@RoyBoy posted:

That pretty much sums up field service. The only satisfaction coming from that job was knowing that I repaired something that very few others could have repaired.

Yeah, pretty much. Got to know the field service team for the systems we used at my first job with a major stock exchange, they were on site, they never got much recognition for keeping those beasts going

Mr. Sartor,

To be honest, yes, but to be even more honest not for a good bit of time. The worldwide shortage of electronics parts is not helping us in any way. Please take into account the much larger fish in the pond; Chevrolet, Ford, Chrysler (and literally just about every other manufacturer who is not making model trains!). Everyone is feeling the results of the 2020 / 2021 pandemic and factories being shut down for long periods (world wide). There is a backlog of orders for components that need to be fulfilled before we (MTH) start seeing the IC's needed to produce PS3 boards. Then add to that demand (internally). Production is clamoring for PCB's to make trains, warranty related orders that need to be fulfilled and us service parts guys are pretty much on the bottom of the list, in terms of any type of priority! (anyone who works in any type of parts business knows what I'm talking about). So, to answer your question, yes, we will be selling upgrade kits, but I honestly cannot give you any type of date as to when at this point. Once the global shortage of IC's is relieved (and it will relief itself over time (just think about 17/32" OSB selling for $75.00 for a 4 x 8 sheet a couple months ago) low supply coupled with high demand = even higher costs!) Obviously it makes no sense to pay way too much for IC's and sell them at a loss just to say "we did it"? (I also trust that everyone out there has enough "backup" trains to fuel your train addictions! If you don't, it would be a great time to build one of those cool TW Trainworx kits!

I know this is not what anyone wants to hear, but as everyone in this industry who knows me, I rarely hold any punches and I always tell you like it is (refer back to my not making EVERYONE happy comment).

Thank you,
Mike Reagan
MTH Parts & Sales LLC

Thanks for the updated information, Mike. I'm seeing a lot of Rail King offerings being announced and it looks like the building line has been picked up. Any word on what was/is being done with the track products?

All I can say is, ****! Mike has done a great job!

Hi Matt,

To be quite honest I am only involved in organizing the parts, I have zero involvement in the train production side of the business, so I really cannot answer your question. My apologies.

Thank you,

Mike

A question about billing for service centers? The owner would always get billed through his credit card whenever I ordered parts and I don’t know his card number. Which is ok with me. Will this still be the same? I don’t want anything to do with his card or any other numbers.

thanks for any info

Its finally Friday! which means two more days to work until we start all over again! LOL

I also wanted to drop another tid-bit about the new parts site. We have implemented a "wish list" in the site. What does this mean? It means that if you come across a part you want, but it is marked as "out of stock" you can enter the quantity that you want and click ADD (the add to cart button). A pop-up window will appear where you can enter your email address to be notified when that part returns to stock. So, for instance you are interested in a 4-wheel truck block that is showing as out of stock, you sign up to be notified. When that truck block is entered into the system as "in stock" you will get an email from us telling you its available and invite you back to the site to order it (it is designed to save you the agony of having to come back to the site repeatedly to check its availability).

Okay, I hope everyone has a great weekend!
Thank you,
Mike Reagan
MTH Parts & Sales LLC

Ralph,

Great question! Glad you brought it up;

When the site launches all orders (Customer, Dealer, ASC) will be pay as you go. Meaning a valid credit card or Paypal will be required to purchase your parts. We simply do not have the resources to do line of credit / invoicing. When you get to the check out screen you can enter whatever credit card number you like (personal, business, store owner, Gunrunner John's, etc.) as it is illegal (maybe not illegal but certainly highly uncouth) to store any credit card numbers in today's day and age.  So, to answer your question, yes some form of payment (credit card or paypal) will be required to purchase parts. There will be no billing, invoicing or line of credit to anyone.

