In need of a product repair?

Great News Mike! how about K line locomotives?

Cool Mike, I'll bet you get buried in repairs in short order!

K-Line is feasible, not sure how much I can do with K-Line Cruise though, not much available for that any longer, but hey! The more the merrier right? 

I do want to stress that I will be staying out of the TMCC upgrade market for now. You guys seem to have a good business out there doing that and I am not looking to put a damper on what exists today. Just repairs (perhaps some smoke unit upgrades for the older 8057 fan driven units, etc. I do not believe Lionel is taking out of warranty repairs, so here's an opportunity to get things fixed (that are not under warranty). Accessories are not out of the question either, providing there is parts availability of course! 

Thanks guys,

Mike

When I get a K-Line cruise with a dead module, I usually stick the ERR CC-M into it.  Occasionally, there are other functions on the cruise module that require some extra circuitry, but it's a way to get them running again.

Only you John would have the temerity to tell Mike how to fix trains. Seriously?

Pete

John,

Ditto. At one point in time I had the programming codes for K-Line cruise, but who knows where they are today! If its hardware related I typically do the same or worst case scenario drop a $40.00 DCDR in there (it kinda stinks though, as you need to build a new PWM cable, but thats far better than stringing together a gaggle of micro LED's and resistors any day!). I have not met a train yet that I have not been able to fix. I do, however, have some locos that just don't like me. I am sure you have encountered them as well, the ones where the details fall off when they see you looking in their general direction! 

Thanks,
Mike

Mike, that's why I was surprised that you mentioned Atlas.  Some of their locomotives have a lot of fragile stuff on them, and I seem to spend a lot of time trying not to break that stuff rather than fixing them.   I cringe whenever one of those comes in for repair!

Great news. Thanks mike. So being in NC I guess you can get lionel parts very easly. Not to mention you have connections. 

Yeah, getting parts is easy. Not to mention I brush the teeth of the guy who architected that entire service parts platform (and subsequently named 70% of every part on it!), so he knows where to look when it comes up and says "unavailable"! 

Thank You and God bless you!!!!

How about repairs for Sunset/3rd Rail steam locomotives with the "EOB electronics" ? 

Mikado posted:

Not to mention I brush the teeth of the guy...

Doesn't he take exception to that?

You accepting apprentices?

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Cool Mike, I'll bet you get buried in repairs in short order!

Yeah, I wonder how long until he's booked up for the next six months? Mikes mailbox is probably filling up fast.

This is great news Mike! I'm convinced my good service/parts experiences in the past were due to your involvment in the "operation" at that time.

Mike,

Do you have a non compete agreement with Alex???:

Glad to know that you're back among us.

Richard

gunrunnerjohn posted:

Mike, that's why I was surprised that you mentioned Atlas.  Some of their locomotives have a lot of fragile stuff on them, and I seem to spend a lot of time trying not to break that stuff rather than fixing them.   I cringe whenever one of those comes in for repair!

Those spring loaded wheel pick ups...what a pain...labor intensive

Guys, this should be great news for many.  Mike is the man.      Big Mike taught me everything I know about the Lionel products.   

Now Mike,  I seem to recall a story about a Allegheny you was soliciting offers to flatten it with a press around 2008  (During Lionel Service Class in Ohio)???

Jim

Jim,

Ah, yes, the JLC Allegheny, my arch nemesis TMCC locomotive. The trailing truck obliterates the SPDT swirches under the firebox in shipping (and what a real treat it is to remove the motor and everything around it to replace them!) It seems no matter how well you package it, it happens!

You are correct, I do believe I offered up a flattened loco during the service training classes. LOL. Can't believe you still remember that! Those classes were a lot of fun!

thanks for recalling the memory!

Mike

Hi Mike

  Just wanted to let you know I'm only a phone call away if you should need any help LOL!!! . All jokes aside Mike over the years has spent so much time teaching me how to troubleshoot and repair Lionel engine's, anytime I've had to call him he has always been there to help out. I've also had the privilege of seeing Mike's home and his HUGE! shop, His shop was bigger than my last home!.

Good Luck buddy, Alex

This is good news Alex.  Now when we get a real dog repair job, we can send it to Mike!

Thanks John, you're the best! (not). I am no more a fan of dog repairs than the next guy! Ask Marty Fitzhenry, he'll confirm what I have always told him; what the difference between a good tech and a great tech is:  (A great tech knows what not to touch!). All my years at TAS, then Lionel, believe me, I know what to say yes to and what to say "send it to Gun Runner John" to!  LMAO!

I suppose we all have the divine opportunity to suffer through some nightmare repairs in our lives. Fortunately (or unfortunately) I have had the displeasure of suffering through enough to know what can be done (for a reasonable amount of time versus pay off) and what is just going to get outrageously expensive (and by email to boot without ever seeing it!). Should be fun, just hoping to help some folks out in the long run with fast reliable repair services. 

Thanks,
Mike

There are a lot of people that are very happy to see you jump into the fire Mike, I'm sure you'll be plenty busy.  I'm saddened that I can't send you the stinkers, but then you'll surely get plenty of your own to deal with without my help.

