Converting MTH to TMCC

This will all depend on the features you want, plus you’ll hav to come up with a way to have an outside isolated antenna …..there’s a couple proven methods for antennas, ….biggest thing think about is what features you want, and how much Do-Ray-Me you’re willing to sink into it,…..there is no provision on TMCC kits ( ERR CC, CCM, etc. ) to make chuff, or drive a fan driven smoke unit,…..that will have to be add on system such as The Super Chuffer and Chuff Generator …….so the biggest question is, what features do you want?…..sound? Smoke?..etc. etc,..

Pat  

@harmonyards posted:

This will all depend on the features you want

Pat  

I would want sound and smoke and remote control.  Would it be easier on a Protosound 3?  The reason I ask is that I’m tired of waiting for Pennsylvania Turbine that will work with TMCC or LionChief Plus.  By the time they get around to it it at Lionel will be either too big for my layout or $1,200.

Well, ….yes it would be much easier to swap it to PS3, as no crazy modifications will have to be made, plus PS3 encompasses all you want in one convenient package, albeit a smoke unit, ….if this was a PS1 engine, the entire smoke unit will need to be swapped out for a PS2 style unit,….problem is, PS3 kits are not available easily at the given moment, and we’re not really sure when they will be……but given you want TMCC, it’s not out of the realm of possibilities, ……Alex M. on this forum does TMCC swaps, as do a few other techs,….unless you plan on tackling the swap yourself….

Pat

Alex works on my stuff.  He said that it would require a complete gut.  I don’t have DCS and don’t plan to spend hundreds for it if and when it becomes available. I have a few Legacy Cab2 sets and that’s enough foe me.  I guess if I can get a good enough price on the locomotive I can spend the money for the overhaul.  Thank you.

I've "walked in your moccasins" and considered a "brain transplant" control system swap for a MTH diesel switcher with DCS to Lionel's TMCC with Railsounds.  Since I'm a novice, I opted to have the work done by an experienced technician -- GunRunner John, who is a frequent contributor to the OGR FORUM. He did the conversion is good time and at a reasonable price. When the MTH SW 1500 diesel switcher was returned after "surgery," I tested it on my TMCC-equipped layout with my TMCC CAB-1. It worked perfectly.

I realize there are hobbyists/collectors who have the skill set required to do this task.  But I'm not one of them. IMHO, humility is good for the soul and often for the wallet; i.e., "I'm not able to do this task on my own."

Mike Mottler   LCCA 12394

I've done a ton of swaps in both directions as well as older brass and conventional stuff to TMCC or PS/2, and now PS/3.

I have the MTH PS 2 version (item number 30-1187-1) of this engine listed on the FS forum for $250 plus shipping.  It is in like new condition and all DCS functions work - almost no run time.  Seems this would cost a whole let less than any upgrade to a non-command control engine.

Don

One little problem with that particular locomotive Don, it's the troublesome 5V PS/2 board.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

One little problem with that particular locomotive Don, it's the troublesome 5V PS/2 board.

And yet after 21 years, this one still works as it should and I have three newer MTH engines (2007-2008) with the 3 volt system that do not function.

Go figure!

Happy railroading,

Don

As I plan on converting some MTH RK locos with PS1, I've read several comments about it being easier to upgrade to PS3.  Since I only have a TMCC Cab 1, wouldn't the cost also include having to purchase the DCS system?

Naturally Ward, you'd need the DCS system.  Truthfully, for diesels, the difference in upgrade prices isn't that great, it does add up for full function steam.  Of course, right now it's difficult to impossible to find the PS/3 upgrade kits, so really TMCC is the only game in town if you're in a hurry.

Thanks John. Wanted to make sure I wasn't missing something.

Ward

Another question which I think is line with this threads topic, is this:

If I found a MTH loco that I like and it has PS3 in it, I'd probably strip it and put in TMCC. Is there a market for the PS3 boards so I can offset the cost of putting in TMCC?     Sounds like there could be.

Sure, there could be a market, however, a new problem exists. PS3 units use the wireless 6 pin PCB drawbar system. Older units used a 10 pin system or even older used the tether system and metal drawbar.

Depending on how and where you mount the TMCC components, the drawbar system as is with PS3 could be a limitation or yet another piece you need to modify and change.

A PS2 with either the 10 pin or the wired tether has been more appropriate and easier IMO.

Also when selling the electronics, IMO more valuable with an intact harness system, so if you borrow parts and pieces of the wiring for the conversion and not sold with the boards as a system- then less value.

Likewise there is a market for PS2 3v boards. If you plan to convert an engine to TMCC you may find the same prototype for less if its PS2 vs PS3.  Little or no value in PS2 5v though.

Check the part number on the MTH site. If it was made after 2005 it likely has a 3v board.

Pete

I have upgraded previous PS1 steam locos by installing the 10 pin tether but it sounds like I would also have to install some type of draw bar.  

Good point about keeping the harness system intact.

Thanks

Ward

Upgrades may involve.   

(1.)lights/lamps of different voltages.

(2.) Also coupler are different.

(3.) Speakers may not match.  16 ohm/8 ohm.

It's a little more than just swapping boards. Have fun.  Mike CT.

There's a really good market for PS/3 steam boards right now, most of us have a few sitting on the sidelines waiting for replacement boards!

I think you "might" be able to swap the 6-pin drawbar for a 10-pin drawbar for a PS/3 TMCC installation, that would solve the mechanical issues of the differences in mounts of mechanical parts.

Glad there might be a good solution.  I'm considering a MTH Hudson w/ PS3 only because I like the loco and the price seems OK.

Many thanks for the comments and suggestions.

Ward