Thank you,
Mike Reagan
MTH Parts & Sales LLC

@bigkid posted:

Didn't say I don't like what I do for a living (software QA/QC in the financial industry,been doing it a long time ), just said it is a thankless task. If things go well, you get stuff into production, no problems, it is assumed that the whole thing was the work of brilliant programmers who just wrote the code, flipped a switch and it worked great......if something goes wrong "why did you guys foul up?"...just like parts, if you order a part, gets to you okay, you shrug your shoulders...if it doesn't go smooth, well, whoever is on the other end is an idiot *lol*.

So true... and the people who do it (analysts, programmers, and testers) are disposable, interchangeable parts, and experience is not valued.  Don't ask me how I know this.   

Given the pent-up demand, I hope that people will play fair - order what they need without hoarding.

And if someone is observed trying to resell parts on an auction site to turn a quick buck, suspend their ordering privileges!  (I certainly don't expect Mike to police this, but maybe we could all work together?)

@RoyBoy posted:

That pretty much sums up field service. The only satisfaction coming from that job was knowing that I repaired something that very few others could have repaired.

You are right about that, Roy!

@Mallard4468 posted:

So true... and the people who do it (analysts, programmers, and testers) are disposable, interchangeable parts, and experience is not valued.  Don't ask me how I know this. 

I know this all too well myself.  Ah well, I retired before I thought I would.  I can’t gripe about that!  😄

@Mikado posted:

When you get to the check out screen you can enter whatever credit card number you like (personal, business, store owner, Gunrunner John's, etc.) as it is illegal (maybe not illegal but certainly highly uncouth) to store any credit card numbers in today's day and age.

I'm guarding my credit card, I don't think I can support the whole parts business on my credit limit!

Got my first look at the site today, and I can certainly say WOW!  Certainly a lot of work has already gone into this, and Mike assures me that more is to come!  It is way easier to find a part as there are numerous ways to search.  Not live yet, so you can't really buy anything, but it's looking promising.  As with any project of this magnitude, there are little things that don't appear logical, I'm writing them all down to hopefully aid in the tweaking of the site.

One tip when you do gain access, here's something that I've been doing for years on many sites.  When you're navigating off a page to a specific list or part, and you intend to come back to the previous page, hold Ctrl and click the link.  This opens a new tab and when you're done there, you can just close that tab and be back at the previous page.

I can't imagine how tired Mike's fingers are already, this really is a huge undertaking!  I only hope his fingers don't fall off before he catalogs the remaining sea of parts pallets!

Got my first look at the site today, and I can certainly say WOW!  Certainly a lot of work has already gone into this, and Mike assures me that more is to come!  It is way easier to find a part as there are numerous ways to search.  Not live yet, so you can't really buy anything, but it's looking promising.  As with any project of this magnitude, there are little things that don't appear logical, I'm writing them all down to hopefully aid in the tweaking of the site.

John why not share the link with the rest of us so we can also get a peak?

@RJT posted:

Got my first look at the site today, and I can certainly say WOW!  Certainly a lot of work has already gone into this, and Mike assures me that more is to come!  It is way easier to find a part as there are numerous ways to search.  Not live yet, so you can't really buy anything, but it's looking promising.  As with any project of this magnitude, there are little things that don't appear logical, I'm writing them all down to hopefully aid in the tweaking of the site.

John why not share the link with the rest of us so we can also get a peak?

Because it's obviously not finished. By giving everyone access it slows the website down so making updates and changes can also be hindered and why would they want to have people ask about things not yet implemented. I am also sure Mr Reagan has all the people he needs testing functionality and security on the site and when its ready it will be shared with everyone.

Shawn is correct, it's totally up to Mike how access to the site is granted.  I'm sure it'll be on-line soon enough, the object of the exercise now is to have a few "beta testers" exercise the site and see what pops out, or doesn't pop out.   Having dozens, or even hundreds, accessing the site would probably be counterproductive.  My mission, should I decide to accept it, is to try out various scenarios and see how they work, obviously before the tape burns up. (Mission Impossible reference )

Thanks Mike.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'm guarding my credit card, I don't think I can support the whole parts business on my credit limit!

