MTH Proto2 vs. Proto3 in conventional

Truthfully, none that comes to mind.  Some will bring up the battery, but that's a very minor issue, and certainly not worth spending a lot of extra money on.

 

Thanks, John, I was wondering that too. That helps a lot!

gunrunnerjohn is correct.  Within the crteria you set out, no important difference.  

 

I run conventional.  I have both PS2 and PS3 locos.  I prefer PS3 because they ahve very slightly better sound.  All I really do, though, is distinguish these two from PS1, which I avoid if I can and replace with updated equipment when i can't

If you are a seasonal runner the Supercaps make it easier for periodic running.  Yes you can always add a BCR to a PS-2.  The only other issues is that the later PS-3 have add an additional feature control in conventional.  Example turning markers on and off with 1W and 1B.  PS-2 don't.  Still maybe considered a minor issues.   G

The engine I'm considering is the H3 consolidation 2-8-0. If the headlight lights, smoke unit smokes, and the sound can be turned off, I'll be happy. I'm looking at a $250.00 price difference between this engine and Trainworlds proto3 version, which is why I asked.

 

Thanks for the replies. I think I'll go ahead and get it.

I would add that if it is a PS-2 with the 5 volt boards it would be less desirable than a PS-2 with the newer 3 volt boards.  However, if the 5 volt boards go bad, you can replace with 3 volt boards, but you also have to replace the speaker, and battery.  5 volt boards are no longer available, well, except used. 

 

So if the H-3 you are looking at has a small square rectangular charging port it is 3 volt.  If it's round it's 5 volt.

On most PS2 and PS3 engines you can turn off the smoke and sound for conventional operation.  I don't know of a way to turn off the headlight except by stopping the engine.

 

Stuart