Convert MTH 0-8-0 PS1 to TMCC?

Go for it.  ERR cruise commander will be awesome and if there's room under the shell ad a supper chuffer board

I will need to contact some forum members about doing this and the estimated cost, but can't find email address.  I tried contacting Hennings but it doesn't show show it went thru.

Also, can I keep the MTH sounds or am I better off with newest ERR sound board?

Thanks, Dan

"I will need to contact some forum members about doing this and the estimated cost, but can't find email address.  I tried contacting Hennings but it doesn't show show it went thru.

Also, can I keep the MTH sounds or am I better off with newest ERR sound board?"

You don't need to contact any Forum members; go to ERR's website for info. You would want a Cruise Commander/Railsounds kit. All instructions are included. I've done many. The instructions can be downloaded, as I recall - more there than you will need. Just shop and cruise around and get familiar with the products.

You cannot use - nor would you want to - the old PS-1 sound. The RS board is a plug-n-play into the Cruise Commander board. This loco is friendly to conversions.

This will run you in the $200 range (DIY); they will do it for you, for a price. But once you do one and get familiar with it, so many other old locos start calling your name...

I can do this for you, but no you can not keep the PS-1 sounds.  Need to go with RS.  E-mail is in my profile.  G

So I think the question still begs to be asked, what are the pros and cons of upgrading to PS3 versus ERR, if one already has DCS and TMCC controllers?  I t looks to me cost is about the same, unless you are in the MTH club and can get the PS3 kit for $149.  Thank you.

Given the MTHRR Club is only $25/yr if you don't choose to get a car, you get that back with the first upgrade kit you order.

Dan, I have an MTH 0-8-0 with PS-1. Converted the engine to ERR Cruise and sound over a year ago, and do not regret doing it. Much better control and sound. If you can read, follow and have basic solder and a little electronics knowledge, it is very easy and straight forward installation.

You can view the instruction manual on line at ERR's web sight. I suggest you look at it and if it is something you think you can tackle, then do it. The boys at ERR, specifically Ken, are a great help on the phone. Ken only works from 9 AM until 2 PM West coast time. 

By the way, after I did the install, I sold the PS1 on the OGR forum. I think I got around $50 for it, not a lot but it helped offset some of the costs for the purchase of another ERR Cruise Commander for my Milwaukee Road Hudson.

The only other thing I need to do now is to add Gunrunnerjohn's smoke unit. I have recently seen one in operation and really like what John did to enhance the smoke.

Good Luck,

RAY

Mark Boyce posted:

So I think the question still begs to be asked, what are the pros and cons of upgrading to PS3 versus ERR, if one already has DCS and TMCC controllers?  I t looks to me cost is about the same, unless you are in the MTH club and can get the PS3 kit for $149.  Thank you.

Mark, Kits are more expensive now that they are PS-3.  That price is the old price.

The benefits are a complete kit with integrated smoke and sounds.  Once you start adding parts to the ERR Cruise CDR, like super chuffer and such the ERR price is much higher.

If you operate both, the MTH upgrade is a better price point for features provided.  If your a TMCC operator only, the ERR is preference.

Cruise CDR is $120, Steam Sounds $90.  Supper Chuffer $60, and Chuff generator $30, unless you just use the reed switch.  So your at $270 to $300 parts alone for a ERR upgrade, or you leave smoke alone and then $210.  MTH PS-3 kit retails for $200.  G

GGG posted:

Mark Boyce posted:

So I think the question still begs to be asked, what are the pros and cons of upgrading to PS3 versus ERR, if one already has DCS and TMCC controllers?  I t looks to me cost is about the same, unless you are in the MTH club and can get the PS3 kit for $149.  Thank you.

Mark, Kits are more expensive now that they are PS-3.  That price is the old price.

The benefits are a complete kit with integrated smoke and sounds.  Once you start adding parts to the ERR Cruise CDR, like super chuffer and such the ERR price is much higher.

If you operate both, the MTH upgrade is a better price point for features provided.  If your a TMCC operator only, the ERR is preference.

Cruise CDR is $120, Steam Sounds $90.  Supper Chuffer $60, and Chuff generator $30, unless you just use the reed switch.  So your at $270 to $300 parts alone for a ERR upgrade, or you leave smoke alone and then $210.  MTH PS-3 kit retails for $200.  G

John and George,

Thank you very much.  I have seen John' super chuffer, and while it is great, I wouldn't get the smoke on the ERR, simply because I turn off the smoke at home as it is not kind to my wife's asthma.  I did get the MTH club basic membership so I think I will go with the PS3.  I already have one, but see I need a second for an F3 ABA with two powered A units 

A little off topic (and just as a FYI, in case you didn't already know), but the MTHRRC memberships that include the yearly piece of rolling stock are also a pretty good deal. This is if you like the car they offer. For another $25 (Railking) or $30 (Premier) you can get a piece of rolling stock. Not bad of a price for a brand new piece of rolling stock, and if I recall correctly, that includes shipping too.

And also a question, what are the MTHRRC prices for the new PS3 upgrade kits now?