Gunrunnerjohn,  Thanks in advance. You will be more help than you ever thought possible.  Pat B.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

I'm guarding my credit card, I don't think I can support the whole parts business on my credit limit!

Got my first look at the site today, and I can certainly say WOW!  Certainly a lot of work has already gone into this, and Mike assures me that more is to come!  It is way easier to find a part as there are numerous ways to search.  Not live yet, so you can't really buy anything, but it's looking promising.  As with any project of this magnitude, there are little things that don't appear logical, I'm writing them all down to hopefully aid in the tweaking of the site.

One tip when you do gain access, here's something that I've been doing for years on many sites.  When you're navigating off a page to a specific list or part, and you intend to come back to the previous page, hold Ctrl and click the link.  This opens a new tab and when you're done there, you can just close that tab and be back at the previous page.

I can't imagine how tired Mike's fingers are already, this really is a huge undertaking!  I only hope his fingers don't fall off before he catalogs the remaining sea of parts pallets!

Could help yourself to let the cat out of the bag huh G

Who, me?

I just received from one of the three arms of MTH the announcement of the new parts site.  Over the past 20 years, I have had little trouble with, uh-oh, over 60 MTH engines.  But this news of the parts site is most welcome.  What is more, the motor charts are a bonus!  Three cheers to Mike Reagan for being a parts and patience champion!

Some of us were asked by Mike to test run the new parts site, and then Mike asked us to report our findings back to him if we found any issues,….I can tell you from my perspective, I’m not a computer guy, never have been ….I found the site very easy to use, and I was able to buzz around the site like a pro,…..things you’ll like are the foot notes at the top of categories giving hints how to search for your parts,….take the time to read them ( for novices ) and you’ll be able to hunt down parts easily,….I like the way it’s set up,…..you’ve got to fathom the sheer amount of parts that had to be identified, cataloged, and numbered to appreciate the monumental task Mike took on,……at Lionel, Mike had a staff,…..here, it’s just Mike, him, and himself,…….bravo Mike!….well done…

Pat

For Mike. I've been searching around for the parts on my wish list from the old site and during one search ( it might have been Scale Truck ) the engine hung up and timed out, returning a very colorful page with the attached text.

Hi JET,

You are like the only person to catch that screen! We implemented a "oopsy" page not available message yesterday to prevent that page from returning. G=Sad to hear someone (you) saw it. This occurs when there is a disconnect between pages. It likely occurred while we were pushing code to the site. My apologies you were able to return a page like that (slightly embarrassed!)

Thanks,
Mike

@Mikado posted:

You are like the only person to catch that screen! We implemented a "oopsy" page not available message yesterday to prevent that page from returning. G=Sad to hear someone (you) saw it. This occurs when there is a disconnect between pages. It likely occurred while we were pushing code to the site. My apologies you were able to return a page like that (slightly embarrassed!)

Actually Mike, I mentioned I got that error page, I just didn't capture the page as we assumed that the site was being updated when I asked you about it.

yesterday I went to the page to check it out. It asked me to create a password and I did. Today, it won't let me even look at the page. It asks for username and password. I don't remember creating a user name? I thought it was my email?

The user name/password prompt right at entry is to restrict the site to the beta testers.  That will be gone when they go live, apparently tonight.

Received an email from MTH this morning that Parts Site was live, went to www.mthpartsandsales.com/shop as indicated in email, would not let me see anything. Got a request to sign in.

Can I assume site is broken or am I doing something wrong?

Apparently a small glitch, it'll be live this evening from what I hear.

@Trainmstr posted:

Received an email from MTH this morning that Parts Site was live, went to www.mthpartsandsales.com/shop as indicated in email, would not let me see anything. Got a request to sign in.

Can I assume site is broken or am I doing something wrong?

