MTH RTR SET Quit!

- The DCS Remote Commander (which I have) will run 2 PS2/3 locos on the same track, so long as they are both at Factory Defaults, but they will both repond to the controller in the same way at the same time - you cannot address loco A and loco B separately.

- Lionel LionChief will run on any track, so far as I know. I don't have it, but like other TMCC-decendants it is purported to be friendly.

- MTH makes nice things; this does not help your problem, but their stuff is not junk.

Having said that, I find Lionel and Lionel-friends to be, electronically, more pleasant companions. I use my DCS Remote Commander seldom; my old TMCC system is my workhorse. 

Thank you for the reply...  I am not counting MTH out just yet... I was very impressed with the detail even with it being a RTR engine.

I am seriously considering the full DCS system... But extensive reading will be involved before sinking all that money into it.

IMO, MTH starter sets are the best value available today, especially if you plan to expand your layout and upgrade to the full DCS system. The starter sets have all the DCS features of their more expensive separately sold cousins.

As far as having trouble with your set, it's the luck of the draw. I think there are just as many folks around here reporting problems with both MTH and Lionel. I think you can have a problem with any one on any given day. But, then there are the die hard MTH and Lionel fans that will say one is better than the other, their favorite being superior of course. I happen to like both manufacturers and both their systems, they each have their pros and cons. I think they both make great products and having both systems gives you the best of both worlds.

After a lot of careful study of both Lionel and MTH systems and their products I started with a couple of MTH starter sets a few years ago myself. Then I added the full DCS system, then I got a Lionel Legacy engine and a Legacy 990 set. I had planned to get both systems from the beginning, but I felt MTH offered a lot more for the beginner with a better path to expansion.

I have a LOT more MTH than I do Lionel. The main reason being MTH makes a lot more stuff in my chosen road name than Lionel does. I have actually had more problems with Lionel items than MTH which I have had very few problems with. I have been able to fix everything myself except my Legacy base had to go back to Lionel, the only item I have had to send in for repair in about 4 years or so of being back in the hobby.

Just my two cents here, of course, but don't get discouraged with having a problem with your first set. I do feel your pain about the time required for repair, but this is a busy time for both Lionel and MTH. I don't know if he does warranty work, but OGR forum member GGG does MTH repairs and has a pretty fast turn around time. He is very well thought of around here. You might contact him by email and see what the has to say.   

I believe that doing a locomotive reset (feature or full) would resolve your issue.  I had a similar problem with my SD70Ace starter set.  I was able to perform the reset with a Z-controller, but still invested in the full DCS system a few weeks later.  

It would be nice if you could perform the reset sequence with the remote commander included in the starter sets. If you decide to invest in the full DCS system, you won't be disappointed.  

BrSleeper,

Since you do not want to drive to the MTH service station, why don't you call them and ask them how soon could they repair your train. Then either U.P.S. or mail it to them. After they repair it, you could either go get it or have them ship it back to you.  One other thing, you could ask the repair place if they could do it while you waited. Also, if its not to much of a problem, please keep as posted on how things are going.

Thank you all, this appears to be a really great site with great users... Drelo... I actually, probably as you were typing broke down and ordered the full DCS System. In the time it takes to get here I might as well try the reset... I would assume this can be done with the DCS remote like you did it with the z-controller? Can you tell me alittle bit more about the full reset?

RTR12, Thank you for the info... I will email GGG if it still does not work with the new controller.

Jim Sutter... That is pretty good thinking actually... Thankfully though I found a local hobby shop that for some reason is not listed on MTH site, but states they do MTH warranty work.

And Lastly I just broke down and bought another RTR set, One for my son... and one for dad... Oh boy this is gonna get expensive. My plan is a smaller lay out inside my lay out for my boy with a switch that he can not easily get to my lay out.

Thanks again guys, Will keep you posted.

My first ever train set was a Pennsy RS-3 MTH Proto 2 set. First time on the track the engine had a dead short. I took it back the day after purchase to my LHS. They took pity on me and looked at it right away on their own accord - no MTH backup. It took only a few minutes and involved loose wires not tightened properly and wa la - success. It has been my favorite engine. I have followed with many more MTH products without a problem. The biggest headache I had was a RTR Lionel subway set. I took it back to the LHS 3 times, they are a Lionel authorized repair station, to get the problems, mostly bad electrical connections, sorted out. Point is, lack of quality control is not, in my opinion, brand specific. Maybe people with a much larger inventory might say differently but this is from my experience.

One nice thing about having two sets, if one is not working you well have a spare. Happy to hear you found a closer repair shop. Sir, you take care and have a great evening.

Good to hear, I think you will be happy with your new DCS system and also your new sets. I certainly hope they work better for you than the first one did. As stated above, at least you will have a backup set. The MTH sets are a great value for what all you get.

I had a similar problem with a MTH Amtrak Genesis Premier engine that I recently purchased.  It was purchased at a "Brick & Mortar" hobby shop and the gentleman that assisted me even tested it on the store layout and it worked perfectly.  Got it home and it didn't even make it once around the layout (8' X 6') and died just like yours did.  It went back to MTH and it was repaired (the ps3 board was toast) in about 3 weeks.  Don't get me wrong,  I'm not flamin' MTH, as a matter of fact I own several engines from both MTH and Lionel.  All I'm sayin' is this stuff just happens.  A friend who is in the retail "Hi-Tech" electronics field once told me to, "expect a 5% fail rate in most  modern electronics in today's market."   So when you consider the amount of Engines produced by both MTH and Lionel that figure is, on the conservative side, in the Several Hundreds.  Try calling MTH Service direct and maybe they can get the ball rolling for you.  My experience with MTH service center in Columbia, Maryland has been nothing but Positive!  Good Luck.

Chief Bob (Retired)  

I purchase a MTH TIU for DCS system it failed with in the first month and MTH had it for almost a month as they were backed up with repairs, I know some friends on this forum who bought a brand new steam engine and it had erratic operation and mth had it over a couple of months. but in both instances they got my TIU and the forum member engine repaired the first time, so hang in with MTH they are a great company and have good service for some parts or question if you have to call th3ee service department.

Great company just try to have a little [patience and they'll do there best !

alan

I have five MTH engines, 3 PS-2, 1 PS-3, 1 PS-1 and have not had any problems with them. The only issue was a lighted caboose that made me think one of my PS-2 engines was going bad, I later took that caboose off the track and no more problems. I had to replace a battery in my PS-1 engine but other then that I have not had any issues with MTH engines.

Any company can have a production issue or just a bad engine from time to time. I would not write off a company unless I had three issues or more with them, or the company refused to address the issue I had with their product.

Lee Fritz

BRSleeper,

   If the reset does not work, contact George, GGG here on the forum, he can probably work with MTH and fix your engine for you, under warranty I would bet.

PCRR/Dave

If you have a regular transformer,  Set up a small test track and power it up with a conventional transformer.  If it starts up and runs conventionally, may be a simple issue why it stopped running with the remote.

If it doesn't run in conventional it is engine related and it can happen.  It should be covered under warranty.  G