I have 5 Williams passenger cars in the olive color scheme and I know that Lionel in the past used an S2 Turbine for power in front for power. The 'bay currently has a no. of MTH S2 locos up for bid. I have mostly Lionel engines except for two non-sound MTH Locos, a Hudson and a Berk. They look good and run very good. I only use a transformer. I want an MTH S2 but am unfamiliar with the electric sounds and control systems. My questions are: Is Proto Digital and Proto 1 the same? Can Proto 1 or Proto 2 be disconnected and still have the loco run? I know that for $28.00 or so I can purchase a unit that fits in the battery box to replace the batteries so the dead battery issues go away. If the S2 is a new unused loco do I just put this unit in the battery box, wait a minute and run the engine or does the sound system have to be programed in some manner? Also what if a Proto1 loco has been sitting inactive for several years, I'd swap for a new battery and then what ? There are a variety of MTH Proto/Proto1 engines on the 'bay. What is the general history of Proto1 engines? Any problems? How good do they run? Should I am aim to purchase Proto 2 engines only? Any suggestions or info on these questions will be gratefully received. Many thanks guys.
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