About a year ago I acquired a used MTH RK PS2 Y6B, Item no. 30-1438-1. I also bid on a PS3 production sample version, item no. 30-1662-1, from a recent MTH auction. I bid low since I didn’t need another Y6B. While I was certain I would be outbid, to my surprise I am now a proud owner of a second Y6B. Problem is each of these engines has issues. I was able to correct some of them myself, but a couple of issues remain I could use some help / advice with.
I’ll start with the PS2 version (30-1438-1). This model had poor slow speed performance since I got it. Not so bad I felt compelled to return it, but I was disappointed it didn’t operate smoothly at slow speed like my other MTH steamers. I was worried there was a mechanical issue with the drive, but decided to tackle the project and see if a grease / lube job would help. I used Labelle products to add grease to the gearboxes and a tiny touch of oil to each axle bearing. What a difference! The model now has the slow speed performance I’ve come to expect from MTH. Thrilled that was such an easy fix.
However, this model has a troublesome smoke unit I have not been able to correct. When at rest, smoke billows out the stack in typical MTH fashion. However, when in the motion the smoke volume diminishes until it is downright anemic. Thick vapor oozes out the stack, but does not billow like a typical MTH model. At rest the smoke volume once again billows out the stack. I replaced the smoke unit wick and made sure the new batting did interfere with the small hole for the fan output, but the same behavior exists. Any ideas as to what is going on or how to fix it?
On to the PS3 version, item no. 30-1662-1. This model was listed as a pre-production version that was “approved with comments.” I was happy that the model fired up with no problem when I received it. However, the class lights, cab light, and firebox glow did not work. While these features are not important to me, I decided to open up the model and see what I could do. Sure enough, there was a broke wire to one of the class lights. After a quick fix the class lights and cab light now work (although the class lights are very dim). The firebox glow still does not work, but as I said this is of little consequence to me.
The other issue with this model that is important to me is the chuff sounds. The PS2 version has great articulated steam chuff sounds where the front and rear engines go in and out of sync. The effect is quite convincing. The PS3 version smokes like a champ, but the chuffs are the same as a two-cylinder loco without the four-cylinder effects of the PS2 version. Is this a sound file issue? Could it be corrected by loading a new sound file? If so, is that something a newbie like myself can tackle or do you recommend shipping it off to be serviced by an MTH authorized dealer?
So ends my tale. Help / advise appreciated.
