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@SIRT posted:

30-20264-1, wrong number, that is an MTH RailKing Lehigh Valley GP20 Proto 3.0 #304



You mean the blue & silver R12 set 30-20626-1?   Sound file is correct, see video. You can change it to something else, but I think its one of the best other than the 1st R-36 W.F.

Video here - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mACGmYa-A24

sorry I typed the numbers wrong image

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@SIRT's comment is gone for me too.

I went to find any a manual I have for a PS3 engine but it's missing. So I got lucky and found a 30-20624-1 manual. I read through the features and whatnot because I thought for sure it would just be a setting but I'm coming up empty handed. I did find the learn mode and that was pretty cool but it didn't mention changing the TAS settings to get the number of your train. I thought maybe they included different sound files and you just had to pick the one you bought but I didn't see anything about that.

Does it mention the names of the stations?

@BillYo414 posted:

@SIRT's comment is gone for me too.

I went to find any a manual I have for a PS3 engine but it's missing. So I got lucky and found a 30-20624-1 manual. I read through the features and whatnot because I thought for sure it would just be a setting but I'm coming up empty handed. I did find the learn mode and that was pretty cool but it didn't mention changing the TAS settings to get the number of your train. I thought maybe they included different sound files and you just had to pick the one you bought but I didn't see anything about that.

Does it mention the names of the stations?

Yes, it’s announcing 1 train stations. I did a little research and it seems like it has the wrong sound file loaded on it. I believe it can be fixed with dcs but I don’t have dcs 😫😫

Yes, it’s announcing 1 train stations. I did a little research and it seems like it has the wrong sound file loaded on it. I believe it can be fixed with dcs but I don’t have dcs 😫😫

Normally I would be upbeat about getting a DCS system but I've heard supplies are low and prices are high (that was about two months ago in northeast Ohio). It sucks. I really want to upgrade to a remote but the prices were really high last I checked. I think/hope things will get back to normal since the latest Atlas announcement though.

I bought the wifi kit for the TIU so I could use the app. That saved me the money of a remote. It came with the wifi box and the TIU. It wasn't cheap but it was the best route in at the time.

@BillYo414 posted:

Normally I would be upbeat about getting a DCS system but I've heard supplies are low and prices are high (that was about two months ago in northeast Ohio). It sucks. I really want to upgrade to a remote but the prices were really high last I checked. I think/hope things will get back to normal since the latest Atlas announcement though.

I bought the wifi kit for the TIU so I could use the app. That saved me the money of a remote. It came with the wifi box and the TIU. It wasn't cheap but it was the best route in at the time.

Yes, the prices are crazy for dcs right now. You have to back order at most stores.i want to eventually use dcs. I just bought this set, so I’ll see if the store I ordered it from can correct it. Just sucks that I’ll probably have to send it to them and I just received it today.

That subway set was released in 2019. Did they represent it to you as new old stock or used? It’s possible that someone changed the sound file, which is not uncommon with subway sets, and then returned it or resold it to the dealer. Either way, the dealer that sold it to you should take care of it.  Sorry to hear that you have to deal with something like this.

That subway set was released in 2019. Did they represent it to you as new old stock or used? It’s possible that someone changed the sound file, which is not uncommon with subway sets, and then returned it or resold it to the dealer. Either way, the dealer that sold it to you should take care of it.  Sorry to hear that you have to deal with something like this.

Yes I think it was new old stock. They definitely didn’t  say used. I left a message and will talk to them tomorrow. It does suck, but it doesn’t seem like it’s something that’s hard to fix with the right equipment.  I’ll keep you guys updated on how they handle it.

Last edited by Brooklyn Corey

Yes. Its very easy to change the soundfile and restore the original flushing line sound files with DCS.That's why subway fans change them regularly.  In fact, if you like the 7 line and have particular stops that you definitely want, check the MTH website for all of the subway #7 trains. Not all the stops are the same on the various sets. Some do a sampling of only the express line stops, others do a sampling of the local.  For example, I used to get off on Bliss street, a local stop. Not all of my #7 subway sets  have that stop.  I'm pretty sure you can download and listen to them on the mTH website by selecting the specific model.  All have been redone in PS3, so you can have the dealer easily install the sound file of your choice.  Check them out. You might want to  have them upload the sound file for a different #7 subway train into your R-12.  The r-33, r-36, R-12 immediately come to mind as flushing line trains, but I know that there is at least one other 7 train in my roster. Its a bummer that you have to send this back, but if it gets you the stops that you want, it may turn a bad situation into a partially good one.  Good luck and keep us posted.

