I upgrade locos myself, typically with ERR Cruise Commander (I have done 2 - 3 plain DC Commanders), and, also typically, I add Railsounds, and always remote couplers if reasonable, and it usually is. I seldom fiddle with the "fancier" functions.
This is usually a $200 proposition, so, yes - I will gladly pay more for an upgraded or re-graded (PS2/3 to TMCC) locomotive. And I don't have to do it. Win.
But - who did it? How well? There's the pullback. If I know the up-grader personally (I know 1 locally, other than me) or by dependable reputation (some guys on this Forum), no problem. Not having to crack it open, figure out how this little S.*B. is again just a wee bit different from every other one of the others you've done (which were different from each other) is worth a bit of real cash. I like the results of TMCC upgrades, but I do not like the process - but that's just me. I do it anyway. (Just saying "brass tender" and "nylon screws" annoys me; some will understand.)
