MTH's Premier Triplex with PS3.0

One of my favorite engines. I looked a long time to find one after they were first released, and thanks to Vince, I purchased the Russian Blue version. I can easily see why getting one of the new ones is a priority for you. Hope you decide to pull the trigger on this one.

Hi Paul,

You may want to consider getting a Proto 2 one instead. I'm seeing and hearing a lot of rumbling about MTH cheapening the Proto 3 models of re-releases.

Seems like they are leaving off things like dual pickups on the tender wheels, no rollers on the tender wheels of engines. Sound systems not as robust and Proto 2.

Heck, they don't even include a manual with Proto 3 models anymore.

Has anyone else experienced this with Proto 3 models of the same in Proto 2?

A great engine, I had one and it is one of the best engines ever made IMO. I would get the Russian blue, my favorite.

We have the Gauge 1 Virginian and it's really handsome. It has the whistle steam feature well before Lionel came out with theirs!

I have the Railking Triplex and it is my favorite steamer. What is the minimum radius on the Premier Model?

Thank you.

Paul

"What is the minimum radius on the Premier Model"

0-72, Paul.

Thank you Brian,

Paul

just received a MTH Proto 3 DR BR44.  Came with a large format manual about 13 pages long.  Not sure about lack of pick up rollers; have to look

That is bad news. I wouldn't put it past any importer to try save money by cheapening products, but to take a step backwards with regards to sound systems would be a deal killer for me. This would be my first PS3.0 engine.

For what it's worth, the current problems that MTH has been having with the PS3.0 boards is primarily related to diesel models, and NOT PS3.0 steam models. There are two different "suppliers", i.e.one for diesel systems and for steam systems. My "repair friend" indicated that he has not seen any issues with the latest steam models.

My experience with Proto3 diesels has been outstanding. The Premier Norfolk Southern Heritage series , both the SD70ACe and the ES44AC models have the best diesel sound I have heard. The Proto3 boards have a more robust amplifier and greater memory resulting in outstanding sound which to my ear is better the brand L. Over the years MTH has always been told that their sound was not as good as Lionel's. Well, I now believe the diesel sound is better. This also applies to their F3 and F7 models. Better steam sound is expected as well from the more capable Proto3 boards.

I'm always fascinated by the time it takes folks to change their attitudes and perspectives on things.

With all the "collection thinning" I've done over the years, the MTH Erie Triplex is one locomotive that remains firmly on the roster.  And just by reading about it in this thread, I'm hearkened back to the time when MTH was known for greater details in product over the competition as well as greater initiative in bringing unique products to market.

That changed at some point when Lionel delivered Legacy Railsounds with dramatically-improved sounds along with greater locomotive details overall -- closing the gap between the two importers.  Then, of course, MTH steam -- especially in the U.S. -- fell off most folks' radar screens when MTH encountered factory problems in China and reportedly needed to find a new manufacturer.

So it's easy to see how folks have forgotten about this gem of a locomotive and how unique it was in its day.  I'm glad to see MTH back in the swing of things with respect to steam locomotive production again.  It may take a lot to pry enthusiasts away from the grip that Legacy Railsounds has on them.  But if ever there were a locomotive product to do it, the triplex would be my bet.

It's sad to see comments about "cheaper" manufacturing short-cuts being made, and hopefully they're just rumor in this case.  But I wouldn't be surprised if we encounter shades of that everywhere nowadays as pressures to increase profits loom amidst increasing overseas labor costs.  Seems a bit of caution is in order with everything purchased these days.

Good luck with whichever version of the triplex locomotive you end up purchasing, Paul.  Enjoy it!!!  

David

Thanks, David.

I am apprehensive about spending $1,300+- on any product. Having not purchased any MTH engines since 2008 I am concerned what I am reading. I also read that I will need to upgrade my DCS TIU's in order to run a PS3.0 engine and quill the whistle - does anyone know if this is accurate? Given that I have TIU's that are about 10 years old or so and they do not have USB ports (software version 3.21 is loaded), I don't even know how I'll be able to do that, I suppose it involves finding a cable with that mates to the TIU and the USB port on my computer. All this kind of stuff turns me off to MTH products. FWIW, two local train dealers don't upgrade TIUs anymore for customers, so I guess I'd have to ship and pay MTH to do it, assuming they still do it.

Also FWIW, the first or second run of the Premier Triplex' were subject to boiler blisters, caused from an impurity in the zinc casting. One of my Triplex' had the blisters, but it really didn't bother me. It would really bother me off if the PS3.0 Triplex was released with an inferior sound system, and/or if they skimped on pickup rollers or other cost-saving measures. Honestly, I was hoping Lionel would make the Triplex with Legacy, steam whistle effect, and Railsounds. As you mentioned, this was MTH's ace back in the day, making interesting and never-before made models. I have to see how this plays out with more research on PS3.0/DCS and dealers pre-order pricing on the fascinating Triplex.

Paul, would you send me your current email address and phone number. I have some comments to make regarding your concern for current MTH products. You can reach me at milt@paiger.org

thanks,

Milt

I searched for the proto 2 version and I found that one went for $1399.95 on the bay in January of 2015.  It looks like a tough one to find.  I decided to pre order the new one for 1399.95.

I am very pleased with my six proto 3 engines (1 railking texas special, 3 ES44Ac , a premiere SP GS4 and GN S-2).  All have excellent sounds and the operations are flawless. The detail on the GN S-2 surpasses any other manufacturer. The only feature that I miss is stealth mode, but that is minor. When you roll the wheel without START UP, the engines automatically start up.

You will be pleased with the triplex and proto 3.   

Can you share what dealer you pre-ordered the Triplex from?

Milt, I'll send you an e-mail.

Thanks.

I ordered from Mr Muffins, he doesn't charge a deposit or shipping. When you check out mark it as check.

Here is the link:

http://mrmuffinstrains.org/sho...p;controller=product

I did shop the price and everyone is charging the same price. 

My BR44 has two center pickups on the tender and none on the loco - understandable once you look at the underside of the loco and the intricacy of the center-piston and drive modeled there, etc.  

Anyway, I was concerned given only two center pickups on the entire loco-tender, but I have to go with results. It is a good runner -  a very good, smooth, slow runner.  And given that it has super-capacitors for the electronics, and a flywheel motor to ride-thru any momentary lose of contact, it really doesn't need it.  So I'm okay with it . . .