Same here, I can only assume they are not live yet or one final bug to be worked out

It is a security layer Mike implemented while testing. I'm sure he will have it worked out soon.

READ THIS!

Okay guys,

Don't get your traction tires in a twist! Encountering some technical issues this morning. The site will be active as of 8pm this evening. There is a lot of anticipation out there, just please exercise a little more patience. I know parts, I have no clue about computer programming, so I am at the mercy of our web developer........

Thank you,
Mike

Okay folks,

The site is live, let the fun begin! (fortunately it occurred 3 hours BEFORE 8pm. Thank you for your patience.

Thank you,
Mike Reagan
MTH Parts & Sales LLC

It won't come up at all now, think it crashed.

@Mikado posted:

Okay folks,

The site is live, let the fun begin! (fortunately it occurred 3 hours BEFORE 8pm. Thank you for your patience.

Thank you,
Mike Reagan
MTH Parts & Sales LLC

Annnd it's flooded with so many requests that the site is effectively down. Kind of predictable!!

Yeah, saw that coming...........just restarted the server

@Mikado posted:

Yeah, saw that coming...........just restarted the server

we're getting closer but Tomcat needs to get started:

Looks like it's running normally now, they're just out of stock for the stuff I need!

John,

Did you add the items you want to the wish list? To be notified when the items return to stock....

Curious if you are using this feature, it works quite well.

Thank you,
Mike Reagan
MTH Parts & Sales LLC

Yep, I added it to the wish list.

I have been looking it over and searching but seem to keep coming up with Lionel Parts??? LMAO

We implemented a significant server update overnight, basically tripled the cpu size and RAM of the server we were on yesterday. This should correct the crashing issue we fought with on the 23rd.

sorry for the drama, what can I say, I’m a train guy, not so much a computer guy.

Thank you,

Mike

@Mikado posted:

We implemented a significant server update overnight, basically tripled the cpu size and RAM of the server we were on yesterday. This should correct the crashing issue we fought with on the 23rd.

I think someone mentioned that possibility in a phone conversation some time back.

I placed an order this morning and everything worked perfectly.

Thanks Mike.  The site really looks great. 

Todd

Can someone explain how to search for a 70-2017-1 one gauge dash 8 part?

No matter what I type, I get no results. PS2, Dash 8, C8-40W, etc.. etc.

This is a great ! new service. I just used the web site to locate and order parts that I have been trying to get literally for several years. No doubt this has been a major effort for those who created and organized it, and it should do a lot to extend the service lives of all the MTH product out there.

- Mike

@Engineer-Joe posted:

Can someone explain how to search for a 70-2017-1 one gauge dash 8 part?

No matter what I type, I get no results. PS2, Dash 8, C8-40W, etc.. etc.

What type of part are you looking for?  You can search on descriptions.

@Engineer-Joe posted:

Can someone explain how to search for a 70-2017-1 one gauge dash 8 part?

No matter what I type, I get no results. PS2, Dash 8, C8-40W, etc.. etc.

Go to the

Search Exploded View Part Lists

Then type One Gauge    in the search box

It will then give you results.   Scroll down the list until you see your loco

It looks like right now they are still working on getting One Gauge stuff listed.

it has stripped idler gears. Something I've never seen in so poor condition. In the past, I believe you had to swap out the whole trucks. I'm just hoping for a miracle here, or I have another powered dummy with sound!

There's at least a list now with no links yet.

I tried typing one gauge dash 8 along with several other ideas. Nothing came up. It looks like I did not try just one gauge in the box.

I also tried idler gears and nothing showed up. Looks like I will have to wait. just praying here.

Mike,

Search results for DD0000001 have top view photos of the PS1 and PS2/3  couplers that look almost exactly the same, wouldn't bottom view photos be better ( show the bottom plate on PS2/3 )  ?

Jim T.

