Right George. That is when QSI sold the boards to Mike. The system had a battery back up switch for sound to stay in neutral. As soon as Mike did the license deal with QSI we have the current (PS!) system. PS1 is a conventional system. It has been said many times by MTH tech guys to use a new battery. The old white battery is not a smart move. I have people come to me often telling me someone told them to run trains without a battery. I have a huge collection of PS1 systems from doing PS2 and PS3 upgrades.
I just did a PS3 upgrade for BLUECOMET400. His PS1 boards are in factory new condition. If anyone needs a set of boards, contact John. Before I remove any PS1 board sets, I test them with a new green battery. Some times the owner wants them back and many do not. I have people often send me the board sets they purchase to be checked out. I do not need the train just the boards as I have a PS1 board and chip tester.
Many do not realize MTH still has new PS1 boards in stock. The PS1 system properly operated with a proper battery (or BCR) is a strong system.