Yes. Its very easy to change the soundfile and restore the original flushing line sound files with DCS.That's why subway fans change them regularly.  In fact, if you like the 7 line and have particular stops that you definitely want, check the MTH website for all of the subway #7 trains. Not all the stops are the same on the various sets. Some do a sampling of only the express line stops, others do a sampling of the local.  For example, I used to get off on Bliss street, a local stop. Not all of my #7 subway sets  have that stop.  I'm pretty sure you can download and listen to them on the mTH website by selecting the specific model.  All have been redone in PS3, so you can have the dealer easily install the sound file of your choice.  Check them out. You might want to  have them upload the sound file for a different #7 subway train into your R-12.  The r-33, r-36, R-12 immediately come to mind as flushing line trains, but I know that there is at least one other 7 train in my roster. Its a bummer that you have to send this back, but if it gets you the stops that you want, it may turn a bad situation into a partially good one.  Good luck and keep us posted.

Thanks for the information. I will definitely keep you guys updated.

Yes. Its very easy to change the soundfile and restore the original flushing line sound files with DCS.That's why subway fans change them regularly.  In fact, if you like the 7 line and have particular stops that you definitely want, check the MTH website for all of the subway #7 trains. Not all the stops are the same on the various sets. Some do a sampling of only the express line stops, others do a sampling of the local.  For example, I used to get off on Bliss street, a local stop. Not all of my #7 subway sets  have that stop.  I'm pretty sure you can download and listen to them on the mTH website by selecting the specific model.  All have been redone in PS3, so you can have the dealer easily install the sound file of your choice.  Check them out. You might want to  have them upload the sound file for a different #7 subway train into your R-12.  The r-33, r-36, R-12 immediately come to mind as flushing line trains, but I know that there is at least one other 7 train in my roster. Its a bummer that you have to send this back, but if it gets you the stops that you want, it may turn a bad situation into a partially good one.  Good luck and keep us posted.

I kept hoping there would be an IRT set that would have an18th st station stop, since that was mine. No luck. But man, I love the subway sets and I have fingers and toes crossed that some company picks up the molds. Heck, if I were as rich as Neil Young I’d buy that part of the business and start a company just for subways and traction! :-)

Excellent news, Corey! Dcs really brings out the best in MTH subways. Station stop activation and programming are so much easier. I like to go to the menu and move up engine sounds that I like so they display in the handheld screen, allowing me to use one of the soft keys to activate it. On most sets, engine sound #5 is the conductor announcing the line.  I put that one in the #1 slot on my menu for all subways.

PDX, fingers crossed, but if not, there are so many right now on the market that you can really build a collection and upload the sound files that you want, just like Corey did.

Excellent news, Corey! Dcs really brings out the best in MTH subways. Station stop activation and programming are so much easier. I like to go to the menu and move up engine sounds that I like so they display in the handheld screen, allowing me to use one of the soft keys to activate it. On most sets, engine sound #5 is the conductor announcing the line.  I put that one in the #1 slot on my menu for all subways.

PDX, fingers crossed, but if not, there are so many right now on the market that you can really build a collection and upload the sound files that you want, just like Corey did.

I’ll definitely try the soft key engine sounds. I like the announcements  loud also.

Last edited by Brooklyn Corey
@BillYo414 posted:

Honestly, that's the first time I ever saw those working before. I only ever looked at them in the catalogs. Those are pretty sweet! Particularly with the way it makes the announcement, stops, and goes again.

How you liking the DCS?

Thanks, I’m loving the dcs. I am still figuring it out and getting the hang of it. As you can see I bought a second loop. I’m trying not to fill my living room with trains and track but who knows 🤣🤣

Thanks, I’m loving the dcs. I am still figuring it out and getting the hang of it. As you can see I bought a second loop. I’m trying not to fill my living room with trains and track but who knows 🤣🤣

DCS was my first command system and I dig it. There are horror stories but it worked well for me on a simple loop. I have Legacy now as well and I love Legacy.

Which track do you like betteR?

@BillYo414 posted:

DCS was my first command system and I dig it. There are horror stories but it worked well for me on a simple loop. I have Legacy now as well and I love Legacy.

Which track do you like betteR?

I’ve only used conventional with my Z1000 and now the DCS system. I really like the DCS. I just realized that I’ve only been in this hobby since February and I’ve spent a lot of 💰💰🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️ It’s ok I’m happy with everything I’ve done.

