MTH Parts Department with important new information from Mike Reagan [UPDATED 9/24]

@JET  if they weren’t clearly labeled, then I’d say you’d have a legitimate concern…..but if the description denotes the difference, and then again the picture denotes the difference, then what are you worried about?……Also, I can clearly see the difference between the two even from the top view,…..plus the part numbers are polar opposites,…..again, I’m not seeing where you’re going with this??….Mike’s been in this business long enough, I’m sure the PS 1 and the 2/3’s are separated in their correct bins,…..even somebody just pulling the parts that has no clue what a coupler looks like is just going to the appropriate bin with the part number on it,…..I think you’ll be ok,…just order the correct part number based on the 51mm coupler….

Pat

@PRRronbh posted:

Mike, as I recall the PS vs. PS2 couplers are different I think based on operating voltage>. Do not call were the PS3 couplers fit in.

Ron

PS/2 and PS/3 couplers are identical in form and function, they didn't change between the versions.

FWIW, the thought about having the couplers pictured from the bottom has some merit.  See which view you think makes them easier to differentiate.  Note that all PS/2 & PS/3 couplers have the patent on them.

PS/1 and PS/2 couplers, top view

PS/1 and PS/2 couplers, bottom view

@Engineer-Joe posted:

yesterday I went to the page to check it out. It asked me to create a password and I did. Today, it won't let me even look at the page. It asks for username and password. I don't remember creating a user name? I thought it was my email?

Sorry. My fault.

Outstanding job, Mike! The website works great. I was able to search and find some really obscure parts I’ve been looking for for quite some time (r-32 door magnets, r-32 under frame to replace some broken radiators, tinplate gantry crane drive belts, etc). For the ones that were not in stock, I added them to the wish list (primarily subway door chain details).  While I was there, I stocked up on a bunch of smoke fluid to get things ready for my heavily run Christmas trains and easily placed my order. One minor suggestion. For those of us with more obscure traction tire needs (like subways), there were no multi item discount packs. Have some pity on us, brother. Maybe if we order 10, 25, or 50 you could have the system apply the same discount for our orders as some of the more popular traction tire packs.  Looking forward to seeing some of the subway exploded views added in the future. Overall, an excellent resource and very usable website for non-train mechanics like myself.

—————-

Tip for those of you looking to populate your engines with engineer figures -  if you go to the respective premier, railking, or subway engine with engineer figures that mirrors your non-figure model, you can order perfectly sized, well detailed figures for around $5 bucks each.  This is a great deal and one of the surprises I noticed when navigating the site.

Did i miss something, i dont see an address in any of these posts for the new parts website.

@rustycoupler posted:

Did i miss something, i dont see an address in any of these posts for the new parts website.

Sorry, Rusty. It was in one of the earlier posts. Here it is - https://www.mthpartsandsales.com

Hello anyone,

All my model trains are packed in PODS to start my move to N. Carolina. Can someone give me a steam engine cat.# since I don't have the #'s available. Would like to try the new site. Thanks

Steam Forever

      John

Trying to find exploded parts view for 44-ton & Alco/IR/GE boxcab.  Am I missing something or are they not there?

They aren't there, because I have not created them yet. There are 160 exploded view part lists in the system this far (the culmination of work over the last 10 months) (the part lists that I have been through have all the PS-1, PS-2 and PS-3 mechanical parts on one list, for instance the Premier Big Boy includes 8 separate production runs worth of mechanical parts on ONE exploded view list)  I have roughly 3000 to go and I am basically a 1-man band creating part lists. If you don't see it, check back often. We are going to try to email everyone on the MTH mailing lust an update every month with what lists have been added. I also "trying" too keep up with current production stuff too, but I also work full time at TW Trainworx, so if anyone would like to volunteer to move to Concord, NC and help with this endeavor, I do have a big shop you can work in for a pittance?

Because of the time and attention to detail it takes to create these lists, this is why we have given you access to the entire service parts database, so you can at least have a shot to find what you are looking for if an exploded view list does not exist.

REMEMBER THIS: If the part name is NOT in all CAPS then I have not touched it. If it is in all CAPS I have renamed it and the part will appear in inventory once it has been photographed and put into a valid physical location in Elkridge. If it is a Capital first letter and all lower case (for the part name) I have not come across it yet (meaning it has not started its "life" in the new system; Part Number verification, New descriptive part name, photo, price, qty on hand and physical location). This all takes time, the end result is parts in stock that YOU can find and order. And yes, I (Mike Reagan) am 30 years late to the party. (At least I have 10 years experience in doing this successfully in another life......)

