I have plenty of proto 2.o O gauge engines but I am new to standard gauge. How do the traditional engines function and what are the advantages and disadvantages. Thanks in advance.

All of my Standard Gauge Tinplate engines are traditionally powered. I enjoy the simplicity of these engines. Maintenance and repairs are pretty much a snap because there are no complex electronics with which you must contend. Operation is smooth. The big advantage of Proto2 is of course the sounds if that's your bag. Personally I prefer the nostalgic,smooth running, gear growling traditional motors.

Having had both types in the past, the only advantages of the traditionally powered motors that I can think of is ease of maintenance (when needed) and a lot more noise, if that is something that appeals to you. Some folks simply prefer that their tinplate be more faithful to the originals, and that implies traditional power. Personally, I prefer the PS2 models with speed control because I like slow-running toy trains.

I run just about everything I have in conventional/traditional mode... and often find myself turning down the volume -- often completely -- after a few minutes. (I prefer the older, traditional designs for ease of maintenance, however.)

Steve

I prefer Proto-2.0 and the smooth quiet running of new style motors.

Traditional for me!! They were meant to spark and grind and growl and ozone their way around the track.

I'll be in the minority, but the traditional never gives the three clanks of death nor does the battery ever run down.

quote:

I'll be in the minority, but the traditional never gives the three clanks of death nor does the battery ever run down.

There are no "three clanks of death" with PS2 locomotives--that was strictly for the original PS1 units. Yes, batteries can run down, but the units can be charged on the track or, in the case of most newer locomotives, via an MTH charging unit that plugs directly into the locomotive.

Traditional is fine, if that's what you prefer, but they, too, require periodic maintenance, brush changes, and such to keep operating properly. It's generally as easy to change a battery as it is to replace brushes or to perform other periodic service on a traditional motor. In both cases, internal access to the locomotive is necessary.

Traditional = Durability. And ozone!

- Clint

Last night I tried pulling a 5 car State Set with a Traditional 408E. A complete failure. My 400E with PS-2 and traction tires pulls it easily. The 408 made the loop with 4 cars but barely. As a side note the curves were 84.
In theory a 408 should have much more pulling power because it is double motored and a extra set of driving wheels. I would imagine with PS-2 and traction tires it would pull tree stumps.

Bottom line. If you want big trains, PS-2 with tracton tires.