MTH 20-20726-1 UP 44 Ton Switcher

I take it nobody has purchased one of these nor has seen one.

Blue Streak, It's been awhile since you asked and nobody answered you. I happened to pick up one the other day. Here is your answer

interesting - does the "DS" on the side stand for Diesel Switcher or ?

Paul

Thanks Al,

I have not purchased one yet and I have narrowed it down to this unit or the Great Northern (that I can't find pictures of either). I have not purchased a MTH engine in almost 10 years. But I hear from a dealer with the new WiFI system the "Can't find engine" is over + these days I am almost afraid to open my Lionel boxes when they arrive.

Yes D.S. stands for Diesel Switcher

Joe

I am considering an MTH 44 toner as well ...

I read that these have issues with some switches and the shut down sounds... can anyone provide feedback ?

Are the newer release models improved ?

Yamawho,

I have seen this pic but it looks like catalog art. I would like to see an actual photo . I have not heard that they had problems but I would like to hear more reports before purchasing.

My MTH GE 44-tonners operate perfectly and have no problem on my Atlas O-54 switches. They routinely pull 5 or 6 freight cars and have great sounds, although the shutdown sounds terminate quickly, apparently due to a too-small capacitor.

MELGAR

Shutdown sounds are fine if you shut down with a button.  If you cut power, they are cut short because the supercap is of marginal capacity. 

I have no problems with Gargraves 100 & O72 switches, provided you keep the switch center rails clean.

As to pulling capacity, that depends on the rolling stock.  Postwar Lionels are a drag.  (My 1954 DCS/PS2 Lionel 624 can hardly move 3-4, since the Magne-traction has weakened.)  Modern MTH roll very easily.  10 of the latter is an easy load for the 44T to move.

I have the Milwaukee Road version, 20-20719-1. It runs flawlessly at the club through GarGraves switches. It has a little hiccup on an O-27 switch at home as it heads into the curve portion, but no problem in the opposite direction.

Quick video from the club layout:

yamawho posted:

I am considering an MTH 44 toner as well ...

I read that these have issues with some switches and the shut down sounds... can anyone provide feedback ?

Are the newer release models improved ?

Not that I know of.  They do have an issue with instant dropout with small track power interruptions, that's my major complaint with mine.