Thoughts on conventional operation of MTH PS3.0

Garrett76,

    I do not own a P3 engine, however the P2's I own run well with just about any transformer in conventional, on FasTrack.  Sense you are running all 036 you might have some problems with the bigger engines on your curves, make sure when you purchase they are rated for the 036 min.  However as usual I recommend nothing less than a Z-1000 for most layouts, even when just running in conventional.  

Have fun!

PCRR/Dave

At this time my train club is conventional operation only. We run a lot of MTH Engines Proto 1, 2 & 3. I have some big steam Proto3 engines including Pennsy K4, S1 and J1 among others. The MTH Proto3 engines run well in conventional mode. Available are the sounds (including engine sounds, crew chatter, Whistle and bell), synchronous chuffing, low speed running. This includes the Railking Engines. The railking line gives you pretty much all the features as the premium line with less detail and smaller radius requirements. The Imperial line adds additional detail to the Railking. Either way you have plenty of value in conventional mode. I'm not familiar with the CW-80 transformer but it should give you everything you need assuming it has a bell button. If it doesn't you can add an external button. The bell button is needed for the bell sound (Duh) and to activate some features like PFA or open Coupler in conventional mode.

My MTH PS3 diesels and steam run great in conventional on FasTrack.  I've always heard MTH doesn't play well with the CW-80 though...well, I should say that the CW-80 is the one that doesn't play well with MTH.  I use a MTH Z-1000 or a Lionel ZW-C with mine.

In conventional, you get smoke, bell and whistle/horn.  You also can fire the front and rear couplers on diesel and rear coupler on steam engines.  In addition you can access the passenger or freight announcements sequence.  Lots of play value in conventional.

I have several PS2 and PS3 locomotive, but recently purchased my first PS3 Imperial steam(Allegheny)...it is a fantastic engine on my O60 minimum curve layout.

It's worth noting that all Rail King engines, including the Imperial line, are rated for O31 curves.

A CW80 is NOT on the recommended transformer list for MTH engines. Get a Z-1000. It is better quality, more powerful, and will run pretty much anything for LESS $ (I believe, not looking at catalogs now) than a CW80.

MTH PS2 and PS3 engines don't play nice with a CW80. I have one and have experience with this. I use my CW80 for accessories and a trolley line. Also, the bell/whistle buttons are set up that you can't get the 1/2 second interval needed to get MTH couplers to work, PFA announcements, etc.

Thanks everyone for responding.  I did not anticipate the purchase of an MTH transformer.  Where's there's a will, there's a way.  Thanks

They do come up on the forum Buy/Sell board once in a while.  Some folks buy a starter set, but don't need the track and transformer.  Check with your dealer about a Z500 from a starter set or place a post on the Want to Buy board here.

Jeff Davis