Upgrading MTH Premier Dash 8 locomotive w/ PS3

You might be better off buying the trucks complete as they would have the coupler mounts for standard electrocouplers.

There have been several notes put out about this.  Those newer engine built and designed for 2 Rail scale can not have coupler put back on with fixed pilot engines.  They were made for the scale operators.  Not meant to be bought and converted.  So I think your out of luck.  G

I am confused why you label this a RK model?

https://mthtrains.com/22-20730-2

Isn't it a premier?

"O Scale Premier Dash-8 "

Your best bet would be to find someone who has 3 rail pilots and trade them pilots and wheel sets..  The bosses for the proto-couplers should still be on the trucks you have.

You do not need new trucks.

This is not too difficult to do.  The pilots just bolt on.  Fixed pilots go to the frame.  Hi-rail pilots go to the trucks.  The biggest rash will be hand rails.

That is a premier engine.  Call me.

David Minarik posted:

That is a premier engine.  Call me.

Thank you for your replies. Yes it is a premier engine. My mistake when I made the post. I like your suggestion. It sounds workable without a lot of expense. Do you have an thoughts on the reply post from BBB? Thanks for you offer to call you.  I’m not able to call until mid-week next week

Engineer-Joe posted:

I am confused why you label this a RK model?

https://mthtrains.com/22-20730-2

Isn't it a premier?

"O Scale Premier Dash-8 "

It is a Premier not an RK. My mistake

I converted a few of MTH engines. Unless someone hacks off the front of the trucks, they are able to be returned to 3 rail, if you have the parts.

Dave M., I have several parts here. I try to save some parts incase I decide to sell an engine later on.  I do have 2, 3 rail UP Dash 8s on deck for 2 rail conversion, so the pilot color would be correct. 

Rick Schrop posted:

David Minarik posted:

That is a premier engine.  Call me.

Thank you for your replies. Yes it is a premier engine. My mistake when I made the post. I like your suggestion. It sounds workable without a lot of expense. Do you have an thoughts on the reply post from BBB? Thanks for you offer to call you.  I’m not able to call until mid-week next week

They can be turned back to hi rail couplers if hi rail pilots are installed.  The coupler bosses should still be on the trucks you have.  Some designs allow you to remove the boss by unbolting it for scale couplers.  Others require the boss to be cut off.   So, if the previous owner did not remove the proto-couple boss, you are in good shape.

David Minarik posted:

Rick Schrop posted:

David Minarik posted:

That is a premier engine.  Call me.

Thank you for your replies. Yes it is a premier engine. My mistake when I made the post. I like your suggestion. It sounds workable without a lot of expense. Do you have an thoughts on the reply post from BBB? Thanks for you offer to call you.  I’m not able to call until mid-week next week

They can be turned back to hi rail couplers if hi rail pilots are installed.  The coupler bosses should still be on the trucks you have.  Some designs allow you to remove the boss by unbolting it for scale couplers.  Others require the boss to be cut off.   So, if the previous owner did not remove the proto-couple boss, you are in good shape.

 

I contacted MTH Service about this issue. The service tech in the parts dept. said:  "There is no Proto-coupler for O Gauge 2-Rail diesel engines. You can not add a proto-coupler to an O Gauge 2-Rail diesel product because of the pilot opening (not enough room for it operating properly) and mounting." 

I then asked about replacing the 2 rail trucks with 3 rail trucks. The service tech said "no" to this option as well.

As GGG (authorized MTH Service Center) replied in his 3/7 post, I guess I'm out of luck. I'll likely get rid of it.

Thank you for your assistance in this matter