Gilly & SJC,
Thanks so much! A forum member (who has been really helpful) has a Bantam J with PS2 for $100. I guess this is the most cosmetically basic of the MTH Js. Still, I was really tempted by it having the PS2 functionality. It is from an old RTR set so it almost certainly has the 5V system.
Which way I go on a J is going to be limited by the layout I build. As of two months ago, I finally got my own place. I'll be using a spare bedroom as the train room. The room isn't that big so the outermost loop will most likely be comprised of O-42 and O-54 RealTrax. The inner loop will be a mix of O-31 and O-42. My rolling stock is almost all MTH. I figured that my mid-sized rolling stock will be limited to the outer loop and sidings. My smaller stuff can go anywhere on the layout.
I see that some of the older Premiere Js can navigate O-42:
http://mthtrains.com/20-3132-1
The same from 2008 require O-54:
http://mthtrains.com/20-3132-1
The newest ones also require O-54:
http://mthtrains.com/20-3571-1
Money is a very real issue for me (long story). Based on your advice, I think I'll wait for a used Imperial or maybe even a Premiere with 3v PS2. Earlier in the year, I got a steal on a Premiere PS2 Empire State Express (loco + 7 cars for about $450). With so much love for the 611, it may be a long time until I come across a similar deal for a N&W J. For the latter, I already have the passenger cars so I just lead the loco and tender.
@SJC: If I so go to York, it will likely be up and back on Saturday since I have work until Friday afternoon.
Thanks again, guys!
James
Manassas, VA