Can proto 2 or 3 be added to a train?

Sure, if it has a DC can motor and a flywheel.  The cost for the parts is in the $235 ballpark for the PS/3 upgrade kit.  If you can do the work, that's your cost.  If not, you'll have the additional cost of paying to have the work done.

Depends on a few things, first are you seeking to add proto 2 or 3 to a can motor engine? If yes, yes so far. The cost is about 170 ish should you want to do the work yourself. This is ball park of course. I'd say add 100 or 125 more, again ball park.

A better place to ask this question would be in the control systems section, DCS.

There's a ton of better info there, including some who can install, or know several who can.

GRG, Boy, I've been out of touch on those kits! Hope you had a great Holiday. Of course, I knew you would be one to jump in, or GGG. Thanks for helping this fellow. Big ballpark!

I believe MTH no longer sells PS2 Upgrade kits. If you really want PS2 you will have to look elsewhere for some NOS (New Old Stock) PS2 kits. 

Hi,

So far the only MTH engines I own are PS2, 3 volt & 5 volt. I have no intention of upgrading any of my engines to PS3, unless or until one should bite the dust. What advantages does PS3 offer?

Thanks,

Joe

With the upgrade kits, not much.  You don't have a battery, but they dumbed down the kits to look like PS/2.

Excuse my ignorance, but what was the function of the battery in PS2? An engine won't run without one, will it? So if there is no battery with PS3, there is nothing to charge?

Is the tether-less drawbar, and quillable whistle a given with PS3?

what was the function of the battery in PS2?

Under DCS, it keeps the PS2 board hot during momentary power outages and is required in order to permanently make changes to the engine's settings. In conventional mode, it's required to get the engine out of neutral.

An engine won't run without one, will it?

Yes, it will subject to the caveats above.

So if there is no battery with PS3, there is nothing to charge?

Instead of a battery, a PS3 engine has a super capacitor that also needs to be charged, albeit for just a minute or so.

Is the tether-less drawbar, and quillable whistle a given with PS3?

The wireless drawbar is standard on all PS3 steamers, however, at present only Premier PS3 steamers come with a playable whistle.

This and a whole lot more is all in “The DCS Companion 3rd Edition!" This book is available from many fine OGR advertisers and forum sponsors, or as an eBook or a printed book at OGR’s web store!

Note that Barry is talking about production products, no wireless drawbar with upgrade kits, they use the standard 10-pin wired tether.  There's a significant difference between the PS/3 upgrade and factory production PS/3 steam locomotives.  I've heard it is possible to get the playable whistle with the PS/3 steam upgrade, but I've never tried making it happen.

Thanks Barry!  Just another question or 2. If in the future one of my PS2 steamers fails and needs an upgrade, would it make sense to upgrade to PS3?  Would that offer the tether less drawbar and quillable whistle? If so, is it extra or part of the PS3 upgrade?

If in the future one of my PS2 steamers fails and needs an upgrade, would it make sense to upgrade to PS3?

Yes, it would.

Would that offer the tether less drawbar

No, it would not.

and quillable whistle?

That can be done if you use the proper PS3 Production Chain and Sound files. Upgrade sound and chain files do not support Playable Whistle.

If so, is it extra or part of the PS3 upgrade?

The Playable Whistle files, for Premier engines only, are available at no charge, if the proper ones for the engine exist.

I have 171 upgrades under my belt.   They are a great way to go if you have a desirable locomotive in PS-1 or other makers.  I always price the job based on the electronics taken out stays with me.  Go slow if you do one and follow the book.   I have a guy who does great upgrade work (very neat work) and does not want to know the computer.  He sends them, I do the files and everyone is happy.

I love the PS3/2 boards.  I can not say enough good things about them.  My 5 volt fleet is all getting upgraded with them.