MTH Proto 2

The electronics today are great.  I would not run a modern engine on those old transformers.

Greetings,

I would never recommend running a ps2 (or any other newer engine) with a postwar transformer.  Two quick reasons:

A fuse would need to be installed to protect electronics in the event of a derailment.  

Second, you lose a ton of features! Even a newer transformer (like a cw etc..) can unlock some decent features with the correct of bell and whistle button sequencing.  

 

Just my 2 cents, if you are looking to buy a ps2 or ps3 engine, buy the dcs system to go along with it.  You will save yourself a ton of hassle.  

Todd, you said it all.  Well stated.

At the very least if your trying to save some money you could get an MTH controller and power brick like a Z1000. I do have DCS but I use Z1000 power bricks on all my main lines. They trip fast if you have a problem like a derailment. That can make the difference from cooking and expensive board.  I have 2 post war ZW's that I just use for lights and accessories.  

Chris, remember Erol (Locolawyer) will be here in the morning.  If you are working give him a call and say hello.  He is buying breakfast.  The way you run your layout is very good.

I am working but breakfast will work. Shoot me an E-mail what time.  

If you already have a layout wired with a KW and you want to run a PS/2 locomotive in conventional mode, that will work fine. You should wire an 8-amp fast-blow fuse into the hot lead to the track to protect the electronics from a potential overload from a derailment or short. You can get a suitable fuse holder at any auto supply or hardware store. Be sure the fuse is fast-blow.

 

The advice to get a modern transformer and/or a DCS system is excellent, but unnecessary if you just want to run one locomotive on an existing conventional layout. Just be sure to install the fuse. 

I strongly recommend that you utilize a more up to date transformer for any modern MTH locomotive. Steady voltage required.

 

I have my MTH DCS MTH ES44 running on the RK remote right now until I can get a more permanent system established. The remote allows me to access the bell, horn and speed as well as reverse. That's it, but the steady flow of voltage to her is what makes the whole affair great. The older stuff is okay in conventional type locomotives, but this newer stuff........I would not recommend it.

 

 

Pete

With any PS2/3 or TMCC/Legacy locomotive you run the risk of damaging the circuit boards if you run a PW transformer and no modifications.

Do not buy the Lionel CW-80 to operate the MTH PS2 locomotive in conventional, the way the transformer operates the PS2 locomotive won't be able to read the signals correctly. Like the others, I recommend the (newer) MTH Z-1000. Also, you should definitely move into command control, I held out until this year, and I regret every year I wasn't operating my command capable locomotives with DCS/Legacy.

Happy Railroading!

Bobby

In "conventional mode," PS 2 has a lot of features to enjoy, but the full PS 2 experience requires the MTH DCS. The MTH line of transformers all have quick reacting circuit breakers and the AC wave form ideally suited to PS 3 & PS 2. 

I'll swim against the current and say I don't think there's anything wrong with the KW if you protect the track feed with modern circuit protection, either a fast acting breaker or fuse.  Of course, the comments about not having access to many of the features without at least a bell button are 100% valid, but the engine will run fine with KW power.

 

Since I run pretty exclusively command, I don't face this situation often...

 

I agree with John.

 

I've had a KW connected to my bench TIU for 10 years without a problem. Of course, I also have a fast-blow 10 amp fuse in line with the Hot wire between the KW and the TIU channel inputs.