MTH Ready to Run vs RailKing

I believe you’re comparing apples to apples.

The Engines in the RTR sets are basic as compared to those that are sold independently. Unless you are asking will a rtr engine operate the same as an individual engine-which depends on the version of software-

MTH conventional engine;

*locosound

p1

*DCS non-conventional

p2

p3

I hope my answer helps  

Thanks 1drummer. I'm looking at the F40PH in the RTR set 30-4246-1. Is it lacking details? Is the motor and running gear the same as individual Railking?

Jon

Most of the R-T-R sets are pretty basic railking engines, however the later ones do add much more detail than the earlier releases. The set you posted above is a much better F40PH than what MTH release years ago. It should have smoke, independent ditch lights, Independent Headlights, marker lights, and cab lights. All are LED and should also have Rule17 lighting. The motor and running gear should be nearly identical. I have a F40PH set from the early 2000s and it has none of those features, just a single incandescent light bulb in the nose that turns off when put into reverse.

For Reference there are several type of Railking locomotives:
1) Railking Scale
2) Railking Imperial
3) Railking (found in R-T-R sets)
4) Railking Rugged Rails (also found in R-T-R)

Detail Quality wise they run pretty much in that order and now they pack as many lighting and smoke features as possible into all of the newer PS3 units. The Rugged Rails line was somewhat short lived and hasn't been produced in a while.

I did a little research

engine alone

https://www.mthtrains.com/20-2713-1

• Directionally Controlled Headlights
• Intricately Detailed ABS Body
• Metal Wheels, Axles and Gears
• Die-Cast Truck Sides, Pilots and Fuel Tank
• (2) Remotely Controlled Proto-Couplersr
• Colorful Paint Scheme
• Metal Chassis
• (2) Precision Flywheel Equipped Motors
• Locomotive Speed Control
• Proto-Scale 3-2 3-Rail/2-Rail Conversion Capable
• Lighted Cab Interior
• Illuminated Number Boards
• Lighted Marker Lights
• (2) Engineer Cab Figures
• Spinning Roof Fans
• Metal Body Side Grilles
• Operating Smoke Unit
• Proto-Sound 2.0 With The Digital Command System Featuring: Station Stop Proto-Effects
• Unit Measures:15 1/4 x 2 1/2 x 4 1/16
• Operates On O-31 Curves

Vs

the engine in the set

• Intricately Detailed, Durable ABS Body
• Die-Cast Truck Sides, Pilots and Fuel Tank
• Metal Chassis
• Metal Handrails and Horn
• Authentic Paint Scheme
• Metal Wheels, Axles and Gears
• (2) Remote-Controlled Proto-Couplers
• Prototypical Rule 17 Lighting
• Directionally Controlled Constant Voltage LED Headlights
• (2) Precision Flywheel-Equipped Motors
• Operating ProtoSmoke Diesel Exhaust
• Onboard DCC/DCS Decoder
• Locomotive Speed Control In Scale MPH Increments
• Proto-Sound 3.0 With The Digital Command System Featuring Passenger Station Proto-Effects
• Locomotive Measures: 14 1/2" x 2 1/2" x 3 1/2"

I always like the individual pieces over the RTR stuff. But I mostly buy used so my options are limited by Reality 😁

The formula is-

whats available and how much money I have. 🚂

Thank you H1000 and 1drummer I really appreciate your research!

Jon

Do these Railkings keep a constant speed when transitioning from straight to curve at slow speeds?

Jon

@ffjon posted:

Do these Railkings keep a constant speed when transitioning from straight to curve at slow speeds?

Jon

Yes They do. All MTH engines with PS2 & PS3 (Railking or Premier) has speed control built-in. It can be disabled if you want.