Hello everyone,
I own a Standard Gauge Christmas set with ProtoSound and am now considering a traditional Blue Streak. Just wondering why traditional and protosound are priced the same. Can anyone shed some light on this?
Thanks!
Frank
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I’ve always wondered about this myself. I’ve pretty much gone with PS2 in my tinplate purchases so I’m happy. Although I can also see why those that buy traditional would be expecting to pay less.
My own opinion:
PS-2:
Steam (late versions) - YES!
Electrics: NO! (with the exception of the Brute, which was NOT offered in traditional).
Traction tires: a HUGE NO! 
Sometimes I get the Tradional, sometimes the PS2 versions. It depends more on what is available than anything, as I prefer the PS2.
So far, both the PS2 and Traditional versions I have run well, so I have no complaints with either.
I do like the traction tires-I just got a 400E with PS2 and have quite a few 200 Series freight cars. I intend to have it pull all of them.
I think if you prefer traditional in tinplate, buy the PS2 version and remove the PS2 and sell it or use it in a non tinplate loco.
Maybe I'm just old. My Std. Gauge & O-Gauge came without sounds when they were made (1920-1930's). I'd like to have a horn, whistle or mabe a bell at times. As far as the cost of the new. I too feel that traditional should cost less because the engines do not have the PS2. Maybe it's just another way to "force-feed" the new buyers PS2? I Dunno 
.
The motor is entirely different between the two versions:
The Traditional motor is a series wound, open field A/C type motor, made in the same style as the originals. It is equipped with a drum-type E-unit.
The Contemporary Version uses a very large D/C can motor. The electronics in the PS2 board allow it to be operated with A/C current.
If you wanted to convert a Contemporary version to A/C operation, you would have to purchase an aftermarket electronic reverse unit with a built in rectifier, or add a rectifier and original style E-Unit.
If I had to guess, I would guess that the Traditional type motor is very labor intensive to assemble (lots of separate parts, winding the field and armature, etc).
The "contemporary" MTH locos have been a hit at SGMA events. Fantastic pulling power allows really long trains, always popular with the crowd. Sounds and smoke are another advantage. My only reservation is a concern about future repairs. Will parts to keep the electronics working always be available?
