MTH Premier PS3 Dash 9

I have the NS and BNSF versions. I haven't run them yet. But they are beautiful, and have alot of detail. I'd recommend them.

 

Bill

They're worth it. I have the BNSF powered unit and i have the NS dummy. The detail on both of them is fanstastic (and different). The powered one runs exactly like you'd expect an MTH engine to run.

A big leap over the old Dash 9 tooling.

I've got MTH's latest Premier PS 3 Dash 9 in the CNW livery.

 

Are they worth it?

 

I'm not overly impressed with the quality re: the this particular model. BTW, I was told that it is old tooling... it's not new.

 

The pilots on mine don't sit as they should... they are tilted; and, because of that, the steps don't look parallel to the chassis or the rails. Definitely noticeable.

 

I also don't like the less-than-solid feel of the rear pilot connection. It flexes. Not rock-solid.

 

There is also a significant space where the screwed on pilots meet the frame; it's noticeable when viewing the rear portions of the pilot connections; has a cheap look to it.

 

There is a large open space between the top of the trucks and the chassis/frame. The model looks like the rail version of a vehicle that's been  jacked up with a 4x4 suspension. Nothing prototypical about that look.

 

Mine runs really well, with the scale wheels; and I like the PS 3 lighting sequences and the horn sounds. The paint job is nice, too. This was my 3rd scale wheels acquisition, and I'm not overly impressed with MTH's scale wheels models

 

BTW, I've purchased MTH's scale wheels UP SD70ACe, CN ES44DC and most recently... the CNW Dash 9. The CN GEVO's body looks like it's sitting a little too high over the trucks, but not as bad as the CNW model.

 

Prior to purchasing MTH's scale wheels models, I was under the impression that the scale wheels models gave you a more realistic model; when compared to 3-rail models. That's not been my experience. They(the scale wheels models I've purchased) don't provide the look... the prototypical appearance that I've personally observed  over the years... riding the real rails.

 

Basically, a let down... for me.

 

 

Rick

 

 

But your talking about the scale wheeled version? I'd be getting the hi-rail version.

 Correction- apparently these are older tooling-- sorry about that--   they look very cool-  I'd recommend them for sure-

I looked at the MTH facebook page which debuted lots of pics of this BNSF Dash9 in Heritage 1.  It didn't look nearly as good/detailed as the ES44DC from a couple years back that mth did.  However, looking at videos and photos online is not the same as seeing these units in person.  Maybe I should get it?  I am still on the fence.

 

 

I have also heard that the sound is a bit weak on these new ps3 units.

 

quote:

I have also heard that the sound is a bit weak on these new ps3 units.

I tend to agree... They're not loud enough for me either. They sound *good*, it would be nice to hear more though.

Yes, I am talking about the scale wheels version. You can buy a set of hi-rail wheels and run these units on 3-rail track; you can also run the scale wheels versions on 3-rail track, as I do. You just have to be a little more careful though...

 

There are tradeoffs re: scale wheels and hi-rail wheels. Most of my 50-plus collection is MTH Premier hi-rail equipment. Based on past experience, the hi-rail version should be a decent model.

 

Again, I don't believe the tooling is new. It's my understanding it was made years ago. That's what my dealer told me.

 

Rick

I've got no issues with the sound; in fact, I love the horn.

 

 

Rick

I disagree with what Jeff is saying, here. The controls on this Dash 9 are located underneath; that's MTH's old way of doing it...

 

I also disagree with Jeff's comments re: MTH's Premier AC4400CW models. I have 5 of MTH's hi-rail AC4400CW's. They are definitely made with superior newer tooling.

 

The Dash 9's, roof-top, rear radiator vents section doesn't come off, but on the AC4400CW models they do. That's where the controls are located... underneath the removable vent cover.

