Protosound or PS-1 is conventional.  You can control it via DCS but via a variable track voltage from the TIU.

Yes it can be upgraded to Command Control.  Now is a good time before the fall/winter rush.  Plus MTH has just released the new PS-32 kits.   G

OK, how much is the cost?  And is this something someone with very little knowledge of train repair could do?  And do you think this would be worth it?  I think I might have found my "holy Grail" of locomotives and wouldnt mind adding it to my collection.  But if this is a pain to do I will pass.  Thanks again!

You may want to tell what the engine is.  

Good point, sorry.  I found the MTH EMD GP38-2 Diesel LIRR 20-2226-1 on ebay.  I have wanted this engine since i first saw it at a local train club. 

Just wondering if it would be worth the effort?

Protosounds was called "Proto-1" after Proto-2 command systems came on the market. An adaptation of QSIndustries (QSI) electronic reverse units and sound systems, it was designed for conventional operation.

For upgrades, contact Wayne Renga at J and W Electronics: jandwelectronics@yahoo.com

As GGG posted, this is a good time to upgrade. I wouldn't call that a "pain," but you have to know what you're doing. 16 - 18 volts in the track for command systems will fry any wiring mistakes or short circuits in an instant.

A quick-acting fuse between transformers / power packs can prevent that.

Mr. Mgoo, you have to do your own cost analysis.  I figured: (1) I had many old Weavers and MTHs RailKings, made in Korea, all of which were, and still are, perfect; (2) the cost of a kit thru MTHRRC was $150; (3) I would do labor.  While it might have made more economic sense to sell them and buy new, the fact that new is Made in China also had to be consideredSo I did them all, a dozen or so.  Premier locos are easier to justify.

At the risk of undergoing the wrath of dealers, I would not take the unit to just any LHS for upgrade.  Personally, I would not assume that any LHS is qualified, and if they send them out, you might as well cut out the middleman and pick someone with an established track record.

Yes, "20-xxx" designates Premier.

DCC can run conventional locomotives. That GP38-2 can run by itself. An upgrade would enable it to run in MU (Multiple Unit) consists.

A GP38-2 should mix with RailKing trains. Just put it on the track and see how it looks with other locomotives and cars

Well Everyone, I did it.  I figured worse comes to worse I could always hold on to it till i decide to run premiere engines and such or look into further getting the upgrade.  I am so far not feeling any remorse buying this.  I know I will have the boss to contend with.  haha.  But i was thinking of selling one of my other engines anyways.  Thank you everyone for your advise!  Cant wait to get this bad boy running!

Life is too short not to get something you have always wanted.  Some of these small run off road name engines are not available in mass quantities.  So these are good choices to upgrade to what you want.

PR diesel are very similar in size to RK with just additional details.  So it will be a nice fit I am sure.

Enjoy it!   G

What he said. 

Thanks everyone.

Just Got the Engine.  It looks really good on my layout.  Now I have to get the sheckles to make the upgrade.  With engine like this i would have to upgrade to PS-2.  PS-3 isn't available to make upgrades?  Once again thank you everyone for your help!

PS3 is almost available on MTHRRC (I've got 2 on backorder).  PS2 kits are sold out.  If you're going to do the work yourself, I'd order a PS3 kit thru MTHRRC before a forecast price increase.

PS3 does not require a battery. That's good.

This is for RJR,

I'm new to this forum so please excuse any and all stupidity on my part.

I read a few months ago about the PS2 upgrades and thought that would be a good project for williams SD45 that I bought for my great nephew. So I joined MTHRRC

and then found that they didn't exist any longer. So Ive been waiting for the PS3

version. You say that you you've got 2 on back order. How and where did you do that? I can't find them anywhere. Thanks for any info on this.

Mark

Call or email Kristi in the MTHRRC and place them on order.

Mark, call MTH at 410-381-2580.  At the menu, press 4 (I believe) for the MTH Railroaders Club.  Place your order with the person answering. 

You'll save about $30 or $40 per upgrade kit.  You will have to specify steam or diesel.  Delivery will be a few months off.

RJR and gunrunner, Thanks for responding. I'll give that a try next week as I'm sure they will be

closed over the holiday.

Gunrunner, I see you on this and another forum and you seem to be a hands on type of guy. Do you also work on guns? Is that where the name comes from? Or do you just have a shady past?

Guilty as charged.   I collect old pistols, I have about 120 of them.