New to Standard Gauge, so I don't know.
And was each engine reproduced only available with either of these two choices?
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
This is a bit complicated. The basic difference between Proto 2.0 and 3.0 is that 3.0 doesn't use a battery, thereby eliminating many of the complaints about previous versions of Proto-Sound. Some Proto-3 units also have better sound quality than Proto-2, but this varies and is a matter of opinion. Some Proto-3 units don't produce much sound volume; others can be cranked up just as loud as Proto-2, if your operating environment demands it.
There are two versions of Proto-2. The earlier version used a 9v (actually 8.4v) rechargeable battery and is generally referred to as 5v Proto-2 because that is the internal voltage used on the boards. The later version uses a 3v battery pack and the internal voltage is also 3v. Replacement boards are not available for the 5v systems, but there are a couple of repair techs who can sometimes fix the early versions. You can replace the battery on either Proto-2 system with a gadget called a BCR, which is a capacitor bank that serves the same function as the battery.
As far as availability goes, it varies according to model. You will have to check the MTH website for whether each locomotive was available with Proto-2, Proto-3, or both. Unfortunately the website does not tell you which Proto-2 units are 5v and which are 3v, but you can get a rough idea from the date the unit was cataloged. I seem to remember the changeover was around 2005, but someone can correct me on that if my memory is faulty.
3 v or 5v Proto-2 engines or Proto-3 engines are all command control engines. They all work very well.
MTH also made traditional motored engines.
I prefer Can motored command engines. Some like conventional.
Also ps3 has DCC capability and is not polarity sensitive.
also a lot of times ps2 3 volts boards can be repaired but ps 3 rarely can be repaired usually requires a new board when they develop problems! sometimes ps 3 boards can be conventional reset from the transformer!
Alan
I have proto 2 and 3 and as far as sound my ear hasn't noticed any astounding difference. Proto 3 is nice as to not have to deal with a batterie but a good fresh MTH green batterie will last a long time without any trouble. For my money if I can purchase a Proto 2 for a little less I wouldn't hesitate to buy it. I prefer a can motor over a traditional AC motor.
