ptalar,
Don't worry, you will likely not have any problems. I have never had problems like these from MTH. I'm not complaining about them. It is what it is. I will get it fixed and I wil have an awesome engine. MTH does do quality testing, but I doubt they check for wobble.
I will say though that I think this engine is more suscepticble to minor flaws in the wheels because these are two axle trucks and this long engine rests on just two spacers with about 1in surface area each. Three axle trucks would average out imperfections easier.
And yes, I am saying they were slightly eccentric and not just a bent axle. I had the unit running on its side and could see the problem. I can straighten a bent axle but can't do anything about eccentric.
Hancock52,
I think this engine will pull more cars than you care to pull. My son and I quickly hooked up two trains I had on my layout (box cars, and 1/2 coal cars) to make 40 car train, and it pull them like there was nothing behind it. I could creep at 2mph or 50mph. No problem. I'm sure adding the right amount of weight would make it outperform the Lionel version with only two motors if it doen't already out pull it.
Chug,
Thanks I'm sure I will get it fixed. MTH did not hestate to have me send it back even after I told them I modified the pilot and lowered it. This problem existed before I made these changes. I told them if I'm at fault in any way, I will pay for the repairs. There is no way I could have made the wheels eccentric. If you have a wobble, they will fix it.
