PRR q2 Questions plus in need of advice

Generally, 3rd Rail equipment is more prototypically detailed and accurate, but the command system they provide (ERR) is a clone of the much older Lionel command system known as TMCC, while the MTH command system (PS2 5 volt) is somewhat newer, but less reliable.  The ERR/TMCC system is not upgradeable without a lot of work and cost (because most of us have to rely on local experts to do it), but the DCS system upgrade (to the current PS3 level) will also cost some even if you feel you could do the work yourself.  There are other (more current) command update options known as Blunami and "Dead Rail" (both of which you will find discussed here), but again there are costs and update work to consider.  With the size of the Q2, all of these command modifications should fit, so the 3 questions you have to answer for yourself are:

1.  How much am I willing to accept in lesser detail or non-prototypical sizing?

2.  What command system do I prefer to use and what's my "risk tolerance" (how long will it be supported) for that command system?

3.  How much, in total, do I want to spend?

Personally, I have the MTH version and am happy with my choice.  Only you can decide what will make you happy!

Chuck

Also, keep in mind that the PS/2 5V board has a drop-in replacement.  You can replace a failed 5V PS/2 board with the PS32 stacker board.

MTH made 5 different Q2's and only one has a 5 volt board   The other 4 all came out in 2011 and have the 3 volt boards.   The detail on the MTH is comparable to the 3rd rail as I have owned both.  The operation of the MTH is light years better than the 3rd rail   3rd rail also made a Q1   Very similar to the Q2 but the drive wheels are inverted from each one   

Not quite the same as a Q2 but close here is my 3rd rail Q1…this can’t compare to my Mth Q2 which has a 5 volt bard. But operationally is far superior.

This is early TMCC at its worst…

@bluelinec4 posted:

MTH made 5 different Q2's and only one has a 5 volt board   The other 4 all came out in 2011 and have the 3 volt boards.   The detail on the MTH is comparable to the 3rd rail as I have owned both.  The operation of the MTH is light years better than the 3rd rail   3rd rail also made a Q1   Very similar to the Q2 but the drive wheels are inverted from each one   

I did not know they made 5 different Q2’s I guess I’ll have to keep a lookout for one with the 3 volt board. Thanks!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Also, keep in mind that the PS/2 5V board has a drop-in replacement.  You can replace a failed 5V PS/2 board with the PS32 stacker board.

I remember hearing something about a PS32 stacker board a while ago. Where would I be able to find one to purchase and approximately how much would it cost?

@PRR1950 posted:

Generally, 3rd Rail equipment is more prototypically detailed and accurate, but the command system they provide (ERR) is a clone of the much older Lionel command system known as TMCC, while the MTH command system (PS2 5 volt) is somewhat newer, but less reliable.  The ERR/TMCC system is not upgradeable without a lot of work and cost (because most of us have to rely on local experts to do it), but the DCS system upgrade (to the current PS3 level) will also cost some even if you feel you could do the work yourself.  There are other (more current) command update options known as Blunami and "Dead Rail" (both of which you will find discussed here), but again there are costs and update work to consider.  With the size of the Q2, all of these command modifications should fit, so the 3 questions you have to answer for yourself are:

1.  How much am I willing to accept in lesser detail or non-prototypical sizing?

2.  What command system do I prefer to use and what's my "risk tolerance" (how long will it be supported) for that command system?

3.  How much, in total, do I want to spend?

Personally, I have the MTH version and am happy with my choice.  Only you can decide what will make you happy!

Chuck

If I remember correctly I’m pretty sure the 3rd rail Q2’s came out before ERR so I’m pretty sure they would be straight conventional hence the upgrade to blunami. (I could be wrong though) I gave done 2 blunami upgrades and have been very impressed with the system. To be honest I’m kind of leaning towards the MTH Q2. Thanks for the response!

I have the MTH Q2, nice model.  I've done upgrades on a couple of the 3rd Rail Q2's, and truthfully, I think I'd pick the MTH model.  The 3rd Rail Q2's are pretty old, and the upgrade of any brass locomotive is more complicated than working on diecast.  Also, I see a lot of failed solder joints on older brass models, they were made more to look at than to run.  Before I get too much hate mail, I have a number of brass steam locomotives, and I've upgraded 30-40 of them, so I like to think I have a pretty good experience base with them.

The PS32 board is around $170 as a recall, you'll need a 4 ohm speaker and a heatsink kit to complete the install.