Is there anyone out there using DCC to operate MTH Proto Sound locomotives? Any observations or insights into doing this? How well does it work? Is there any specific controllers that works well or any that don’t work well? Any variation among engines? Considerations in configuring DCC? What about control of sound? Pros & Cons? Costs? Etc.
Bill
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Ive run PS3 on DCC on 2 rail with ESU cab control. It works, but its better run with DCS. The speed control isnt as fine, the functions aren't DCC standard and it involved quite a bit of time configuring the icons on the remote screen to match the PS3 functions. If you cant get a DCS set its an alternative, but I can see why a lot of HO guys rip it out and just install native DCC sets.
I have no issues running PS3 engines with my Digitrax system. But as said, the MTH functions are not in the standard positions but the speed control seems ok to me.
I bought an MTH Railking loco to use with a Protothrottle which is DCC based, but gave up. It's pretty clear that MTH is de-emphasizing DCC; they no longer provide a DCS/DCC switch on Railkings (you have to take the shell off and cut a wire to change it to DCC, and once you do that you can't run it using DCS). Also, I get the impression that the DCC decoder they use is a basic one and doesn't have the sophistication of mainstream DCC suppliers like ESU -- I had a lot of trouble fine tuning the momentum and braking that is essential for the Protothrottle to work properly. The loco did run on my DCC system, but it was an unsatisfactory experience. If I was going to run MTH I'd recommend DCS all the way, but since I prefer the sound profiles on my Lionel Legacy engines I'm sticking with them.
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