Has anyone installed MTH PS3 in post war Lionel trains

[rrinker]

 I never understood why, if they thought it was so great, they didn't offer it like DCC - as a decoder or receiver or whatever term they use to install in your existing loco(s) instead of only as a built in item on MTH locos. Hopefully the new group will move in this direction if they really feel they have a superior product. They have enough different sounds to offer a fairly decent range of locos . 

 Not that I see any compelling features, at least in the scale model market.

                                                  --Randy

 

[Overmod]

BMMECNYC

Given MTH's recent announcement, I would not suggest installing DCS in anything until its absolutely clear if the company will continue to exist and what form that takes.

The one thing that Mike Wolf made clear initially was that the DCS business was going to be continued 'by employees' and he quickly noted that this would involve new construction of hardware and not just maintenance of the existing base.  I had the strong impression Mike expects the 'new' entity to be proactive in promoting DCS as an alternative, at least as intently as the literature 'packet' and CD in contemporary MTH HO locomotive packaging try to do.

Not that I think DCS 'as it is' is particularly suited for anything much more sophisticated than toy trains.

[Anonymous]

Given MTH's recent announcement, I would not suggest installing DCS in anything until its absolutely clear if the company will continue to exist and what form that takes.

 

[Anonymous]

rrinker

 You'll probably get a better response on the Classic Toy Trains forums, not too many hi-rail people here. I wasn't aware MTH sold the DCS boards for install, I thought the only way to get one was to buy an MTH loco. I'd also question the ability of them to drive an older Lionel wound field motor. The current draw I would suspect is way higher than the more modern motors in PS3 locos.

                                             --Randy

 

 

Maybe.. The last time I tried to ask a technical DCS/Legacy question, or a how to on installing modern electronics in a K-Line locomotive, I got nothing useful.  There was "one guy" who sometimes knows stuff, but on the whole, its not a very technical crowd.  YMMV

Ive honestly considered ripping out all proprietary electronics from my MTH and Lionel locomotives and installing DCC/possibly LCC if something comes out.  Its a juggling act getting two dissimliar command control systems to play on the same layout.  Imagine if you had to use an Athearn control system for an Athearn locomotive, and an Atlas control system etc....  This is the state of things in the three rail side of the hobby, and it is tolerated and propetuated by the hobbyists..

[rrinker]

 You'll probably get a better response on the Classic Toy Trains forums, not too many hi-rail people here. I wasn't aware MTH sold the DCS boards for install, I thought the only way to get one was to buy an MTH loco. I'd also question the ability of them to drive an older Lionel wound field motor. The current draw I would suspect is way higher than the more modern motors in PS3 locos.

                                             --Randy

 

[JW1]

I am new to the site and I would like to find out if anyone has installed MTH'S ps-3 dcs system in lionel post war train steam or diesel engines. I would like to use the DCS to control the speed of the engines on the track,and if possible anyother features.