MTH - Operating Reefer Car Help

I had tried to contact MTH, but without the part number, they were not much help.  Instead - I bought a second "broken" reefer off the bay, but this one included the missing piece between the operating door and the "guy inside the car that opens the door."  I designed one up in Cad and 3-d printed some samples. I will try to replace them in both operating reefers I have at home. 

Assuming this works I'll post more pictures tomorrow. Since I have found two broken ones there are bound to be more out there?

Attached are some pictures of the missing piece I needed and the 3-d printed version (red) I made.

Looks like a nice fix...let us know if it works!

Yes, please let us know if it works.  I have two of these reefers and really enjoy them.  You could have a cottage industry in the works.

-Greg

I had to fix the door opening on mine as well.  All the pieces were there, but the glue gave way on the door and the piece that is engaged by the operating arm was rattling around inside.  This was a brand new in the box with the cellophane still on it.

I agree these are great cars. I have a Union Pacific one that I bought new and that has worked great. I then bought two used MR ones with issues - but I think I can get them working. Ironically, I have two different road numbers on them so I plan to keep them both - 9once they are working. 

Hello GunrunnerJohn,

I think i saw another post where you added a mini commander board from ERR. Any long term issues with this modification?

Thanks,

Eric

I haven't modified this car yet, I have done a bunch of cars with the Mini Commander.  I have a couple of Hot Box Reefers that have been converted.

Since this car already has power, I don't see any issue with the Mini Commander, just have to find the time to install it.

Eric,

I think i saw another post where you added a mini commander board from ERR. Any long term issues with this modification?

I've converted 3 or 4 of the MTH Reefers to TMCC control using ERR Mini Commanders, as well as several MTH Signalman cars, the MTH Helicopter car and a Lionel postwar Cop & Hobo car.

They've all worked well for a long time, some as long as 10 years.

Thank you Barry for your feedback. 

Here is a picture and some videos of the reefers in operation. They both work now!

Since the 3-d parts worked I will make some more spares tomorrow at work. I'll do some durability testing with these two. If anyone needs one feel free to contact me.

The ramp seems to have too much flat area at the top.  The second crate to be pushed out doesn't push the first crate down the ramp without the help of the giant hand from the sky.