If you read the description of the FOUR different couplers two say PS 2 & 3 the other two say PS-1. Buy one of each and you could see the bottom of all 4. Up close & personal!

does it really matter if you can see the underside of the coupler, when the electronic version (PS1 or PS 2 & 3) is included in the part name?

Escape Rocks,

go to service parts search page. Type in “railking one gauge” after the results load use the filter field and just enter “dash”, everything I have come across will return.

i have not touched a single 1 gauge loco yet. I have started with Premier articulated locos. I only have 3000 more exploded view diagrams and part lists to go. Just check back from time to time. I am 30 YEARS late to the party and I am one person…..

Mike

@Mikado posted:

If you read the description of the FOUR different couplers two say PS 2 & 3 the other two say PS-1. Buy one of each and you could see the bottom of all 4. Up close & personal!

does it really matter if you can see the underside of the coupler, when the electronic version (PS1 or PS 2 & 3) is included in the part name?

Mike, as I recall the PS vs. PS2 couplers are different I think based on operating voltage>. Do not call were the PS3 couplers fit in.

Ron

@Mikado posted:

I only have 3000 more exploded view diagrams and part lists to go.

So by Monday or Tuesday then, right?

🤣🤣

Thanks for all of your hard work Mike, I'm sure everyone appreciates it!

@Mikado posted:

If you read the description of the FOUR different couplers two say PS 2 & 3 the other two say PS-1. Buy one of each and you could see the bottom of all 4. Up close & personal!

does it really matter if you can see the underside of the coupler, when the electronic version (PS1 or PS 2 & 3) is included in the part name?

Yes it does since that is the only visual difference, and the only way to confirm that MTH Parts actually sent you the proper coupler.  You obviously know that giving someone a PS1 coupler instead of the PS 2/3 they need creates a big problem.

(  Not to mention when you want to look at an installed coupler, you turn the engine over and you're looking at the bottom of the coupler anyway, not the top. )

@H1000 posted:

So by Monday or Tuesday then, right?

🤣🤣

Thanks for all of your hard work Mike, I'm sure everyone appreciates it!

He needs at least until Tuesday.

@JET posted:

Yes it does since that is the only visual difference, and the only way to confirm that MTH Parts actually sent you the proper coupler.  You obviously know that giving someone a PS1 coupler instead of the PS 2/3 they need creates a big problem.

(  Not to mention when you want to look at an installed coupler, you turn the engine over and you're looking at the bottom of the coupler anyway, not the top. )

Where are you going with this??….the description in the listing AND the picture clearly denote which one is which,….it’s up to you to pick the correct one you need based on what’s called the description ,……no??….

Pat

@harmonyards posted:

Where are you going with this??….the description in the listing AND the picture clearly denote which one is which,….it’s up to you to pick the correct one you need based on what’s called the description ,……no??….

Pat

Maybe the search results you're seeing are not what I'm seeing.

I'm saying it's easier to tell the difference between the PS1 and PS2-3 couplers from the bottom

than the top, so you should use that view to identify them.

Here's my search results for DD0000001

DD4000001

DD0000032

And of course DA1250004

So I'm the only person who thinks the identifying photos of DD40000001 and DD00000032 make them look almost identical?

@JET  if they weren’t clearly labeled, then I’d say you’d have a legitimate concern…..but if the description denotes the difference, and then again the picture denotes the difference, then what are you worried about?……Also, I can clearly see the difference between the two even from the top view,…..plus the part numbers are polar opposites,…..again, I’m not seeing where you’re going with this??….Mike’s been in this business long enough, I’m sure the PS 1 and the 2/3’s are separated in their correct bins,…..even somebody just pulling the parts that has no clue what a coupler looks like is just going to the appropriate bin with the part number on it,…..I think you’ll be ok,…just order the correct part number based on the 51mm coupler….

Pat

@PRRronbh posted:

Mike, as I recall the PS vs. PS2 couplers are different I think based on operating voltage>. Do not call were the PS3 couplers fit in.

