Simple Turbo Train fix.

Like many operators today, I use tubular track.  I purchased the Turbo Train and had the clearance problems mentioned on posts on this forum.  I call Mike Wolf at home and he stated he will be on the situation when he goes to work.  Mike pointed out to me that after he read all the OGR posts he wanted me to be aware that almost all track made today use NMRA standards that measure the 0-72 from center rail to center rail.  He pointed out my tubular track was measured 0-72 back in the day from the outside rails giving Lionel style tubular track a slightly tighter circle.  He then told me I should rip up all my track and use his track.  I will not post my reply to him as Rich would throw me of the forum. 

Mike called me the next day and he worked on this problem himself and found the fix.  He stated to take the L shaped coupler mount on the power car and bend it forward about 1/8 inch and do the car next to the power car the same.  Mike being a pretty good tinkerer stated that was the fix and this problem will not exist on any future Turbo Trains.  A lot of guys do not know that Mike is also a car guy and drag racing guy.  He knows how to fabricate and knows what will work and what will not.  I did the fix using his instructions and took the following photographs to hopefully help guys with this problem.  The job from start to finish took 20 minutes. 

The only tool needed is a pair of flat bill pliers and a screwdriver to take the 6 screws out of each car.

This photo is what you want to see happen.   The photo on the left shows 90 degree angles and the photo on the right the bend necessary.  This must be done to the power car (both) and the car next to it only.  This is a side view and not to scale.

This photo shows what the stock bend looks like.

This photo shows what the bracket (coupler) looks like after the bend.

This photo shows the power car after being bent.

My happy turbo train.

Guys, please do not be scared to do this as the train comes apart very easy with no stories.  Mike stated to attempt to get about 1/8 inch forward bend on the verticle part and when bending the top flat level, everything will be where it needs to be. 

Yes things happen.  We are lucky this was a simple fix and Mike took on the project himself.  Mike gave me permission to tell OGR forum guys that he will have two more Turbo Trains in the next catalog.  They will be the other Amtrak paint job and the VIA in yellow and blue.  These will be correct before they get to the buyers. 

OK!  Now what about the reported problems with the tether disconnecting.

Put it together right the first time and you are done with it.  I had a guy complain and he was not seating the plug properly.  This train will be like the Acela with everyone having a comment, but just listen to the guys who have purchased the train.  The tether design is a good one.

While I don't havethis train (wish I did), I think we should thank both Mike AND Marty for the help and solution to the problem some are experiencing with this set.

Mike Wolf's hands on efforts and Marty's kind sharing exemplify how these things should be handled. While some may still complain "it should have been bent when shipped", others will take 20 minutes and perform this minor fix to get maximum enjoyment from their purchase.

Nice job Marty and Mike!

Paul

Marty....once again you have taken on helping a lot of people with their needs.  Thanks so much for doing this as so many have looked forward to the Turbo Train.  I will be picking mine up at the Springfield Mo. meet on the 16th of March and will make this adjustment before I run it.....and please extend a thanks to Mike for looking into and making the fix himself so that all of us can enjoy our purchase.

Thanks again!!

Alan

Thanks Marty. I appreciate the time you took to call Mike, find a solution and post the pics.

Bob

I don't have this train either (I balked when the first posts I saw told of running problems) but I'm also grateful for Marty's advice and Mike's input on this.

Marty; am I to understand that prior to the fix yours would not run on tubular 72" but it works fine now!!!

The power car would hit the next car in the turn.  All is great now.

Sounds like I sent mine back to soon.

Marty, info like this is what makes this forum soooooo important to all of us.

This is great and now everyone can enjoy the hobby with this Turbo Train. Great news.

Thanks are certainly due to Mike and Marty for taking the initiative to easily fix this little but important glitch.  I hope those of you who may know others who have purchased these sets, whether they participate on this forum or not, will direct them to this thread.

I do not own this train - yet.  I will purchase it here on the forum in about 10 years when I can afford it. 

I have been following this issues with interest.  I know someone that had a running issue with theirs and I suggested they contact Marty as I figured Martu might have the capability to express some collective frustration.  Apparently Marty was on it already.  Thanks, Marty.

I am very suprised to know that Mike Wolf personally got involved in this - I think that is an very telling point of Marty's description of the resolution.  Thanks, Mike, for your quick response and solution. 

I am presuming that a new control check is now part of MTH procedures and it includes prototype testing to ensure the entire train operates flawlessly on all the different track types.   And if Mike Wolf et al (i.e. his team at MTH) did not yet add that to their procedures, I lay claim to the recommendation and will be happy to be "paid" as a consultant with a turbo train! 

Seriously, I am glad Marty shared the info.  I am pleasantly suprised by Mike's personal involvement and must applaud the effort and outcome. 

Marty, Thanks I don't have this train although I would like it. I just like your take charge attitude, you know how to get things done. Fred

Spence....hurry back and go get it!!!