 

 

Rick

 

 

Pictures (including the Santa Fe), discussion and a video are in a thread on the 3RS forum posted back on May 9:

 

https://ogrforum.com/d...ent/5512461188144498

 

The shell is the same as the first PS2 models circa, 2001. It is not new tooling. The shells are not quite as finely detailed as some other models from more recent years, but pretty good with add-on grab irons and the like. And it is a true Dash 9, unlike the PS1 models or the Lionel alternative which is a too-short mish-mash of Dash 8 and Dash 9 features. There are some road-specific detail variations, but again it is older tooling and not as well done as on things like the Dash 8s. The recent upgrades are to the trucks, fuel tanks and pilots, and they are a big improvement over PS2 versions. Those parts are relatively new tooling from the ES44s and AC4400s (but are correct for Dash 9s as well). The only differences between scale wheel and high rail are the pilots, handrails and wheels. I agree they operate pretty much the same as a PS2. One thing I have noted is that they seem more sensitive to DCS signal problems. There is a discussion on the DCS forum about PS3 engines that seem overly sensitive to signal problems and the apparent cause is said to be wires running to close to another electronic component. The fix is said to be as easy as simply opening the engine, cutting the tie that holds the wire bundle and moving the wires clear of the doughnut-shaped component (I don't recall its name). I've not tried the fix. Sounds are outstanding and all in all I'm pleased with them. The prime mover is the same as the Dash 8 sound set (which is prototypical). "Not loud enough" is not a problem for me; I just don't like model trains rattling the walls.

 

RM

The sound quality on PS3 engines is great, but the volume level available is not quite as loud as on PS2. Of the 4 PS3 locomotives that I have, 3 are sufficiently loud while 1 ( a Premier Burlington SD-24) could use a few more dB of sound level.

Oh so these sound like the Dash 8's I almost jumped on a Santa Fe Dash 8 last year at a train show in Richmond, CA. It was really well detailed, and they do seem to look better than the Dash 9.

Sound levels on the PS 3 units vary from model to model. My son has a Rk dash 8 with ps3 that will shake the walls. Also have heard other ps3 models that were loud and some that weren't as loud.

On the sounds thing, here is a video that might give some flavor. The lead engine in the consist is a PS3 Dash 9, the trailing unit a PS2 AC44. The sound is set at the lowest level for a DCS lash up. Interestingly, when you do that with a PS2/PS3 consist, the PS3 engine goes completely silent and you have to select it from the menu, and separately turn up the volume level to match the PS2 engine. (I don't know why DCS does this). I may or may not use the individual engine settings to further adjust sound volumes to my liking, but here I don't think I did (other than turning back up the overall volume setting on the Dash 9 to mach the AC).

 

I hope Matt Jackson doesn't throw me off the Isle of Denial for this: 

 

 

 

Nice sound, but the Council of Elders is convening at this moment to determine your fate.

 

Pulled the CNW Dash 9 out of the box about an hour ago. As said above, basically they fixed the flaws with the PS2 version, but used the basic body tooling for the superstructure. Glad I bought this unit (I'm putting all my other CNW Dash 9's up on eBay next week) but I'm also glad I didn't buy the ATSF version since it would have been a bit of a let-down after the Dash 8's I just got. Of course with my luck, the new catalog will have the newly-tooled Dash 8's in CNW livery and some newly-tooled ATSF locomotives to further assault my train slush fund.

They're making a PS3 Dash 8? I might buy that instead if it's better detailed.

I have excellent sound volume on my PS3 and the cab chatter is extremely clear. If you use the microphone feature the sound on that is excellent also. Only glitch I notice is the sound level goes from fairly quiet to fairly loud with no inbetween. Definetly not a deal breaker at all. Highlly recommend. 

I, too, experience almost no sound detected coming from my MTH PS 3 models, in a multiple unit consist(lash-up). So I'm not the only one...

 

 

Interesting, Matt's unloading his...

 

Some pertinent information: I have a keen eye for quality/detail, and I know what to look for... when it comes to models of real locomotives; but, and this is worth noting -

 

that's not everything, when it comes to one's enjoyment and satisfaction.