I’ve only used conventional with my Z1000 and now the DCS system. I really like the DCS. I just realized that I’ve only been in this hobby since February and I’ve spent a lot of 💰💰🤷🏾‍♂️🤷🏾‍♂️ It’s ok I’m happy with everything I’ve done.

It's only gets more expensive the more you buy. However the benefit is subways are relatively cheap. I just scored the PS2 Blue Q cars for $535 shipped.

Thanks, I’m loving the dcs. I am still figuring it out and getting the hang of it. As you can see I bought a second loop. I’m trying not to fill my living room with trains and track but who knows 🤣🤣

Too funny, Corey. Sorry but it’s only a matter of time before you fill up that living room now that you’ve been bitten by the train bug.  Below was a spare guest bedroom that started out just like you, with one loop on a carpet central. Then came the follow up loops, then the 4x8 board, then the additional boards. Now, the guests either sleep under the train layout or in another bedroom, LOL. This is a video from last year, but you get the picture  (btw, dcs runs everything and I’ve never had any problems)-



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Too funny, Corey. Sorry but it’s only a matter of time before you fill up that living room now that you’ve been bitten by the train bug.  Below was a spare guest bedroom that started out just like you, with one loop on a carpet central. Then came the follow up loops, then the 4x8 board, then the additional boards. Now, the guests either sleep under the train layout or in another bedroom, LOL. This is a video from last year, but you get the picture  (btw, dcs runs everything and I’ve never had any problems)-



😮😮 And you’re right, it’s probably going to take over my living room!

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Learning the DCS, got 2 trains running with announcements.

Brooklyn! I used to ride the train to Flatbush Ave to go to College. Your moniker makes me homesick!

Congratulations on getting it going. And the subways are gonna hook you. I just added the green LOV with Christmas Lights that has the Yankee Stadium stop!

Subway sets are a great bang for your buck. Enjoy and keep us posted on how things come together.

Excellent news, Corey! Dcs really brings out the best in MTH subways. Station stop activation and programming are so much easier. I like to go to the menu and move up engine sounds that I like so they display in the handheld screen, allowing me to use one of the soft keys to activate it. On most sets, engine sound #5 is the conductor announcing the line.  I put that one in the #1 slot on my menu for all subways.

PDX, fingers crossed, but if not, there are so many right now on the market that you can really build a collection and upload the sound files that you want, just like Corey did.

I don’t have full DCS and they are hard to find now. I’ll have to hope that the technology continues and I’ll be able to pick up a unit. If so, I can add that 18th st stop and say in my best 1970s conductor voice, “Watch the doors!”

BTW, I picked up the green LOV set with Christmas Lights from Trainworld. Jazzed to add this one.

@pdxtrains posted:

Hey guys, have you bothered to change your PS2 batteries for BRCs? I have the white 1 train and I love it and am considering changing the battery out.

More worrying, I have the E train with the World Trade Center stop. I always worry about that battery and board because I think it’s Proto one.

I didn’t buy the bcr yet, but I did buy an extra battery. I saw the white 1 train for sale recently on eBay but I passed and bought this set. This is the battery I bought.

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I didn’t buy the bcr yet, but I did buy an extra battery. I saw the white 1 train for sale recently on eBay but I passed and bought this set. This is the battery I bought.

Yes, that's the replacement. I have one in reserve, but have been thinking about a BRC so I don't have to change it again.

I have found PS2.0 to be stable. I haven't had any battery or board problems, knock wood, and have had some of these batteries for years. But with MTH leaving us and the future of the subway sets  uncertain, I'd like to do everything I can to make these sets last. That's why I'm thinking of BRC, although I don't know if I need to worry about it.

Brooklyn, I bought the white set years ago because it was the only IRT #1 train I could find, and since I was a 1 train rider that was a must have. I'm thinking of grabbing the Broadway red train R12 while I still can.

No I don’t have the WiFi. Just the TIU and the remote. I may add the WIU in the future.

I got the WIU. I really like the app but I do prefer a remote because you can find the buttons by touch. The app isn't like that. BUT! The major advantage of the app is you can get used cell phones so your buddies could run trains if the layout is big enough. I hope to get there one day.

@BillYo414 posted:

I got the WIU. I really like the app but I do prefer a remote because you can find the buttons by touch. The app isn't like that. BUT! The major advantage of the app is you can get used cell phones so your buddies could run trains if the layout is big enough. I hope to get there one day.

