Frank Timko

Funny - he has a loco of mine, too; has had for over a month. That's OK, but I'm in

the dark and had planned to try to call this Monday. I e-mailed him for a "guesstimate" as

to completion time after I sent it to him, but got no response.

I had him repair a smoke unit on a TMCC locomotive.  It took a while to get it back and he is not fast at answering e-mails.  I did get the engine back with the smoke unit repaired. Try calling him if he won't answer your e-mails.

Neal Jeter

I sent a Reading T-1 4-8-4 for upgrade to TMCC. I sent e-mail asking how to arrange payment and a few e-mails asking about additional upgrade options.

I did receive one reply, however he has not yet told me what method of payment he accepts. He received my engine two weeks ago, I have no idea about the normal turn around time. I am patient, I will enjoy running the engines I have while waiting the return of the "monster" engine. Well, I'm trying my best to maintain patience,  because I have not yet run the engine. I purchased it off e-bay, still new and boxed, I opened it, admired it and reboxed it and sent it to Frank Timko.

Now in saying this my engine is going thru a new motor and a dcs upgrade along installing marker lights front and back on my 1995 C&O yellowbelly so I am giving him some extra time but he has had my engine since August so I am just a tad bit concerned.

Whew!!  I couldn't get back on after just phoning him, Frank Timko, moments ago..he said to tell everybody he is working on everybody's engine.  I think there is a show in Columbus, Ohio, and was surprised to get him, and think he said he was going to one in Dayton, Ohio, tomorrow...he sounded healthy, so...cancel panics!  I am assuming all of you have his phone number?  (remember that a lot of people aren't computer users)

Bob

I had a Lionel READING T1 converted to TMCC and a DC motor installed in 2011.

Frank does first class work; that is why turnaround time is long. But for the T1, it certainly was worth the  wait. IF you like to run with smoke, having Frank replace the smoke unit is worth the investemnt.

BTW this engine requies O72 curves I believe.

He does good, solid quality work. Slow but sure and little time for e-mailing and conversing.

A while back I ordered some new can motors. He mailed them with the invoice before I paid. Very reasonable pricing.

Just received an email answer to an inquire I sent yesterday regarding adding traction tires to a scale Lionel steam turbine.

My experience with Frank is the best.

Charlie, thanks for the tip on the smoke unit. Yes, Frank is replacing the smoke unit.

I do run my engines with smoke set to highest setting, I love to see the smoke.

I currently run a Northern 4-8-4 with no problems on the curves, most of my curves on outer loop are .072. I'll keep my fingers crossed.

bob

Thanks for letting us customers know what is going on. I was just worried he may have been sick or had a accident. Good to know he is ok.

Frank is a good friend of mine.  As you've all said, he does high quality work and some things (such as machining a wheel groove to accept a traction tire, changing a locomotive from a Pullmor motor to a can motor, etc.) that are not available everywhere.  He is very popular and his workshop is nearly always full.  Your locomotive is in the sequence for repair but depending on how involved the work is on the locos ahead of yours the turnaround time can vary quite a bit.

I've had Frank do several conversions. First class all the way. Sometimes, you just need to realize that small shops like Frank provide a different level of customer service. Without assistants and people to keep track of work, it falls on Frank to answer e-mails and communicate. This takes time away from the actual work and slows everything down. I'm not making an excuse. It is only a statement and is more in line with "old school" thinking. However, IMO, Frank is absolutely honest and does great work.

Gerry

Good to hear; I'll even skip calling tomorrow. Wasn't really "worried" yet - one just

likes to know a bit...