 

I find myself frequently reaching for my CNW 9(this afternoon was one of those occasions). There's something there for me, that I like...

 

I could return this model, if I chose to; but I'm not going to...

 

Sometimes, things don't have to be perfect, to enjoy them.

 

 

Rick

 

 

A combination of economics and redundancy. Three of the five Dash 9's are Proto-1 and are a mish-mosh of Dash 8 and Dash 9 -- not cost-effective to convert; the pair of Proto-2 units have the old trucks on a scale-length body with a longer-than scale fuel tank -- not cost-effective to get a pair of dummies and swap the 9-volt innards. They all ran nicely, but it's a cost factor. I figure the five of them will nicely subsidize another scale-wheeled PS3 Dash 9..

They haven't done them in CNW yet (my wallet thanks MTH for that) but the ATSF's are probably going to be tricky to find. I'm sure they're out there, but it will take a little searching.

Hey Matt,

 

I've got two different, brand new, models(both found in MTH's Premier sections of their 2007 catalogs) due to arrive this coming Tuesday; and, a fairly recent video(I think it was one of yours) is what sparked my interest in one of the locomotive models, I bought. I didn't get the same livery as you, but I was able to get the same model...

 

Thanks!

 

 

Rick

 

If you want Santa Fe, go with the Dash 8 - it's one of MTH's best models yet, Atlas quality.

The Dash 9 Santa Fe version does not have the Gull wing cab which is not prototypical for Santa Fe.

Good to know. I'm just not sure because I'd need a DCS set and I'm all pretty much Legacy. I'd need about $700 to get either the Dash 8 or 9 and enough for a DCS set.

 

I have the dummy version of this SF dash8 and I LOVE IT.  Great dimensions and details!

I would rate MTH's Premier Dash 8's, both the narrow-nose and their new wide cab versions, as being some of their best modelling... to date.

 

Right up there with the 8's is MTH's new Premier Train Master.

 

Benchmark models!

 

 

Rick

The C40-8 was one of MTH's better models. I just got a scale-wheeled version this week, plus the scale-wheeled Proto-3 Dash-9. Interestingly enough, the more recent Dash-8 has a different sound set from the one I bought earlier. I like the horn better in the recent one, but the engine sounds in the first one (especially the start-up/shutdown) are much better. By the way, I also ran the Proto-3 Dash-9 today. It also has a great sound. Weathered them both today.

 

I'm figuring that eventually MTH will re-tool the entire Premier line of its more popular diesels with the older tooling going into Rail King Scale use (perfect for repainting into those liveries you want.) I'm also figuring that with the success of the Dash-8 models we're going to see more road names offered.

Matt,

 

I agree with you. MTH's Premier C40-8(I've got one in the CSX livery, from the first production run) does have the better recording, re: engine sounds(prime mover sounds). I like both models recordings, but I like the narrow nose sound file better.

 

I really like my CNW 9's horn, especially, when activating SRS.

 

BTW, re: one of the new locomotives that I recently purchased, that's due to arrive this Tuesday, it's not a Dash 8 model. It's a model similar to something else that you acquired, fairly recently. I think you posted about it, here; and you made a youtube video featuring it.

 

It's a quirky looking, heavy little...

 

My dealer though it was pretty cool, when he was checking it out, for me.

 

Do you know what I'm referring to?

 

 

Rick

Agreed the Premier Dash 8 is a better model than the Dash 9. For those interested in a comparison, I posted some photos of an ATSF Dash 8 grabbed from my phone in the picture forum. The front shot shows the contour of the gull-wing cab. It also shows the correctly-placed ditch lights. The Dash 8 is my favorite prototype, and the MTH model, perhaps then my favorite model. Mine see constant service. The new Dash 9s are nice, but not as good. but since I model Santa Fe, I bit the bullet and bought the upgraded versions.