Ron

PS/2 and PS/3 couplers are identical in form and function, they didn't change between the versions.

FWIW, the thought about having the couplers pictured from the bottom has some merit.  See which view you think makes them easier to differentiate.  Note that all PS/2 & PS/3 couplers have the patent on them.

PS/1 and PS/2 couplers, top view

PS/1 and PS/2 couplers, bottom view

@Engineer-Joe posted:

yesterday I went to the page to check it out. It asked me to create a password and I did. Today, it won't let me even look at the page. It asks for username and password. I don't remember creating a user name? I thought it was my email?

Sorry. My fault.

Outstanding job, Mike! The website works great. I was able to search and find some really obscure parts I’ve been looking for for quite some time (r-32 door magnets, r-32 under frame to replace some broken radiators, tinplate gantry crane drive belts, etc). For the ones that were not in stock, I added them to the wish list (primarily subway door chain details).  While I was there, I stocked up on a bunch of smoke fluid to get things ready for my heavily run Christmas trains and easily placed my order. One minor suggestion. For those of us with more obscure traction tire needs (like subways), there were no multi item discount packs. Have some pity on us, brother. Maybe if we order 10, 25, or 50 you could have the system apply the same discount for our orders as some of the more popular traction tire packs.  Looking forward to seeing some of the subway exploded views added in the future. Overall, an excellent resource and very usable website for non-train mechanics like myself.

—————-

Tip for those of you looking to populate your engines with engineer figures -  if you go to the respective premier, railking, or subway engine with engineer figures that mirrors your non-figure model, you can order perfectly sized, well detailed figures for around $5 bucks each.  This is a great deal and one of the surprises I noticed when navigating the site.

Did i miss something, i dont see an address in any of these posts for the new parts website.

@rustycoupler posted:

Did i miss something, i dont see an address in any of these posts for the new parts website.

Sorry, Rusty. It was in one of the earlier posts. Here it is - https://www.mthpartsandsales.com

Hello anyone,

All my model trains are packed in PODS to start my move to N. Carolina. Can someone give me a steam engine cat.# since I don't have the #'s available. Would like to try the new site. Thanks

Steam Forever

      John

Trying to find exploded parts view for 44-ton & Alco/IR/GE boxcab.  Am I missing something or are they not there?

They aren't there, because I have not created them yet. There are 160 exploded view part lists in the system this far (the culmination of work over the last 10 months) (the part lists that I have been through have all the PS-1, PS-2 and PS-3 mechanical parts on one list, for instance the Premier Big Boy includes 8 separate production runs worth of mechanical parts on ONE exploded view list)  I have roughly 3000 to go and I am basically a 1-man band creating part lists. If you don't see it, check back often. We are going to try to email everyone on the MTH mailing lust an update every month with what lists have been added. I also "trying" too keep up with current production stuff too, but I also work full time at TW Trainworx, so if anyone would like to volunteer to move to Concord, NC and help with this endeavor, I do have a big shop you can work in for a pittance?

Because of the time and attention to detail it takes to create these lists, this is why we have given you access to the entire service parts database, so you can at least have a shot to find what you are looking for if an exploded view list does not exist.

REMEMBER THIS: If the part name is NOT in all CAPS then I have not touched it. If it is in all CAPS I have renamed it and the part will appear in inventory once it has been photographed and put into a valid physical location in Elkridge. If it is a Capital first letter and all lower case (for the part name) I have not come across it yet (meaning it has not started its "life" in the new system; Part Number verification, New descriptive part name, photo, price, qty on hand and physical location). This all takes time, the end result is parts in stock that YOU can find and order. And yes, I (Mike Reagan) am 30 years late to the party. (At least I have 10 years experience in doing this successfully in another life......)

Have patience and be happy its being created/cataloged/updated after 30 years.

