MTH Proto 3 locos

[ScaleCraft]

which was part of the reasoning. To do it like the old timers did, to do a "proof of concept", to do what Lionel could have and should have done, using their components.

[rogruth]

Very nice, Dave.
Makes one wonder why Lionel didn't have a greater variety of loco types in the post war period.
My guess is they were selling almost all of what they made and weren't concerned.

[G3750]

Very nice, Dave.
Makes one wonder why Lionel didn't have a greater variety of loco types in the post war period.
My guess is they were selling almost all of what they made and weren't concerned.

Roger,
I think you are right. They were selling everything they made. Shoot, they couldn’t be bothered to get the K4 wheel arrangement right.

George

[HONDO74]

Very nice, Dave.
Makes one wonder why Lionel didn't have a greater variety of loco types in the post war period.
My guess is they were selling almost all of what they made and weren't concerned.

They were making toys for children to play with. Back in the late 40s and into the 50s all I knew was they were fun to play with. I didn't know one engine from the other and could care less. While Lionel did great in the early 50s it tapered off by the late 50s going into the 60s. Other toys came along that were taking their place, like slot cars.

As for me I became more interested in flying model airplanes with the gas engines..

[G3750]

It's complicated because Mikey is a genius. If you don't believe that, just ask him, and he'll tell you.

I have done all sorts of cut-and-throw on MTH engines. DCRU's when they were available, Dallee when not.
Most worthless waste of electronics I have ever seen, and it all goes into the trash.

Last one I did was couple of months ago, an MTH copy of an Ives 1134 (?) standard gauge.
Did a full service on it earlier in the year, club was running it late in the year and POOF!, dead.
Battery showed charge, but the Dead Control System proved it's name that day.
12A Dallee went in, ALL the factory stuff came out, including the separate code wheel and gear train, smoke unit, brackets, screws, wiring.

DC can motor and worm drive...really quiet and the club doesn't need one or two "equipped" locos to run alongside pre-war Lionel engines.

This!!!!!

George

[G3750]

Roger asked:

Why is this so complicated? Just because it was a Lionel / MTH rivalry? Or something else?

Partially. There is a lot of ego involved in this. Lionel used to use QSI stuff until Dick Kughn and Neil Young teamed up to create TMCC. They had seen what QSI was working on and decided they could do better. When Mike Wolf and Lionel parted ways, Mike needed electronics for the trains he decided to make. He turned to QSI.

The issues with the PS-1 chips getting scrambled is complicated. MTH and its followers are quick to blame QSI as they "made" the modules. They are less sanguine about the changes MTH demanded to the original QSI designs that directly lead to the scrambling issues.

The back story on all of this is that Lionel originally wanted a system that would work with any train they ever made. This required support for open frame motors and a host of other issues that would further muddy the waters. I made peace with the knowledge that I would gut any PS-1 loco I ever purchased and I've limited my purchase of newer stuff to things like subways that Lionel wouldn't make. It bothers me to pay extra for electronics I don't want/need but that's the way it goes.

And this!!!

George

[G3750]

Thanks all.

I have been told that MTH steam locos in particular are very nice looking. They do offer several that Lionel doesn't in prices that I might be able to afford. But as Chuck has pointed out is it worth the extra cost? I am mostly a PRR and B&O fan but if it is close enough to the actual loco and says
Lionel or Luxury Lines on the locos and cars I don't much care.I think the Berkshire is a beautiful loco but not with Pennsylvania on the tender. I
know that's strange but I don't care. I have not seen a PRR Mikado with the Belpaire boiler that I can afford. MTH makes one but is it worth my
attention? Would it need to have its guts cut out? If so would it be worth it?
Even if someone answers my questions I still might not get any MTH locos. I really don't care about rivets but most PRR locos gotta have Belpaire.

Your answer is the Williams brass PRR L1s. I have one. It's beautiful but less detailed than current models. You should be able to get one for $400 or less. Runs like a champ. I put TMCC in mine, but it's a superb conventional runner.

George

[ScaleCraft]

My guess is they were selling almost all of what they made and weren't concerned.

Big part of it. I know a manufacturer in a scale/gauge larger than 0, makes an NW-2 in Santa Fe red and silver warbonnet.
Nobody seems to be able to come up with a photo of a period prototype like that.

Talking to the manufacturer/importer, he says I sell every one I make, why should I change?

They find something that clicks with consumers, they stick with it.

[2railjon]

I really enjoy running PS3 in 2Rail with DCS!
https://youtu.be/7H4y64YjPzQ

[G3750]

I really enjoy running PS3 in 2Rail with DCS!
https://youtu.be/7H4y64YjPzQ

I am glad it works for you. You're one of the lucky ones.

George