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Greetings,

I would never recommend running a ps2 (or any other newer engine) with a postwar transformer.  Two quick reasons:

A fuse would need to be installed to protect electronics in the event of a derailment.  

Second, you lose a ton of features! Even a newer transformer (like a cw etc..) can unlock some decent features with the correct of bell and whistle button sequencing.  

 

Just my 2 cents, if you are looking to buy a ps2 or ps3 engine, buy the dcs system to go along with it.  You will save yourself a ton of hassle.  

If you already have a layout wired with a KW and you want to run a PS/2 locomotive in conventional mode, that will work fine. You should wire an 8-amp fast-blow fuse into the hot lead to the track to protect the electronics from a potential overload from a derailment or short. You can get a suitable fuse holder at any auto supply or hardware store. Be sure the fuse is fast-blow.

 

The advice to get a modern transformer and/or a DCS system is excellent, but unnecessary if you just want to run one locomotive on an existing conventional layout. Just be sure to install the fuse. 

I strongly recommend that you utilize a more up to date transformer for any modern MTH locomotive. Steady voltage required.

 

I have my MTH DCS MTH ES44 running on the RK remote right now until I can get a more permanent system established. The remote allows me to access the bell, horn and speed as well as reverse. That's it, but the steady flow of voltage to her is what makes the whole affair great. The older stuff is okay in conventional type locomotives, but this newer stuff........I would not recommend it.

 

 

Pete

With any PS2/3 or TMCC/Legacy locomotive you run the risk of damaging the circuit boards if you run a PW transformer and no modifications.

Do not buy the Lionel CW-80 to operate the MTH PS2 locomotive in conventional, the way the transformer operates the PS2 locomotive won't be able to read the signals correctly. Like the others, I recommend the (newer) MTH Z-1000. Also, you should definitely move into command control, I held out until this year, and I regret every year I wasn't operating my command capable locomotives with DCS/Legacy.

Happy Railroading!

Bobby
Last edited by Bobby

I'll swim against the current and say I don't think there's anything wrong with the KW if you protect the track feed with modern circuit protection, either a fast acting breaker or fuse.  Of course, the comments about not having access to many of the features without at least a bell button are 100% valid, but the engine will run fine with KW power.

 

Since I run pretty exclusively command, I don't face this situation often...

 

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