I am working feverishly on this project (have been for the last 16 months) the site is not done, far from it. New parts are being added every week, new lists are being created every week. The Premier Big Boy list is done, but the parts are mostly showing out of stock, as they are here in NC awaiting photographs of individual parts, then hauled back up to Elkridge to be put away. Which is why the wish list system has been implemented.

As for traction tires; They are $1.50 each, 50 packs are $75.00 and 5-packs are $7.50. Multi-packs are $1.50 x the qty. (the multi packs really just save us time counting out 25 or 50 pcs!)

After all, it costs money to organize all this stuff and create a website from the ground up!

Thanks,
Mike
MTH Parts & Sales LLC

Thanks, Mike.  I recognize this is an enormous job.  I'm in no rush.  As I noted earlier, the tires for those two locos are not on the list circulated earlier.  But don't feel bad, they were never on MTH's TT list either.

If I am not mistaken there is a call out on RK diesel and Premier diesel tire lists for ALL DIESELS. (in fact I bolded it). If you don’t see your particular engine called out, then it falls under the All diesel tire number.

I do plan to finish the 44 Tonner exploded view parts list in the coming month. AND we are getting more non traction tire wheel & axle assemblies with bearings to help out those who would like to have all 8 wheels picking up ground, with no traction tires. But those are a few months out yet.

Mike

@Mikado posted:

.

I do plan to finish the 44 Tonner exploded view parts list in the coming month. AND we are getting more non traction tire wheel & axle assemblies with bearings to help out those who would like to have all 8 wheels picking up ground, with no traction tires. But those are a few months out yet.

Mike

That’s a great idea and would solve the problem of power loss on uneven tracks. Count me in on buying a pair of those non traction tire wheel and axle assemblies for my 44 tonner.

I'd jump on those for the 44-toner as well, right now it's next to useless on my layout!

I suspect the 44-ton is so light that without traction tires it won't pull many cars, especially old Lionel

@RJR posted:

I suspect the 44-ton is so light that without traction tires it won't pull many cars, especially old Lionel

44tons is quite a bit of weight. Lol. Sorry couldn’t resist.

@RJR posted:

I suspect the 44-ton is so light that without traction tires it won't pull many cars, especially old Lionel

If that became an issue, simply add a small amount of ballast weight to make up the difference ,……the object of the exercise is to add electrical pick up,….so it’s kinda like pick your poison,…

Pat

@RJR posted:

I suspect the 44-ton is so light that without traction tires it won't pull many cars, especially old Lionel

Its not light at all. It pulls well above its weight class.

Pete

@RJR posted:

I suspect the 44-ton is so light that without traction tires it won't pull many cars, especially old Lionel

You'd likely be wrong.  I took all the traction tires off a RMT BEEP for reliability, and it weighs 1# 13oz (added weight to get there), and it hauls eight RK tank cars up the 2.5% grade no sweat.  The MTH 44-Ton locomotive weighs 2# 14oz, so it certainly should be able to hold it's own against the BEEP with no traction tires.

@RJR posted:

I suspect the 44-ton is so light that without traction tires it won't pull many cars, especially old Lionel

Its a switcher how much does it need to pull if it will pull 5 to 6 cars I will be just fine with no tires

There is a substantial difference in pulling capacity when the cars are postwar Lionel vice modern MTH RK or Premier.

Let's not go astray from the thread by ruminating on the pulling power of locos.  Sorry I started down that path.

@RJR posted:

Let's not go astray from the thread by ruminating on the pulling power of locos.  Sorry I started down that path.

Is this the pot calling the kettle black?

OK, I agree, pull the plug.

I put in an order this morning and it went well and was easy. I'm looking forward to getting some parts, again. Thank you!!

@Mikado posted:

Escape Rocks,

go to service parts search page. Type in “railking one gauge” after the results load use the filter field and just enter “dash”, everything I have come across will return.

i have not touched a single 1 gauge loco yet. I have started with Premier articulated locos. I only have 3000 more exploded view diagrams and part lists to go. Just check back from time to time. I am 30 YEARS late to the party and I am one person…..