I hope to get there too. You see my lil “layout” 🤣🤣

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@pdxtrains posted:

Hey guys, have you bothered to change your PS2 batteries for BRCs? I have the white 1 train and I love it and am considering changing the battery out.

More worrying, I have the E train with the World Trade Center stop. I always worry about that battery and board because I think it’s Proto one.

I've changed every PS2 subway I own to BCRs and I highly recommend it (both 5 volt and 3 volt models). I also inspected and changed out a couple of speakers that were starting to flake. I believe they were only in the PS2 5 volt board models, but you should all keep an eye on that for all PS2 subways. When the sound is more abnormally crackly or less understandable, it is a dead giveaway for speaker degradation.  They run hot and the speakers tend to flake quicker.  Its one of the reasons that the ps2 boards fail - the flakes get loose and cause a short.  Also, for all ps2 models, buy some reflective tape (the ones that look like mirrors) and install a strip (or 2) on the inside  roofs of the power units (particularly over where the lights are) .  Some of the earlier PS2s had "heat shields" pre-installed, others did not.  I put it on all PS2 models to give the roofs extra protection.  If not, you run the risk of a loose light melting the top of the roof.  The heat of the light can cause an annoying bubbling of the plastic. With the metallic tape and heat shield, you will never have to worry about this. I've never experienced a problem since doing this, but I've seen some horror stories for those that didn't  PS3 models run much cooler, but I did this with mine as well. Better safe than sorry.  And lastly, run your subways at the lowest voltage you can to keep the heat low.  I run them at between 15-16 volts when I'm just letting them run in a loop. I use 17 volts when I'm doing station stops with the dcs (the extra voltage is needed for movement after a station stop).  Tighter curves may need higher voltage to go when using station stops. Figure out what your minimum is and stick to it if you want to keep your boards cooler and alive longer.

Last edited by Strap Hanger

I've changed every PS2 subway I own to BCRs and I highly recommend it (both 5 volt and 3 volt models). I also inspected and changed out a couple of speakers that were starting to flake. I believe they were only in the PS2 5 volt board models, but you should all keep an eye on that for all PS2 subways. When the sound is more abnormally crackly or less understandable, it is a dead giveaway for speaker degradation.  They run hot and the speakers tend to flake quicker.  Its one of the reasons that the ps2 boards fail - the flakes get loose and cause a short.  Also, for all ps2 models, buy some reflective tape (the ones that look like mirrors) and install a strip (or 2) on the inside  roofs of the power units (particularly over where the lights are) .  Some of the earlier PS2s had "heat shields" pre-installed, others did not.  I put it on all PS2 models to give the roofs extra protection.  If not, you run the risk of a loose light melting the top of the roof.  The heat of the light can cause an annoying bubbling of the plastic. With the metallic tape and heat shield, you will never have to worry about this. I've never experienced a problem since doing this, but I've seen some horror stories for those that didn't  PS3 models run much cooler, but I did this with mine as well. Better safe than sorry.  And lastly, run your subways at the lowest voltage you can to keep the heat low.  I run them at between 15-16 volts when I'm just letting them run in a loop. I use 17 volts when I'm doing station stops with the dcs (the extra voltage is needed for movement after a station stop).  Tighter curves may need higher voltage to go when using station stops. Figure out what your minimum is and stick to it if you want to keep your boards cooler and alive longer.

Thanks for the information. I’ll be getting the tape this week.

Thanks for the information. I’ll be getting the tape this week.

It will be well worth it, Corey. If your model has a "heat shield" already installed, the extra protection of another tape strip over the lights enures no problems. Of course, you can forget all this and install nice, cool LEDs like Trainlover did.  However, That's too much work and effort for me with my fleet.   Definitely do the BCR. You won't regret it.

However, you may want to open your PS2 model up and check the roof before buying the tape. Maybe the initial owner did this already. It was a popular modification when these were initially released, since so many people had posted horror stories about their roofs melting.

It will be well worth it, Corey. If your model has a "heat shield" already installed, the extra protection of another tape strip over the lights enures no problems. Of course, you can forget all this and install nice, cool LEDs like Trainlover did.  However, That's too much work and effort for me with my fleet.   Definitely do the BCR. You won't regret it.

However, you may want to open your PS2 model up and check the roof before buying the tape. Maybe the initial owner did this already. It was a popular modification when these were initially released, since so many people had posted horror stories about their roofs melting.

