upgrades

here are the Deisel upgrade ps 3 kits from MTH!

p.s you can check with gunrunner John for tmcc upgrade prices

Alan

If the "old" diesel has a Pulmore motor, TMCC is the only option, PS/3 need a DC motor and a flywheel.

I think it is the opposite.  Lionel Diesel engines are easier to convert to PS-3.  Steam can be problematic depending on the year.  If they have tethers like the early 28000 series from 1999-200X time frame they are more conducive to conversion.  If they had the IR drawbar, not as easy.

Lionel upgrades you really need to be more specific with a product number for help.  TMCC upgrades require the Motor board/Radio and RS set.  Then potentially couplers new bulbs or led.  Antenna mounting if a metal shell also becomes and issues.  Then if you want integrated effect like smoke and chuff you need John components.  This really get the price well above a PS-3 kit in just parts alone.   

Give the model number and you can get some better guidance.  G

@GGG posted:

I think it is the opposite.  Lionel Diesel engines are easier to convert to PS-3.

I don't see the diesel conversions as easier.  Given the fact that the PS/3 diesel upgrade replaces all the lighting with LED's, there is considerable physical work, depending on the level of detailed lighting the engine has.

I'd actually rate the diesel upgrades are pretty equal in difficulty, and maybe even shaded toward TMCC being easier.

OTOH, steam is usually easier to upgrade with PS/3, on that we can agree.  Since the PS/3 is an all-in-one board solution, it's also cheaper, at least if they ever start shipping the upgrade kits again.

Changing bulbs to LED is not difficult. Especially since there are mounts for the bulb to start with.  Takes a little time yes but not difficult.  Having to grind out a cast chassis to fit parts, or not being able to use the kit parts and custom wire a harness is where it becomes difficult for the typical hobbyist.

So again it all depends on the model.  The things I hate when doing upgrades is having to disassemble a Lionel truck to change a coupler.  That is more difficult/time consuming.  Having to isolate any metal/cast tender shell to turn it into an antenna for TMCC.  Having to wire a super chuffer and tach and cruise and sounds.  Far more wiring and time.  PS-3 is clean and diesels are generally easier for me.  Very straight forward.  Steam is both units being modified and more time consuming unless an MTH unit.  But certainly, this is in the eyes of the do'er.  G

@GGG posted:

The things I hate when doing upgrades is having to disassemble a Lionel truck to change a coupler.  That is more difficult/time consuming.

If you run across the Lionel "puzzle" trucks, it does take some effort to swap out the couplers, that's for sure!

I guess with a zillion TMCC diesels under my belt, I don't see the diesel TMCC upgrade as being harder than the DCS, and typically I'd rate it as easier or at least equal to the DCS upgrade.  However, steam does have to tilt to the DCS, cheaper and usually less work.

Of course, all of this is moot for many folks as they specifically want DCS or TMCC installed.

Above are some pictures that I took of the engine that I would like to upgrade to TMCC.

I think it is a 6-18819. That engine supposedly has dual motors.  Can someone explain what I am looking at and where the dual motors can be found?

I'm guessing based on the question that this is one of the models with the truck mounted motors.  If you look closely at the sides of the trucks inside the sideframes, you should see the motor peeking out one side.

You are correct .

One under each truck.  I am relatively sur that the product number is 6-188819.  Is this still a good engine for my first upgrade? If so should I go with ERR?  what would be the kit numbers? I looking at speed control, lights and couplers.

Note that some of these don't take to cruise control well.  If you hand rotate the wheels and  you feel a strong "cogging" of the drive motor, it is likely to have poor low speed performance with the ERR cruise.  PS/3 is not an option for this upgrade as you don't have a flywheel.

Yes , I definitely feel the cogging that you are describing.  I think I will put this one back on the shelf and pick a different one.

Thank you for all of your help. I learned something today.

@amtrack5899 posted:

One under each truck.  I am relatively sur that the product number is 6-188819.  Is this still a good engine for my first upgrade? If so should I go with ERR?  what would be the kit numbers? I looking at speed control, lights and couplers.

I would not pick this for my first upgrade.  The couplers on those trucks have non-standard mounts, so it'll be extra custom work to get electrocouplers on it.  That and my previously mentioned reservation about the cruise working well leads me to believe that wouldn't be my first conversion project.

I got back into the hobby around 1981. It looks like all of the engines that I wanted to convert to TMCC have these dual motor truck mounted motors.  I do have several PS1 diesel engines that I would like to upgrade. Sounds like Ill be waiting for the PS3 boards that Alan Manchus provided a link for to come out. Maybe Ill upgrade a hot box reefer car? Are these fairly simple?

@amtrack5899 posted:

I got back into the hobby around 1981. It looks like all of the engines that I wanted to convert to TMCC have these dual motor truck mounted motors.  I do have several PS1 diesel engines that I would like to upgrade. Sounds like Ill be waiting for the PS3 boards that Alan Manchus provided a link for to come out. Maybe Ill upgrade a hot box reefer car? Are these fairly simple?

The PS/1 diesels can be either TMCC or PS/3 upgrades.  I know of no DCS upgrade for the Hot Box Reefer, but the TMCC control is a simple upgrade using the ERR Mini Commander ACC.  See attached ERR Hot Box Reefer Installation Guide.

ERR Hot Box Car Mini Commander Installation Guide.pdf