to failure. 

Any advise would be greatly appreciated. 

Thanks

 

OhioZephyr

[Flintlock76]

I'm not sure but take this for what it's worth.

Any circuit board can fail at anytime.  They can last for 20 years or blow tomorrow, you just never know.  That being said I've got some MTH PS2 models in the same age bracket as the model you're looking at and they still run just fine.  I DID replace the MTH batteries with BCRs and that certainly helps extend the board lives. 

Personally I'd ask for a money-back gurantee just in case the model doesn't work and if you can't get one give it a miss. 

[OhioZephyr]

Thanks for the input. I appreciate it. The majority of my collection ranges from prewar (1915) to late 80s, all of which I can repair. The newer locomotives are beautifu, but the electronics can be challenging. 

[Flintlock76]

OhioZephyr

The newer locomotives are beautifu, but the electronics can be challenging. 

I hear you!  But if you're like me and you only run conventional you can restore conventional-only operation to the modern types with what's called a "Drop-in E-Unit."  I've done it myself with some from Dallee Electronics.  The boards are reasonably priced and pretty easy installs.

https://www.dallee.com/  

If your sound package goes as well they also make sound units but I can't speak from experience on those. 

[OhioZephyr]

Thanks for the link. Great information.