I bought my set brand new, so unless the guy knew about this, I doubt he did it. I’ll check when I get home today. I think I only  have one PS 2 set for now.

Last edited by Brooklyn Corey
@BillYo414 posted:

I got the WIU. I really like the app but I do prefer a remote because you can find the buttons by touch. The app isn't like that. BUT! The major advantage of the app is you can get used cell phones so your buddies could run trains if the layout is big enough. I hope to get there one day.

I'm looking forward to getting the  WIU. I use an ipad with a nice big screen and it's fun to use for the DCS Explorer and Lionchief apps. Plus, I won't be using heavy DCS. I probably will have it on one track of my 4x8 two loop tiny layout. I just want the full access for subways, mainly.

I've changed every PS2 subway I own to BCRs and I highly recommend it (both 5 volt and 3 volt models). I also inspected and changed out a couple of speakers that were starting to flake. I believe they were only in the PS2 5 volt board models, but you should all keep an eye on that for all PS2 subways. When the sound is more abnormally crackly or less understandable, it is a dead giveaway for speaker degradation.  They run hot and the speakers tend to flake quicker.  Its one of the reasons that the ps2 boards fail - the flakes get loose and cause a short.  Also, for all ps2 models, buy some reflective tape (the ones that look like mirrors) and install a strip (or 2) on the inside  roofs of the power units (particularly over where the lights are) .  Some of the earlier PS2s had "heat shields" pre-installed, others did not.  I put it on all PS2 models to give the roofs extra protection.  If not, you run the risk of a loose light melting the top of the roof.  The heat of the light can cause an annoying bubbling of the plastic. With the metallic tape and heat shield, you will never have to worry about this. I've never experienced a problem since doing this, but I've seen some horror stories for those that didn't  PS3 models run much cooler, but I did this with mine as well. Better safe than sorry.  And lastly, run your subways at the lowest voltage you can to keep the heat low.  I run them at between 15-16 volts when I'm just letting them run in a loop. I use 17 volts when I'm doing station stops with the dcs (the extra voltage is needed for movement after a station stop).  Tighter curves may need higher voltage to go when using station stops. Figure out what your minimum is and stick to it if you want to keep your boards cooler and alive longer.

I'm going to do as you suggest, Straphanger.

Re speakers: do you use official MTH speakers, or are their stock model train speakers that can be used? I'll keep an eye on them--thanks for the tip!

@pdxtrains posted:

I'm going to do as you suggest, Straphanger.

Re speakers: do you use official MTH speakers, or are their stock model train speakers that can be used? I'll keep an eye on them--thanks for the tip!

For most, I used off the shelf speakers from here -https://www.parts-express.com/2-Round-Frame-Mini-Speaker-16-Ohm-289-131

They must be 2 inches in diameter and 16ohms. However, not all subways use the same speakers. The difference is in the slimness (height when mounted) of the magnet. On my railkings, i purchased cheap, slim speakers and they worked fine, fitting perfectly. However, I couldn’t fit the same ones into a premier ps2 train. There wasn’t enough room between the back of the speaker and the mounted ps2 board. My local train store (ready to roll)  sold me an even slimmer one for around two bucks that fit perfect. I don’t know where they got it from. You can’t go wrong ordering from MTH, though, as long as they are still selling them. If you find a train with a flaking speaker, remove it immediately. Then you can measure the speaker magnet and see how slim a speaker you need for your model.

Ok, I've ordered both kinds of batteries, and bought enough to change out the E Train, the IRT White #1, and the Red Third Ave El that I have that is also P2. Everything else I have is P3. I opened the trains up and removed the old batteries and checked the speakers--no flaking.

Thanks for all the tips. I wish there were more action on the Subway forum--it's great to talk about these!

Anytime PDX and good luck with the BCRs (I assume you mean you bought 3 volt and 5 volt  BCRs, not batteries). You won’t regret the purchase over the long term.

Yeah, the subway section seems to have died down a bit, but this is still the best place to learn and talk about ogauge trains. You’ll still find many subway fans posting regularly and responding to questions, just not in that section.

Anytime PDX and good luck with the BCRs (I assume you mean you bought 3 volt and 5 volt  BCRs, not batteries). You won’t regret the purchase over the long term.

Yeah, the subway section seems to have died down a bit, but this is still the best place to learn and talk about ogauge trains. You’ll still find many subway fans posting regularly and responding to questions, just not in that section.

Yes, I meant BCRs. I'm looking forward to installing them and shoring up those earlier sets. Thanks for the encouragement!

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