DAP Big Boy Upgrade 3.0, worth it?

I had mine done years ago and don't regret it. Cost about $300 or so with PS-2 upgrade kit. All DCS functions. Joe

Yes it is  worthwhile  , about $ 300.00 to up grade it to proto 3.2 or you sell it for about $500 .00 and buy a new one for $ 1600 .00 , I had 6 premier steam engine done last year  , but I would not do any diesel's i don't think worth the money on them .

Guy

I did one of these several years ago for a customer.  I thought it was totally worth the investment.   Of course it depends how much you are already into it versus getting a new MTH/Lionel one.

Jim

Upgraded one of these early on and then also bought the newer big boy recently. If the budget is somewhat tight would say this is worth it. The upgrade was not that hard, just time consuming. The upgrade sound track sounds nice. Painted the wheel rims and hand rails black, and detail painted gauges, etc. Your not going to get quite the detail of the new mth big boy, cab doors, steam or quil whistle and still be stuck with the curly tether. Still nice looking and a good runner.

I think I am gonna go for the upgrade, I appreciate all the info and opinions, call me a sucker but I like having the DAP version and don't really wanna sell it to buy a newer version

Just make sure you send it to a reputable tech.   I have seen some upgrades that lack the attention to detail and installation workmanship.  I think it is worth while.  I just repaired one that was upgraded.  G

I recently did two of those DAP BB engines.   It is a good engine to do.   Like George stated, be sure the person working on it knows what he is doing.  The hobby has several self proclaimed experts that should not be allowed near other peoples trains.  You are lucky you live in my favorite state of Pennsylvania.  Many good people to choose from.  

When you are done, your BB will be worth more as a PS3 engine than when you started.   Good luck and enjoy.

I think I will take it to Brady's Train Outlet in Greensburg, they are an authorized service center so hopefully they are trustworthy doing the work

Or if anyone else has a better suggestion in the Pittsburgh area, I'm open to suggestions and contact info for anyone you recommend 

Give GRJ or GGG a call.  That BB has the monster motor and will pull like crazy.  After thinking a bit I did two others.  One was owned by Captain John.  They were PS2.

I don't know who either of those places are.....do you have contact info or store info?

ChooB99,

GGG can be contacted via his email, great guy, does outstanding work that I can vouch for.

GRJ aka gunnrunnerjohn is extremely well respected and can also be contacted here in the forum.

Both those guys can help you.  They are both MTH Tech guys.  As stated above, the BB with a PS3 upgrade is more desirable than a PS1 BB.  Much of that early DAP stuff is in the toilet price wise.

Marty did mine years ago & I am extremely happy with it. I would certainly do it again.

choob99 posted:

I don't know who either of those places are.....do you have contact info or store info?

I am GGG.  If you click the profile Link my e-mail is posted.  I am in VA.  G