MTH PS 3

Yes it will, and very well, too.

All command-type engines (Lionel system or MTH system) will run in conventional mode. That was part of the original design specifications.

The only exceptions I know about are the first Lion Chief - before they went to the Plus sign on the end: Lion chief +.

Will I need to do anything to the engine or will it just run 

If there is no DCS signal present, it will run in conventional without any adjustments, as mentioned by Roy.

A PS3 engine will run just like any conventional engine. You won't have to do anything different at all.

MELGAR

Both MTH Proto 2 and 3 and the Lionel with TMCC or Legacy systems will run in conventional mode you just won’t be able to access all the features that are available unless you have the command system to do so. 

Put the engine on the track and set the transformer to about 8 or 9 volts. There won't be any sounds until the capacitor charges up because there is no battery in a PS3 engine. After about 30 seconds, the headlight and sounds will come on. You can then start moving forward by pressing the "direction" button or bringing the transformer back to zero volts and then increasing again to around 10 volts.

MELGAR

No question that it will run perfectly as long as it is in good working order. But why? The PS-3 electronics is adding anywhere from $100-$175 to your purchase price--and you're not going to use it? Why not just buy a conventional loco. You get the same thing and pay less.

Don

Why run it on a conventional layout instead of a conventional locomotive?  The sounds are excellent whether run conventional or DCS.  I have PS 3 NYSW FP45 and Lackawanna Trainmaster.  I enjoy running them as much conventionally as I do with DCS.

Below is excerpt from an MTH manual that describes the things you can do with a PS2 or PS3 engine in conventional mode:

@Don Merz 070317 Running a DCS engine conventional provides a number of features that are not available on most other conventional engines like synchronized puffing smoke to sound, cruise control, and the features listed above. Not to mention the sounds don't cut out each time you hit the direction button. While it does cost more, it provides a better experience than a typical conventional engine.

H1000--thanks fr that kind and useful reply. I get the point now. Much appreciated.

Don Merz

On the flipside -

I believe if you run power units in DCS and want conventional mode, you have to change it in the remote. I brought some subways out to my other setup / house and they didn't run with my old ZW. Stuck in DCS mode. Forgot to change them over before leaving my home.

I never heard of this.  How do you "stick" a PS/3 locomotive in DCS mode?

Same question as GRJ.  Reason why not to buy a conventional loco is that MTH no longer makes any, as far as I know.