Several of us lobbied MTH for tooling upgrades to the Dash 9, including a gull-wing cab for Santa Fe and BNSF, in addition to asking for the truck and fuel tank improvements. No luck on the body shells. Same with the ditch lights. On the original 2001 run, ditch lights varied based on roadname (UP had the low-mounted lights, also correct for Santa Fe). No luck there. It's actually a wonder the NS model has the correct high-mounted headlight. MTH representatives actually denied that doing this was possible even though the original 2001 NS model had the high-headlight....

RM

Quirky? Sounds like the Alco/GE/Ingersoll-Rand "Oil-Electric" (OK, diesel-electric) box cab. A veritable "brick on wheels." I'm still analyzing how to modify mine for Kadees since the electro-couplers stick out so far. If that's the one, it's also great because it's so small you can make a switching deck with very short tail tracks capable of holding the engine and a couple of 40-foot cars.

I have the fairly recent Santa Fe Dash 8-40CW(the hi-rail version) and it sets a new standard for MTH Premier models.

 

The pilot mounted hoses, the wipers, the lighting, the best rendering I have seen to date, of the North American Safety Cab, the body detail...

 

I have mentioned this before... my dealer is an experienced 2-rail guy and his favorite 2-rail model, offered by MTH, is the new wide cab Dash8-40CW. He feels it's MTH's best work, to-date.

 

BTW, he actually bought the CN version for himself.

 

 

Rick

Matt,

 

That's what I'm talking about. Your post, here, a little while ago, caught my attention; and then, I saw your video on youtube.

 

I eyeballed that model when it first appeared in one of the 2007 catalogs. At the time, I was concerned about it only having one can motor; plus I was spending big time, in those days... had a lot of other things to get.

 

I never saw you complain about a shortage of power, so I figure it's decent motive power. Not that I would expect it to pull long trains etc.

 

BTW, it's my understanding that the 2007 production run... was the first?

 

Another BTW,

 

The other model I've got coming might be quite nice, too. It's from 2007, as well; and mine will be wearing mostly blue. A different kind of 4400hp you might say.

 

 

Rick

 

 

 

As a practical matter, the prototype (300 horsepower) was designed to shuffle small cuts of cars, so while the MTH model can pull 10 cars easily, I doubt the prototype would even be pulling that many. Unfortunately, I don't have much prototype data to go on.

Even though the little box cab is a diesel-electric locomotive, it reminds me of a small electric box cab. I've really grown to like that styling for a locomotive. Reminds me of a time when invention... when powered and powerful industrial machines, that were loaded with mechanical details, ruled the day.

 

Looking forward to Tuesday.

 

 

Rick

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Do the scale Dash 8 and ES44AC really need 42" radius curves?

The C40-8 narrow nose is the only type of GE DASH 8 that the CNW had and the recent MTH release looks exactly like the real ones.

 

Andrew

Is there any new tooling with the new Premier engines in the 2013 Vol 1 catalog?

 

Paul

Your question is a little unclear. Did you mean to say "scale wheeled"? I believe MTH does rate those as requiring 42" radius curves, but I have successfully run both models on 36" radius curves, as have other forum members. Remember of course that in two-rail scale (for which these models are primarily offered), curves are expressed in radius, rather than in diameter, as in three rail. So in three-rail terms, the scale-wheeled version of these models essentially require 072 curves, minimum.

 

The high-rail versions will handle tighter curves, and I think 042 (42" diameter circle) is what MTH lists. You can swap out the scale wheels for high-rail wheels, and the engine will have a tighter turn capability, but the fixed pilots and pilot-mounted couplers will still limit the engine to about 36" radius, at least when coupled to something else.

 

RM

Thanks Rich!

 

I was worried that they would require at least 84" diameter curves since they say 42" radius.  I have some O-72 on my layout and would like to buy one.  I was thinking using longer couplers would also help decrease the radius required for them.