Adding control to Williams locomotives

If they have can motors and a flywheel PS2 / 3 is possible but an extensive upgrade.

Have you considered ERR TMCC & sound upgrades? They are not as difficult or pricey as other options but have somewhat lesser features.

It's all in what you need.

ED

depending on which you really want to use and as russell states what features you want to incorporate will depend on whether you use one or the other.

If it is basic command control you want with sound and relatively easy to install then you want to go with the ERR TMcc and Railsounds. If price is an objection then the ERR is the least expensive.  According to the ERR Website the ERR Electirc is 99.95 plus shipping. Web site http://www.electricrr.com/

The MTH PS2 Upgrade is more Expensive and more labor intensive than the ERR

so again I repeat what russell states It is all in what you need. 

I am in this boat as well.

The PS2 upgrade is listed at around 200.00 Depending The last Locosound engine i had updated to ps2 cost me 250 and I had Sean at Just Trains do it a few years ago.

however I am going to upgrade them to the MTH DCS System because this is the command system that i will be using.

I hope this helps

 Ed, I upgraded a Williams Southern F3 last year to ps2. Was fairly easy,(I'm an electrician). With all the optional lights that come with ps2 upgrade kit that you can install, I believe it is a good investment. The sounds are awesome to me. It runs great at all speeds. The small spkr.-2"" (4ohm) that came with it blew about two months ago. Replaced with better one. Made a big improvement on the sound. I bought four spkrs.for future use. Will use these spkrs. for any upgrades I do in the future. If you would like one I will send it to you for your upgrade, if & when you decide to do it. Tom

If you run both DCS and TMCC/Legacy, you have a choice.

For a full upgrade with sounds and command with cruise, the PS/2 upgrade actually turns out to be slightly cheaper, especially if you join the MTH RR Club, then you get the kits for $150.  Boxcar Bill sells the ERR Cruise Commander and RailSounds Commander for $185.

As Tom says, you do get a few extra things with the PS/2 kit, electrocouplers and a nice assortment of lights. 

OTOH, the ERR kits are easier to install in general, especially if you have space issues inside the locomotive.  For the PS/2 installations, I've had a couple where I had to custom mount the encoder for the flywheel as the stock setup didn't fit.  The ERR cruise doesn't require an encoder on the flywheel.

Ed,  I've had about 1/2 dozen Williams locomotives converted to command & contol with err cruise by Weaver Models.  They trains run great!  Call Weaver at 570-473-9434 and ask for Gary, Service Dept.

          paul m.

Ed,

I had 5 Williams brass engines (PRR K4s (2), PRR L1s, PRR B6sb) upgraded to TMCC around 2006 by TrainAmerica.  Recently, Weaver repaired one of the engines (broken sensor bracket).  Being Williams engines, they all ran smoothly in conventional mode and that performance is duplicated under TMCC.  I am very happy with them.

I would strongly recommend that you go with a Legacy upgrade.  Legacy engines (in TMCC mode) can be controlled from the DCS handheld if you decide to go that way.  In the spirit of full disclosure, my own experience with DCS was horrible and I no longer operate anything but TMCC (and rarely conventional).

George

Ed

 Check our pricing for kits and installations, we are very competitive with our prices.

Bill

There is no such thing as a Legacy upgrade.  Lionel has not made a Legacy conversion kit, the ERR TMCC are all that is available.