As the conclusion to the "Sound and Light Check Series" (at least for now), I thought it fitting to review the standard I previously judged all MTH engines against, in terms of lighting: the Protosound 3.0 AEM-7. Of all the engines with passenger strobes I have reviewed, these models not only have the correct white color, but also the randomized flashing pattern, which is my favorite feature. Including the strobes, these models probably have the most light functionality of any MTH engine, since they have marker lights and ditch lights at both ends in addition to standard headlights (perhaps only a model of UP 844, with emergency lights, marker lights, and MARS lights could top it). I have two gripes; the strobes stay on constantly, instead of only turning on with the horn as is prototypical, and the emergency stop beacon is illuminated as a rear marker (for some inexplicable reason). The sound set isn't half bad either, with the great K5LA and accurate E-bell.
My intent with the "Sound and Light Check" videos was to provide a quick sample of the basic prime mover and warning device sounds, and to also examine the prototypically of the lighting features on these models. In the status quo, MTH provides brief recordings of their engines, but mostly of the PFA sequence (and never up to run 8), while also failing to advertise the road-specific lighting packages they offer. In Lionel's case, there are often no sound files available on their website, though the prototypicality of their Legacy lighting is usually advertised.
Since Imperial Train Company closed its Pittsburgh store and migrated to online-only sales out of Texas, this will most likely be the last of these videos, since at this juncture I lack the desire and income to purchase engines of my own to review.
