The MTH S scale Electro-Motive Division F3 diesel features the firm’s Digital Command System (DCS) and Proto-Sound 3.0 system. The locomotive operates on DCS, Digital Command Control (DCC), alternating current (AC), and direct-current (DC) layouts. The model comes equipped with American Flyer style wheels and couplers, but scale parts are included. (The conversion was detailed in the September 2017 episode of Cody’s Office). Watch Model Railroader senior editor Dana Kawala demonstrate some of the model’s sound effects using an NCE DCC system.
Video: MTH S scale EMD F3 diesel
By Angela Cotey | October 25, 2017
| Last updated on February 11, 2021
The S scale diesel locomotive includes the MTH Digital Command System and ProtoSound 3.0
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Well, I read the review in the December MR. I didn’t mean to insult the former S Helper Service by comparing the shell to an AF one. However, I am still of the opinion that Mikey could have made improvements in the detailing of the shell (e.g.; see thru fans, etc.).
I will agree with John about replacing the MTH decoder with either a Lok Sound or a Tsunami 2. Probably easier to do of one bought the “stealth” version.
never have liked “crew chatter’ for me it’s the most unrealistic thing you can do in any scale. Whomever thought this would be ‘cool’ for audio effect destroyed the concept of reproducing it in scale. I cant recall anytime I was trackside and could hear anything between station or crew? now my grandson likes it when his fire truck ‘fully consumed’ plays back but he is only five…..
I am not pleased with the model.
It took MTH ~5 years to finally release these F units. They are essentially the exact same model as the S-Helper versions (MTH purchased S-Helper in 2012) only worse. Why worse? Because the SHS models had an ingenious generic electronics interface which meant that they could use AC, DC, DCC, or Locomatic. Now that MTH has put proprietary PS3 electronics inside there is no socket anymore. The electronics are hard-wired. Yes, the PS3 electronics support DCC, but my model refused to let me program with my NCE PowerCab. Lastly, while the horn is very good there is a lack of low end frequencies in the PS3 audio recordings. If you compare the sounds of this model to an ESU LokSound model with the same speaker you will notice a huge difference in bass from the LokSound. Since the electronics are hard-wired you have to gut the loco and splice in the LokSound if you want to change though.
I love S scale, but if all future MTH offerings are going to follow suit I’m not sure I will be purchasing any more.
I’ve bought a unit and very pleased with it. It’s not American Flyer based, but SHS based. It’s so good I wouldn’t think of switching scales because of it. While the numberboards and class lights are on the same circuit this is an upgrade from the DC version I had with SHS.
The print review of this locomotive from the December MR was posted on this website back on October 16th. You can find the link under the table of contents for that issue which is also posted on this website.
Have had the Sante Fe version of the train for about 4 months, and so far very pleased. Runs smooth. Have tried it with DCS, AC current, DC current and worked well. Looking forward to MTH releasing a steam engine, maybe a Berkshire, but whatever.
I can assure you, Robert, that this is NOT a dressed up American Flyer model… not even close. So, yes… you should wait for the December issue. I can’t speak to what MTH has done with the lighting, etc.), but the model itself is very well done. It was originally designed/sold by The Showcase Line (a.k.a. S-Helper Service), before MTH bought the brand.
Out of dislike for MTH’s proprietary electronics, I’ll be replacing all of my units with aftermarket DCC and sound components. So whatever imperfections (if any) I find with the lighting will be addressed then.
Guess I should wait for the December issue to arrive, but, are the number boards and class lights on the same bulb/circuit? If so, not too realistic. Horn and bell sounds are quite good. I think one gets more detail in the radiator fans on an HO scale Stewart, Intermountain, Walthers or Athearn unit of the same ilk.
Sort of looks like Mikey took an American Flyer body and gussied it up somewhat.