Thats funny, Ive got a dog that has me chasing my tail on the bench right now. I have to stop work, change to a different project and find success in that one before I can find success on these.

 Mike,

I know Marty Fitzhenry is a great (not good) repair tech. I'm  sure you are too. Somehow, i think you are going to be inundated in a very short time. Good luck with everything.

Erol 

Excellent news. My usual solution to a dead loco is to put ERR in it - especially MTH - but there are some that I have that are modern and nice and I wouldn't want to gut. So, if/when one of those goes bad, I'll have another source of competent help. 

Wow two excellent choices Mike and Alex. 

Wow Mike, this is great news. I also think right now you have a 25 emails that you didn't have yesterday. But, with Lionel not taking repairs this will help us repair novices! I just repaired on my own my 3rd FL9 and after I broke the air hoses and lost 2 screws it runs just fine now! 

Thamks Mike, 

Steve DeFilippis

s

Mike, I live by those words.   I have turned many away that were screwed with by people who should not own trains.    Fixing trains has been a job as I get hit with many.   My big complaint is people who get screwed by fleabay.   I get these calls weekly to fix the great score  and I will not bend.  Aside from doing repairs for Charlie, I still have my own guys I have been helping for years.

Mr. Reagan,

Thank you for offering to repair trains, for the people that follow this forum. As they say, the more the merrier.  The one thing this hobby needs, is good knowledgeable repair people. You fit the bill perfectly.

Mike has been a friend for many years.   The greatest honor was when he gave me the sign that hung outside Train America.  It now lives in my train room.   Now that Mike is back in the fix it game, many people will now have a good avenue to get trains fixed.   We can all learn from Mike. 

Good to know!

dk122trains posted:

Thank You and God bless you!!!!

Ditto from me, Mike; you did upgrades for me at TAS and then patiently answered my, er, overlong questions when I had a Lionel issue.

Unfortunately I have a long list of new ones! So great to hear that you are in the repair field now.

Andy

Thank you guys, very flattering to hear those kind words of encouragement. I appreciate everyone's support in this endeavor. In addition to repairing we also build some pretty cool layouts too! So if you need trains repaired, layouts repaired or a layout built, I know just the guy to help (I brush his teeth too!). LOL

sincerely, thank you guys, glad I can help  you all out.

Best,

Mike

Mike - Maybe someday you can consider paid repair clinics for those who really want to learn modern (DCS, TMCC, Legacy, etc.) repairs but lack the local dealer for sponsorship or anyone with experience.  I'd gladly save up for a week's course.

Not wanting to take away from your thriving repair service, either, but merely looking to learn 21st century model train repair from one of the masters.

Hey Mike, I'm so happy that you found a good home in our hobby and have landed on your feet that I'm going home to look for something to send you.

When I do I'll send you an e-mail first with a summation of the problem so as to get your feasibility opinion. 

Later buddy.

Great thread guys. I guess it's time to dig out the Lionel Acela!  Any takers?

J Daddy posted:

Great thread guys. I guess it's time to dig out the Lionel Acela!  Any takers?

This one's for you Mike.

Hey Big Mike,

I've got this PRR S1 6-4-4-6 Duplex #6100 (I think its #6-38024) that I need to find some parts for; and since you brush the teeth of the ultimate parts guru....

Your friend, Johnny C.

PS: Thanks for always being there for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dave Garman posted:

Hey Big Mike,

I've got this PRR S1 6-4-4-6 Duplex #6100 (I think its #6-38024) that I need to find some parts for; and since you brush the teeth of the ultimate parts guru....

Your friend, Johnny C.

 

PS: Thanks for always being there for us!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dave,

let me know if you find the draw bar/ engine tether... mine has been hold up for this one! 

Dave & J Daddy,

shoot me an email at mreagan@twtrainworx.com, I have an S-1 frame sitting in my shop! No shell.

thanks,

mike

Just wanted to give a shout out & a big thank you to those who have sent repairs over the past two weeks. Thank you for the work!

Its been fun to dive back into repairs again (much more enjoyable than it has been the past several years!)

If there is anyone else out there who may need something repaired, let me know!

Having more fun than should be allowed by law! 

Thank you,
Mike

Glad you're enjoying yourself more now Mike.   There may be repairs coming that take a little of the fun out of the work, look over your shoulder.

Thanks John, you da man. Why you gotta crush all my fun? 

 Glad you are having fun

Just a little of it Mike, we like to share the wealth.

How about two sets of these with multiple extra cars?

So far repaired twice at MTH and twice at a local MTH repairman.  VIA set rear power car dead again.  Multiple add on cars shorting out.

Ive spent about $200 on repairs and shipping beyond what little help MTH offered while under warranty.

I would even prefer an entire rewiring with durable reliable electronics.  

I sent an engine to Mike Reagan on the 17th of July. He did an excellant job on the repair,and a very quick tur n around. I recieved it to day, 7/25/17.  Brian Whitten  Buxton Station

Shazam, that's SERVICE! 

