Differences between Premier and RK Imperial engines?

Premier, Scale

RailKing, Semi-scale

While there may be differences in sound files, I am not aware of any technical difference related to PS2 between the two.

Gilly

One big difference:

20-2621-1 Unit Measures:18 1/2" x 2 5/8" x 4" - Operates On O-42 Curves

30-2988-1 Unit Measures:17" x 2 1/2" x 3 3/4"    Operates On O-31 Curves

Railking can run on tighter curves and have slightly less detail than Premier. Imperials, while not as detailed as Premier, have most of the same details found on Premier engines. I have all RK engines and the majority are Imperials. Fine products. 

I do have one Premier engine, a Chessie GP9, currently for sale on the for sale forum for $200 plus shipping. Comparing it with my RK GP9, there isn't much difference. Anyone out there, please consider my Premier GP9. My ad can be found on the for sale forum. 

Scale VS compressed size and Curve requirement are the 2 that are deal breakers for folks.

PS2 sounds are usually the same, Premier engines might have more lights depending on the engine.

Point: Some RK Imperials are made using the older Premier molds that have been replaced by newer better molds with even more/better details.

Several hundred dollars

In a word -- Size. The RK Imperial diesels I've seen have Premier exterior detail, lighting and sound in an O-31-compatible package. The UP Heritage units are particularly impressive. The cab/nose doors don't open and there isn't 2/3-rail switchable capability (yet). The compression on the diesels is well done as at first glance it's not immediate. When the Premier version or a full-scale car is placed next to it, that gives it away.

Thanks for all the response to this posting.

I will attempt to describe the features on my latest MTH Premier PS-3 engine on this posting topic. It is the MTH 20-20169-1 CSX Dash 8.

It would be great if someone who has a new MTH PS-3 RK Imperial engine would also provide a comprehensive review so as to have a good comparison between Premier and Imperial models.

The difference really be seen side by side and steam engines.