Mike

Thanks Mike,

I was just showing Engineer-Joe how I found it.   Your way is easier, of course

Ordered parts from Maryland on line on Friday. Received parts in the mail in New York on Monday. That's as good as you can get!

Thanks,

- Mike

I got my first order today.  The website worked very well and everything was delivered in a a very timely manner.  Mike Reagan has done a fantastic job.  

Boy, they did use a page out of the Lionel playbook, that gummed label order sheet is exactly how Lionel stuff comes!   I haven't gotten my shipment yet.

John,

If I'm not mistaken I used a page out of "my" playbook. The same "play" I implemented previously elsewhere (hmmmm, where could that have been?).

If you're gonna point it out, make sure you get the verbiage right! LOL

Mike

Gentlemen lets but bicker here the point is it is most likely a great idea and it is only human natural to stick with something that works specially when it may have benn your own idea!!!!

@Mikado posted:

John,

If I'm not mistaken I used a page out of "my" playbook. The same "play" I implemented previously elsewhere (hmmmm, where could that have been?).

If you're gonna point it out, make sure you get the verbiage right! LOL

Mike

Gotcha.  Nice playbook, it works well!

kudos to mike. fyi I am computer illiterate and this sight is so easy to understand and navigate even I can do it. thanks mike for all the work you have done. just waiting for my engine to be cataloged.

So, we managed to correct an issue that I discovered over the weekend. When you go to "exploded view part lists" you can now enter any MTH product number (up til roughly December 2020), (i.e. 20-3657-1, 30-3542-1, etc.) (don't try those numbers, I just made them up for demonstration purposes). But I think you get the point. This Parent/child relational database was broken, but now its fixed and it works quite well! If you have some time in the future, give it a try.

Thank you
Mike Reagan
MTH Parts & Sales LLC

That's great Mike, that was something I was trying and was disappointed that it wasn't bringing anything up!

Mike, how do you search on a partial part number?  Say I wanted to search for any PS32 stacker board, I figure I should be able to search on: AE10353V

That comes up with no results.

Another question (s). Is the Michigan repair center open and ready? I have a couple of PS3 boards still under warranty, Just need reprogramming. Can I send them up there for that and how will the warranty issue be handled? The process started last April, but never got very far before everything got shut down.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Mike, how do you search on a partial part number?  Say I wanted to search for any PS32 stacker board, I figure I should be able to search on: AE10353V

That comes up with no results.

Many PS-3 Boards are turned off, I asked Mike that morning when I had the same issue doing partial search. G

Enter PS 3/2 Stacker and click search!

All that gives me is the heatsink kit and the plastic holder.

that's all that is available at this time until MTH updates the data base with ps 3 stacker boards !

Alan

@Mikado posted:

Mike, just want to let you know of one other glitch. When you click on the “contact us” tab at the top, it provides you with the email address info@mthpartsandsales.com. However, when you click on this, it causes your Mail program to populate an email with an address named “support@mthpattsandsales”, which comes back undeliverable.  I noticed this after 2 tries and just manually retyped the address starting with “info”into my email correspondence and that appeared to work.  Unfortunately, I’m trying to resolve a problem with my order involving a broken/missing part and some used smoke fluid that was shipped.

@Strap Hanger posted:

Mike, just want to let you know of one other glitch. When you click on the “contact us” tab at the top, it provides you with the email address info@mthpartsandsales.com. However, when you click on this, it causes your Mail program to populate an email with an address named “support@mthpattsandsales”, which comes back undeliverable.  I noticed this after 2 tries and just manually retyped the address starting with “info”into my email correspondence and that appeared to work.  Unfortunately, I’m trying to resolve a problem with my order involving a broken/missing part and some used smoke fluid that was shipped.

Curiosity is killing me, what makes smoke fluid used?….was it burnt and put back in the bottle??……🤔

Pat