Mike,  If you offer classes for beginners in repairing steam engines, I have a basement full of engines with the warranty clock expired. Diesel are easier.  What happened to the days of my youth when the soldering gun and a screw driver was all I needed.

OGR Forum needs a Service Directory of willing service People or am I missing seeing it?

John,

I'm in Concord, NC, load those repairs up and come on down, its been in the mid to high 90's the past couple weeks, but my shop is air conditioned! We'll knock those repairs out together and maybe I can teach you a thing or two? (or maybe we can wander around the shop for days trying to find our soldering irons and screwdrivers, more likely those screws that seem to disappear as soon as they hit the shop floor!).

Seriously, if you want to try it, I'd be willing to entertain the idea! 

Thanks,
Mike

hello mike

I sent a email to you but I guess you did not get it I have a mth operating gas station the car dose not back out of the station I have taken it apart and the motor that moves the car only will go in one direction so my thought is the board is bad not the motor is this something you can fix?

kevin

Mike, thank you for making your skills available to the general hobbyist.  It is appreciated.  Based on our interaction during your management of the service facility in Youngstown, Ohio I can contribute that anyone who deals with you will not be disappointed with your skills, integrity, and assistance.  Add my name to those interested in any seminars or learning opportunities that you may decide to present.  Frank

Kevin,

Shoot me an email at mreagan@twtrainworx.com and we'll discuss your gas station.

Frank, thank you for the kind words! much appreciated. I may consider doing some type of class in my shop here in Concord. I guess I could break the classes into categories, as it would take well over a week to cover everything. Perhaps a TMCC steam class, TMCC diesel class, Legacy Steam/diesel class and so on. Anyone potentially interested? 

Thanks,
Mike

Mike, I think I may speak for those who took your previous classes that a class on items produced since around 2010 to present would be appreciated.

Pete

Mikado posted:

Kevin,

Shoot me an email at mreagan@twtrainworx.com and we'll discuss your gas station.

Anyone potentially interested? 

Thanks,
Mike

Yes.  May I suggest in conjunction with the LCCA Open House?

As much as I would love to learn about how to repair the various locomotives. It would be a bit of a drive for me to get there.

Mike, I have sent you an email..

Mikado posted:

Seriously, if you want to try it, I'd be willing to entertain the idea! 

Thanks,
Mike

 

 

Its a shame that I do not live closer, or I would take you up on your offer.

MartyE posted:

Mikado posted:

Anyone potentially interested? 

Thanks,
Mike

Yes.  May I suggest in conjunction with the LCCA Open House?

That would be an EXCELLENT idea! I may be able to do that.

A slight detour to the TW Trainworx east coast laboratory in Concord sounds like a good idea Marty!

Mike,

The ever popular Webinar classes could also be an option.  Have different levels and sell the videos.  I know nothing is like hands on, but good video instruction can be extremely useful too.  People have learned to build houses watching YouTube videos so anything is possible.

I'd like to see a Legacy class on the latest stuff, especially if some of the wiring diagrams and other service information was also available.

I am in.

I'm all in on the Mikado Train-ing week.

hello mike 

email sent my email is kwisor@sc.rr.com

kevin

I'd be interested in repair classes.

my son and I would be interested in classes too....we are not too far from you Mike...

I'm late to the party here, but Mike, I would like to wish you the very best. You upgraded and repaired trains for me when you were TA, and you are great. 

Gerry

Hmm, sounds like there is some interest here. Let me see what I can come up with and I will keep everyone informed! If you don't mind, please shoot me an email at mreagan@twtrainworx.com, so I can keep everyone together in a folder. May need to bounce some dates off of folks before we build any forms and pour concrete! 

Thank you,
Mike

Sounds good.

Just saw this thread.  Wishing you all the best.

We're in GREAT hands!!

Hmm... Now I'm getting crank calls, I wonder what I did wrong?

I want legacy training.  Email sent

Hot Water posted:

How about repairs for Sunset/3rd Rail steam locomotives with the "EOB electronics" ? 

Big Mike, I think you may not have seen this question, but I have a few of these, as well, and will stay Shelf Queens without help......Thanks in Advance....!

Do you do anything with modern transformers? Got a GW-180 that has never been quite right, and so far no one has been able to help.

Hey guys,

I did an EOB repair for a gentleman in Nevada, I think I would consider them. My only apprehension is the fragility of these models, they are fragile, as you know. If not packed properly details fall off. Not too sure I want to be the guy responsible for putting them back on! That said, having done OEM electronics for Scott in the past I know how to package them properly on my end. The labor rate would be billed separate of the shipping due to the size of the product boxes, insurance, etc. If that doesn't scare you away I'd be willing to have a look! 

Just drop me an email at mreagan@twtrainworx.com and we'll see where we can go from there! 

Scrambler 81; email me offline and we'll have a confab about your GW-180.

Thanks,
Mike

I just saw this thread and am way late to offer you best of luck in your new business.  Sound like you have a really good start.

Dennis