MTH Reading/NS Heritage arrived!

That is a beauty.  Enjoy it!
I can't wait for my heritage units.  I went with Lionel, but I do have some PS3 modern diesels that I run conventionally.  All are excellent runners.  With my Lionel ZW-C transformer, it is very easy to fire the couplers.  When I use the MTH Z-1000, on my test stand, it is a little trickier...you have to learn to get the timing right.
I haven't run smoke on my modern diesels so I can't help you there.

I was concerned that my new engine wasn't working at all with a dcs remote commander from a starter set hooked up to the track.  After a little background reading I realized that the remote commander won't get an engine to move if the factory address has been changed.  I have heard of other cases were new engines came with a different address than the default and had to be reset.  I think that is the case here.  Fortunately I have a few friends with a full dcs system so hopefully I can get it working with my remote commander to use more of the features.

 

Still a little concerned about the noise from the smoke unit - hopefully I be able to compare my engine side by side with some else's

I don't actually think the z-4000 would actually make the programming that much easier.  My understanding is that to really handle programming issues you need to have the full blown dcs remote or the dcs stationary commander.

 

But your right, its hands down the best looking diesel model I've owned to date!

I like it and think they did a nice job with them. For a operator MTH is the way to go for me.. To reset the engine you will need the full version of DCS to reset. But most LHS will help you if you dont have one. I need to redo my layout to larger curves before I can enjoy one but cant wait. 

 It's hard to say anything about your smoke unit as it's hard to tell from words if it's a defect. I do have some that are a little louder than others. If it was real loud, I'd be looking for a reason. I have found that some new units are packed wrong and the wick blocks the hole. That can cause the unit to sound different.

 So, how is the smoke output?

 Can you hear the fan over the engine sounds?

 I would think it's under warranty so let it run just a bit and see if it gets better or worse. Of course I'm not hearing what you're hearing so you have to make the call.

 Maybe someone on the DCS forum could help with more info.

To get the couplers to fire on my PS-2 SD-45 diesel I had to use the TIU and the DCS remote. Also have the AIU for 8 switches, works great if you program it for track use and switches, you can throw a switch and run your train non-stop or do switching without having to manually throw each switch.

 

I have a PS-1 Reading Crusader that won't open the coupler for me. I have applied 14 volts to it and it works, so the PS-1 circuit board is not doing it's job would be my guess.

 

Lee Fritz