Are MTH LocoSound locomotives upgradable to Proto1 or 2?

Loco-Sound is from the same time frame as Proto-Sound 2.0.  The only thing that predates PS1 is a plain old whistle and horn.

From what I have seen, Loco-Sound can be converted to PS2.  However, the connectors for Loco-Sound were for the 5-volt PS2 board set.  This means you would either have to get the 3-volt boards with 5-volt connectors plus a new speaker and battery charging harness or find a donor engine that had a 5-volt board set in it and swap it over along with the speaker and coupler(s).

It may be more economical to sell the Loco-Sound engine and buy a new one that already has PS2 or PS3 installed in it.

ogaugeguy.

PS2 kits come with  speakers and harnesses appropriate to the new 3V systems. You can find the instructions on the MTH site. http://mthtrains.com/service/service-home  click on DCS (bottom right). Click on PS2 upgrades (top left) Click on PS2 Steam Upgrade Kits Installation instructions.

The thing is, there are a few weird steamers. I think I've seen threads on older hudsons, that had odd placements. Post the exact model, so folks can confirm or deny any oddities.

How easy.....? How handy are you? How patient are you? I enjoyed the PS2 upgrade I did, it just took time. I'd suggest:

1) getting the video http://ogaugerr.com/railroad/p...php?products_id=137, watching it a few times.

2) read the instructions

3) take off the shells and stare. Make some notes about where u think wires should go and stare some more. take a few pics as you go. think your way through.

The thing you MIGHT need is a new smke unit. look at yours, if it is identical to the one in the instructions, you are OK, if not, post for suggestions.

GGG suggested that you can pull the housings off the 3V board and leave the pins, slide a set of the 5V connector housings onto the connector pins, and you have that 3V board with the 5V connectors.  I don't see why this won't work here.

As far as upgrading, you can rip all the electronics out and install the PS/2 upgrade, so it can clearly be done.  The steam kit comes with the tether, you'll just have to make sure it'll fit where the current tether is.  I converted the MTH General, and I had to do surgery on the locomotive and the tether PCB to make it fit, but I did get it in there.

I don't see why any can-motored loco can't be converted.  I have upgraded all my old Weaver locos.  The trick is to be ready to gut the wiring--all of it.  Not really as bad as it sounds, since the PS2 upgrade kit contains all the wiring and connectors you'll need.

For most upgrades, either DCS or TMCC, I do what RJR recommends.  I strip the chassis so that only the motors remain, then I start the wiring process.  I find it much easier to do that trying to "save" some of the old wiring.  You can always use some of the wires if you have a place, but start with a clean slate, it ends up being easier and neater.

Agreed, the question comes to the last 6 words in Kenns original post "how easy is it to do?" That answer lies in a) Kenn's abilities (which I'm not judging, just pointing out, the relationship) and b) exactly which loco, is being upgraded. The specific model will allow folks to comment on any quirks. (Kenn, if you posted the model info, mia culpa, if not,please post)

MY GP9 was TEENY inside, some locos require modifications, some can motors have very small flywheels (this is my last hangup before upgrading a few Lionel steamers), etc.

Obviously, the level of ability enters into almost anything we post about doing modifications, updates, and other maintenance.  Some folks are uncomfortable taking the shell off any locomotive, obviously they're not candidates to do a major DCS or TMCC upgrade.  I like to describe the process and let the reader decide if it's a task he's willing to tackle.

Kenn,  The Loco sound conversion is easier than the PS-1 conversion because you already have a PS-2 smoke unit, motor with tach, and for steam a 10 pin harness.

So getting a kit is the best method to approach this.  You will get better sounds, remote coupler, command control features.  Locosounds is conventional operation with speed control and sync smoke, with basic sounds.  G

John,

Agreed, upon reflection, asking about ability is moot, stick to the facts and the poster can decide.

My problem comes in (and it is mine, so again probably moot) Replies don't always take the original post into account.

It's Locosounds - Most everything is coming out, but we are sidetracked by 5V and 3V boards.You, RJR and GGG probably nailed it, if all locosounds are created equal, that leaves, is it a loco, where any other mods will be necessary, in the absence of that data... can't say much more.

lastly and here's where I didn't read:

What functionality will be gained... Kenn, if you are staying conventional, you will gain some more sounds and a coupler (couplers, maybe, if it is an O-6-0, or 0-8-0) you can open remotely. Speed control will stay the same, if you already have the same tach control that is in my locosounds steamer. You will also need to find someone with a DCS setup to program the loco after you put in the hardware.

If you are going DCS, you will gain much more volume control, additional lighting control, the ability to run multiple trains etc. You can go to the MTH website for the DCS literature.

I must admit, I assume anyone looking to upgrade to PS/2 or TMCC is going to run them in command mode, could be a shaky assumption on my part.

Again agreed, but we are going back and forth, Kenn hasn't returned Been a good discussion though....

Kenn, Running DCS would be the reason to go PS2. Otherwise the gain IMO, isn't worth it

I recently upgraded a Bantam 4-6-4 S.P. Daylight from Loco Sound to PS2 witht the kit. I reused the tac and tape along with smoke unit. This is a small engine with a tiny tender and mine works very well! If you want full command control this is the way to go. If you want to run conventional I wouldn't spend the money or time as you already have "cruise control" and sound with the Loco Sounds board. Just my opinion.

Kenn,

If you're into better sound, you can't go wrong with upgrading.  My RK RS3 with Locosounds is passable, but my 2-8-0 sounded like a box-o-rocks (maybe just 1 rock) prior to the upgrade.  It actually sounded better turned off

Bob,  The smoke unit could have been defective in that it had an element short, or the fan was shorted.  Or you had a wiring short during the install.  I just had a LocoSound come in that was dead.  Both the heating element and fan FETS where blown.  First heating FET I seen blown, since they handle high Amps.

That tells me I have to rework the smoke unit too.  Some folks run them dry like the old PW Lionel.  Doesn't work well with new trains:-)  G

G,

Could be.  I had taken it out of the engine some time ago, but can't recall if it was working then, I think not or only partially.

Whatever happened I had smoke coming out of the smoke unit AND the tender   At that point I knew it was too late, but like I said, all other functions work fine.

Hey, you're sorely missed buddy, I've been up to the shop a few times and keep looking over at your old workstation every time I come thru the door.  Bill "Bugs" Moran has been in there every time I've been (he had a wicked knuckleball, beaned me a couple of times with it ).