Alan

Thanks Marty and Mike.  I am interested in the VIA Rail version. Being a Canadian (and an Ontarian), I am very familiar with Via Rail!

Harold, I was very happy to hear that.  I am a former part time Newfie .  I have always loved the Canada Railroads.  I lived in St Johns while the narrow gauge was still running. 

Now all I got to do is find the right type of screwdriver to sink into the shell.    I have already replaced some of my O72 Realtrax with O82 as space permits to better accommodate this set.  I have two coaches on order and they are set to arrive in October so they should have the adjustment made MTH is talking about.

Marty,

How far do I have to bend the metal to run on O54?

Barry, I am not so sure that it can be done.  If MTH made an optional connection coupling, it might happen.  Right now the power car is longer than 0-54 could take.  This would be a great RK set if only the power car were made a bit shorter in length.  The coaches will work as they are.

Great fix. While you have the train apart others have mentioned bend the bracket in on the cab for the marker lights so they show in the # boards and marker lights.

Also like the idea of a red lens on the rear light that shines white instead of red.

Love the train have run it a lot with no problems at all. I run with much wider curves.

In regards to them issuing the other Amtrak and VIA models.

In the future I would hope that more rare items like this that have limited road names they would instead announce them from the start with all road names/paint schemes from the start this would ensure they would get enough orders to build a new body like this.

Love my CN version and will order a VIA as well this is such a unique piece.

I think it was good of Mike to give up this information on the Amtrak and Via.  That does not always happen.  As I stated earlier, I rode the Turbo Train years back and it was very cool.  This MTH train runs great.  I have run my train for  two hours after doing the modification.

Thanks for your time Marty.Maybe you could post Mikes number here so we can thank him.Haha.He would love you for that.

He read your post and is aware.

Thanks Marty!

This is exactly what makes this forum so great...the helpful problem solvers!!

Great tip Marty. Thanks. Haven't had the problem myself, but it's definitely good to know. Interestingly enough, the Turbo Train powered unit seems to be one of the most serviceable powered units I've seen. Everything's easy to get to and the internals are very neatly arranged.

Spence,

Amtrak and CN turbos still available here:  http://www.thetrainshop.com/ca...mier/premier-engines

I would bet that the 2013 volume 2 catalog will have some of the new paint schemes.

Now the derailing problem has a solution.  Do question how well the diaphragms now fit with increased separation between units.

And apparently the tether disconnect problem was an operator induced problem.

So the last question is what about the reported gear/gear box failures.  Any chance these units were not properly greased?

Thanks Marty and Mike. So essentially the bracket is too short and by bending it forward, it  gives you the needed room? 

Next question: Will there a be a replacement bracket or a complete redesign?

If this all works out, and the next issue is a New Haven, I will consider one.

That gear situation is very rare with MTH trains.  Those new paint schemes will be in the catalog and already stated.

Don was not the New Haven the same paint as the now released PC.  The PC logo was not originally applied until sometime after the PC got it from the NH.

So the current PC release would double for the NH except the passenger station sounds.

Yes, my misread. I thought I read it there was a New Haven version in the making versus it ran on the New Haven line. Either way, I have to wait a good while before I can get one.

Marty,

Thank you so much for your work. And to Mike, as well.

I do not have the Turbo Train, at least not yet; but this information makes acquirng one a distinct possibility!

Thx!

Alex

did the top alignement of the roofs of the cars suffered by bending the  bracket on one car and leaving the joining bracket untouched on the other. This is an aerodynamic design and the roofs should be flush one to the other.

Marty, did you get information about the broken clips that hold the torsion bars?? Will there be replacement?? how do we replace them??

I have another piece of plastic that goes from a torsion bar to the other on a power unit that felle off and derailed the train.  Do you have any suggestion if it can be glued in place?? Is it just cosmectic or does it have a purporse in the stability of the buggie??

If there are upgrade made to the next generation of Turbo train, Will we get those on our trains of the first generation. I don't want to feel like the " guinea pig" who bought this $$$ trains and will be left with a train that has less play value than the next generation

I have over 100 MTH engines and this was the first to have a gear failure. I've seen it happen only one other time and it wasn't on an MTH engine. It's a fluke and likely undetectable during a normal inspection.

I talked to Rich Foster about the torsion bar clips.  He was going to get back to me shortly as I need one myself.  When I get any info on this, I will post it.

Thank you Marty for the infos to come on the torsion bars.

May I suggest to put the smoke fluid in the the Right funnel since the smoke generator is right beneath it. I have put some in the left funnel and, with the viscosity of the smoke fluid, it blocked for a few hour even blowing into it to make it free.

I remember once in Montreal, a unit came out of the Bonaventure central station with a large amount of smoke output. It was unusual site as these train usually made very few smoke. This unit is gonna be a smoke fluid saver on the layout when put in minimum smoke output.

Jacques

Marty, thanks for getting this problem addressed and resolved.

Jacques, that is a good tip.  Thank you.   We have Mike Wolf to thank  for this one.