Reply to "Locomotive for "Fleet of Modernism" 15 inch cars(4580 series)"

Bill: No, my 30-1118-1 is Brunswick Green and has the original Protosound system which many of us now call “PS-1”.   It has the prototypical cab number of 3768 and here’s a link to its description on the MTH website: http://www.mthtrains.com/content/30-1118-1

It also came without protosounds: http://www.mthtrains.com/content/30-1118-0

The 1403 appears to be identical to mine except it has PS-2.  Here’s a link to its description: http://www.mthtrains.com/content/30-1403-1  The dimensions given are exactly the same as the dimensions of my 30-1118-1 and note that it will operate on O31 curves.

Needless to say the PS-2 version would be the better choice if you can find one.  I often see the PS-1 version on eBay and only have seen a few of either the non-PS version or the PS-2 version on eBay.  But buying a PS-1 version could be risky.  Make sure that the tender is not deformed and that the chip is not scrambled.  I’ve had all of the PS-1 problems and have spent $$$ to repair it.  I now have a BCR in it and it has been fine.  So that should be your first upgrade if you buy one without a BCR. 

Now, will it look good with the 15” cars?  I don’t have any K-Line 15” passenger cars to run behind it but I do have a K-Line 16” Pennsy Business car and I coupled that car to the tender, put a level across the top of both and it read exactly level.  Therefore the top of the tender is exactly the same height as the K-Line 16” car.  I then tried it with a 15" Williams PRR coach and same result.  I could send you some photos if you are interested. 

HTH,

Bill