fixed running gear

Joe,

I'm glad it worked out for you.  I haven't been as lucky.  For over 6 months now I've been trying to get a minor part replaced.  At first MTH seemed to be helpful but that ended about 4 months ago.  Now they won't return my emails or voice mails.

Am I out of line for venting on this thread?  Probably, but it's discouraging for me when I hear about how great their service department is and I can't get a simple answer.

Anyway, I'm happy for you and, oh yeah, nice looking model.

Jay

is it a part that you could find the number here for?

http://mthtrains.com/news/558

I'm not sure what you went thru but I do know it is not easy. They don't have all the parts for every model. That can be frustrating when you think they should.

Joe,

Over the past 6 months to a year I've looked through all their on line parts catalogs.  To be honest I can't look at the latest version because it requires Adobe Flash Player and my computer guy disabled it because of it's propensity for allowing viruses.

Having said that, I sent the model number and photos of what I needed (a very small detail part) including other models, currently being offered, that use the same part and was told MTH would check with their builder to see if the part could be obtained.  I advised them I would pay whatever they deemed reasonable.  Looking back through my emails it's been close to 6 months since I received any feedback.  Once again, all my request for status seem to have been ignored.

I had planned on purchasing other MTH products at the same time I payed for the missing/lost part but, to be honest I don't feel like spending anymore money if this is the service I'm going to receive.

Okay, I've vented.  It really didn't help and I still don't have the part.

Thanks for trying to help me out.

Jay

Maybe someone else here has the part? what is it?

Joe,

I'll try to attach one of the photos I sent MTH.  It appears it's been almost a year since I sent the photo to them.

As you can see, it's nothing more than a combination journal cap/shock absorber.  The model is an SD45 Tunnel Motor.

 The next time I cast any part, I'll try and make one for U. I need to get more silicone rubber. I tried a different brand and it sticks to everything and wrecks it.

 Maybe someone here has extra sideframes?

precision scale co has a part #56160 for the EMD HTC shock absorber pkg4. $5.

http://www.precisionscaleco.com/

Maybe someone here has it?

Joe,

Thanks for the consideration.  I've debated doing exactly what you're describing and I may do just that but, it seems to me, MTH could be a little more helpful or forthcoming.  To be honest, if they'd said not interested in helping I would have moved on and forgotten about it but to be ignored or completely  blown off makes me mad.

Jay

Joe,

Yeah, I know.  I have an account with PSC and I ordered the part.  Upon receipt I compared it to the original and it may be another option.  It doesn't change the fact MTH service failed me.

Once again, thanks for the offer to assist.

Jay

I could send you a set of SD-9 side frames, but they are slightly different.

Bob,

Thanks for the offer.  I too have other side frames, including SD9s but these already have the ball bearing installed and are ready for a new drive to be installed.

I'll try again, there are plenty of workarounds and I can Mickey Mouse something together but why should I have to with a new loco?

All I've ever wanted was a new replacement part.  Why is that so difficult?  If it's not available from MTH, fine, I'll create a replacement.  Am I being unreasonable?  Am I expecting too much?

Please don't think I'm not appreciative of your offer, I most certainly do thank you for it.

Jay

 I have an Alaska switcher here on my desk as a paper weight. The guy I bought it from meant well enough. He had gutted it and packed everything else for shipment. When in transport the trucks smashed the side-frames into bits. There was also no way to mount the trucks to the shell. When he took the motors, he also took the truck's mounts.

 I have many stories of locos with different problems. It's toughest when it's a brand new loco that one would expect to be right. I look wherever I can for the parts to fix stuff. I've had to pay to get brand new engines to run the correct speed. They should have been under warranty? Guys complain about paying for shipping. I've paid for shipping both directions, service parts + labor on brand new stuff!!

 That's why I fix stuff myself. I am not rich enough to support other places to learn what is wrong with a particular release at my expense, while the company goes silent.

 Then they still won't listen to my complaint even when it's a friend of theirs that fixed the issue at my expense. At the very best, I've heard ....OH!

 How's that for venting!