MTH Blue Comet

Inquire as to whether MTH can sell you 3-rail replacement wheelsets.

MELGAR

I thought of that but really did not think they would have them.

i will certainly give that a try. Thanks so much! If you know of anyone who may have them please let me know.

I do not know your layout real estate situation, but a loop of MTH Scaletrax (by definition compatible with MTH scale wheel sets) around/over/under/through your layout would allow you to run the set with the rest of your trains, just not over the same route...

Track is not free, but if there is room for it, it is a solution, perhaps a less involved one. 

Atlas and GG/Ross track (not switches) would probably do the job, too - but the MTH definitely would.

If it was advertised as new and it wasnt open up a Case with Ebay that states not as described   He has to take it back

Im guessing this was your item  It does state scale wheels but also says unopened brand new

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MTH-2...0:g:iEgAAOSwfGpdjmXA

bluelinec4 posted:

If it was advertised as new and it wasnt open up a Case with Ebay that states not as described   He has to take it back

 

Im guessing this was your item  It does state scale wheels but also says unopened brand new

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MTH-2...0:g:iEgAAOSwfGpdjmXA

That listing says the set is new and was never ran. I saw nothing about it having never been opened, which it obviously had been since the dealer photographed the locomotive out of the box.

New, in original box, means just that, not a never-opened set.

The original poster, News, didn’t say the listing claimed the set was never opened either. He said it wasn’t new, as described. He’ll have to be more specific if he opens a claim with eBay, but it may have involved the unphotographed cars in the box. The locomotive looks pristine in the photos.

As for the scale wheels issue, MTH made that set both ways, so it can be converted. Contact MTH, as suggested. If you have an authorized MTH tech nearby, you can get the work done there.

Yes the loco is nice but a piece is also missing that attaches the tender to the engine.

very good point! 

I am going to try to hold of MTH and see what I can do.

also box is torn and styrofoam cracked ,wrapped in very used mth paper and shipped even worse.

thanks a lot greatly appreciated input!

Seller took back blue comet through eBay . Seems as though he had too 

just FYI if you by something on eBay it’s guaranteed! Even if you just don’t like it!

Just as well.  These locos cannot be converted- the wheels aren't removable.  The "scale wheels" versions have a product number ending in -2.  These aren't a viable option for most 3-railers or Hi-railers; personally I wouldn't bid on or buy any.  When in doubt, ask, and if the seller isn't forthcoming, run away!!

BTW I saw your other post.  As far as I know there are no mechanical differences between the PS1 and later versions.  The PS1 was produced in far larger numbers.  So if you can get one for a low price, you might be able to pay an expert for a PS3 upgrade, and end up where you want to be.  It won't be "original" but you'll have a nice-running train.  My $.02.

I was told it was too expensive to convert to ps3.

i can’t find anything cheap. All ps1’s are in the $400 range and then convert is too much for me. Plus shipping!

I'll vouch for the conversion option. My PS1 Premier Blue Comet was converted to PS3 by Marty Fitzhenry and it is fantastic. It is a family heirloom so for me it made sense to convert as opposed to buying another one. From what I've seen, PS1 locos aren't worth anywhere close to what ebay sellers want for them. If you find one, make an offer. What's the worst that could happen? 

I'm fairly new to modern trains, but Marty told me many times the older PS1 locos like my Comet make great conversions due to the fact that they were built with the large, powerful Pittman motors. 

John

I understand what you are saying! I am running all MTH with exception of a few Lionel’s that have meaning to me and all the MTH are run remotely. 

Ive been told to stay away from the Ps1’s. I live in Youngstown Ohio and there are no shops around here to convert even if I get a good price on one. There are still a couple on eBay that claim there like new but I’m hesitant because of what I stated previously.

sooo if you here of one give me a yell! 

I converted my PS1 Blue Comet to PS2 myself. It is not difficult, just make sure you get a copy of the instructions in color. A forum member was gracious enough to provide it to me. The biggest issue I had was ensuring that the female connector for the cable from the tender doesn’t short out against the metal cab. In my case the leads soldered to the board were too long and protruded too far below the board. Other than that it was easy peasy and I’m no electronics wiz!

News posted:

I was told it was too expensive to convert to ps3.

i can’t find anything cheap. All ps1’s are in the $400 range and then convert is too much for me. Plus shipping!

It’ll cost you about $300 to get it done, materials and labor included. I’m not sure what you mean that you were told it was too expensive. Isn’t that up to you to decide?

You are right. It is up to me to decide if the cost is worth it. Probably if I already owned one and wanted to upgrade it would not seem as bad but having to buy one and then upgrade is my personal dilemma!  

Another upside to buying a PS1 loco and having it converted: you will know what you have and where it (the electronics anyway) has been. Since the loco and tender are pretty much "gutted" during a conversion and new electronics installed, you will essentially have a brand-new loco. If you find a Comet and want a first-rate conversion, contact GunrunnerJohn and he will take good care of you.  In the last year, he has converted a PS1 Premier Hudson and 3 Williams steamers to PS3 for me and they are all very well-done. 

John