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Bob,  I am an ASC for MTH, I am an independent Train Repair Tech.  I repair Williams, Atlas, Lionel Pre War, PW, MPC, and Modern, all MTH HO, O, 1 Gauge.  I repair out of Business train models and transformers all scales, do component level repairs and stock parts.

I have applied to be a Lionel tech, but the school has not been run for over 5 years, so we can say even authorized Lionel repair techs are out of date.  I refresh my MTH cert on a periodic basis.

I am have a business license, pay my taxes, managed a LHS until they closed their doors, and service for another.  I also support LHS and their customers around the country that don't have techs.

I warranty my work on all models for 90 days.

So what is your point, am I less worthy than you?  G

OK, odd thread, but here is my bio.

I am a MTH certified tech. I am NOT  Lionel certified at this time, as the last time Lionel held classes I was unable to attend. I can't take Lionel warranty work. ( I understand they will have classes this year). I have a brick and mortar shop. I can repair any Lionel item not under warranty.

I have customers I have had for over 40 years. When I first started I was ordering parts from Lenny Dean in New Jersey. I have in stock over 10,000 parts. I am in Denver and get repairs sent to me from Maine to Florida, LA to Seattle. Not to mention from England, France, Germany and Australia. I specialize in 3 rail trains.

Chuck

Bob Karas posted:

... Local repair people cannot to warranty work and give out 30 day warranty on repairs...

I'm not sure what/who you mean by "local", but my local repair guy has a sign that says "unAUTHORIZED LIONEL SERVICE STATION" and does do warranty work, at his expense, for walk-ins, and gives a 90 day warranty on repairs. 

Back in the 50's and 60's, Lionel authorized service stations were everywhere. There was a good commonality of parts, so most shops had these parts to cover most repairs.  From what we have seen today, electronic RF control  has changed the whole equation. To fix modern trains you need to have a thorough understanding of the function of the circuit boards and the components on them. Trouble is that many electronic IC's used on these boards only have a short production cycle and newer IC's are not always replacement backwards compatible.  These concerns have convinced me to keep it simple and enjoy near complete reliability.  I know, my view is stone age and backwards.

I'm a Authorized Lionel & MTH Service station that I do repairs for 2 LHS out here in Utah. 

I seem to keep busy enough I don't always get my own train work done, but not so busy that I'm overwhelmed.  Every once in a while get a repair that is a real puzzle that takes longer than it should, but most aren't too bad overall.  After 9+ years doing this the parts inventory grows and grows.

Jim

I'm not authorized or trained to do anything, but I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express.  

In seriousness, though, I support the LHS by purchasing used rolling stock there and occasionally buying a new engine or such.  They won't touch anything I didn't buy from them as far as repairs go, which doesn't matter much to me as, to date, I've been able to do every repair I've needed with rudimentary electronic and mechanical skills, and an occasional question on specific details here on the forum.  

JGL