Originally Posted by Drivefourfive:
Hello,
I have an older DCS system and have not really learned the capabilities of the system except for running Ps2 trains and hooking up an AIU for switches. I read some things about newer TIU rev L being the way to go. Can't afford to do that and don't see a reason at this time.
I have never had any real issues with the older TIU (2003) running older PS2 trains. I want to buy a RTR set like the SD70ace set. I have the option to get this set in Protosound 2.0 or Protosound 3.0, the Ps3 costs about $20 more although doesnt come with the double stack cars.
My question (or questions) are.
1. Is the PS3 in this SD70ace RTR set going to sound and perform better than the most recent 2011 versions of this set with the PS2?
2. The older TIU has not been updated in almost 10 years, if I were to buy the PS3 railking set would my DCS still work as well as it does with my PS2 engines, only modification I ever did was the light bulb (and all is good).
Not sure if there is a member who has this set with the PS2 or PS3 but wondering if they were side by side on the track is there a noticeable difference between these two RTR sets. It looks like the 2011 (PS2) comes with much nicer double stack cars, would still like to try the newer PS3 set if its noticably better in the same type of engine and it doesn't require spending money on new DCS.
1) You should see no noticeable difference between PS2 and PS3 for performance. Sound wise, it is up to you. I personally think PS3 leaves much to be desired than PS2. If you can hear both side by side, that would be ideal. I've got two GP9s, a PS3 Railking and a PS2 Premier. The Premier is louder, fuller, and much more "in your face". I have not heard the PS3 SD70. My PS2 SD70, which I got in the BNSF Husky Stack set released in November 2010, sounds and performs well. Earlier ones (mine included) had some issues with paint cracking, but my understanding is MTH has corrected this now and mine was fixed at no charge to me despite being 2 years out of warranty.
2) Based on your descriptions of your layout, you should have no issues. When I got my first and so far only PS3 engine (Railking GP9), all I had to do was put it on the track, add it to the remote and fire it up just like you would a PS2 engine. If you haven't had a software update in 10 years, I'd strongly recommend doing so. I'm not 100% sure, but the newer software may be required for PS3 operation.
3) There are no noticeable differences in the sets side by side. The only difference with PS3 is LED lighting with Rule 17 functions and no battery (big plus). Husky Stack sets include an End of Train device while the freight sets have a caboose. The Stack cars are exactly the same in old and new sets.
The Imperial SD70 sets are great buys. If I could do it again, I'd wait for an east coast RR as I try to keep it to local (B&O, C&O, WM, etc) and the CSX (former B&O main) is only a few miles from my home. Regardless, you can't go wrong with one. I'd pick a PS3 set based mainly on the lack of battery.