Have patience and be happy its being created/cataloged/updated after 30 years.

I am working feverishly on this project (have been for the last 16 months) the site is not done, far from it. New parts are being added every week, new lists are being created every week. The Premier Big Boy list is done, but the parts are mostly showing out of stock, as they are here in NC awaiting photographs of individual parts, then hauled back up to Elkridge to be put away. Which is why the wish list system has been implemented.

As for traction tires; They are $1.50 each, 50 packs are $75.00 and 5-packs are $7.50. Multi-packs are $1.50 x the qty. (the multi packs really just save us time counting out 25 or 50 pcs!)

After all, it costs money to organize all this stuff and create a website from the ground up!

Thanks,
Mike
MTH Parts & Sales LLC

Thanks, Mike.  I recognize this is an enormous job.  I'm in no rush.  As I noted earlier, the tires for those two locos are not on the list circulated earlier.  But don't feel bad, they were never on MTH's TT list either.

If I am not mistaken there is a call out on RK diesel and Premier diesel tire lists for ALL DIESELS. (in fact I bolded it). If you don’t see your particular engine called out, then it falls under the All diesel tire number.

I do plan to finish the 44 Tonner exploded view parts list in the coming month. AND we are getting more non traction tire wheel & axle assemblies with bearings to help out those who would like to have all 8 wheels picking up ground, with no traction tires. But those are a few months out yet.

Mike

@Mikado posted:

.

I do plan to finish the 44 Tonner exploded view parts list in the coming month. AND we are getting more non traction tire wheel & axle assemblies with bearings to help out those who would like to have all 8 wheels picking up ground, with no traction tires. But those are a few months out yet.

Mike

That’s a great idea and would solve the problem of power loss on uneven tracks. Count me in on buying a pair of those non traction tire wheel and axle assemblies for my 44 tonner.

I'd jump on those for the 44-toner as well, right now it's next to useless on my layout!

I suspect the 44-ton is so light that without traction tires it won't pull many cars, especially old Lionel

@RJR posted:

I suspect the 44-ton is so light that without traction tires it won't pull many cars, especially old Lionel

44tons is quite a bit of weight. Lol. Sorry couldn’t resist.

@RJR posted:

I suspect the 44-ton is so light that without traction tires it won't pull many cars, especially old Lionel

If that became an issue, simply add a small amount of ballast weight to make up the difference ,……the object of the exercise is to add electrical pick up,….so it’s kinda like pick your poison,…

Pat

@RJR posted:

I suspect the 44-ton is so light that without traction tires it won't pull many cars, especially old Lionel

Its not light at all. It pulls well above its weight class.

Pete

@RJR posted:

I suspect the 44-ton is so light that without traction tires it won't pull many cars, especially old Lionel

You'd likely be wrong.  I took all the traction tires off a RMT BEEP for reliability, and it weighs 1# 13oz (added weight to get there), and it hauls eight RK tank cars up the 2.5% grade no sweat.  The MTH 44-Ton locomotive weighs 2# 14oz, so it certainly should be able to hold it's own against the BEEP with no traction tires.

@RJR posted:

I suspect the 44-ton is so light that without traction tires it won't pull many cars, especially old Lionel

Its a switcher how much does it need to pull if it will pull 5 to 6 cars I will be just fine with no tires

There is a substantial difference in pulling capacity when the cars are postwar Lionel vice modern MTH RK or Premier.

Let's not go astray from the thread by ruminating on the pulling power of locos.  Sorry I started down that path.

@RJR posted:

Let's not go astray from the thread by ruminating on the pulling power of locos.  Sorry I started down that path.

Is this the pot calling the kettle black?

OK, I agree, pull the plug.

I put in an order this morning and it went well and was easy. I'm looking forward to getting some parts, again. Thank you!!

@Mikado posted:

Escape Rocks,

go to service parts search page. Type in “railking one gauge” after the results load use the filter field and just enter “dash”, everything I have come across will return.

i have not touched a single 1 gauge loco yet. I have started with Premier articulated locos. I only have 3000 more exploded view diagrams and part lists to go. Just check back from time to time. I am 30 YEARS late to the party and I am one person…..

Mike

Thanks Mike,

I was just showing Engineer-Joe how I found it.   Your way is easier, of course

Ordered parts from Maryland on line on Friday. Received parts in the mail in New York on Monday. That's as good as you can get!

Thanks,

- Mike

I got my first order today.  The website worked very well and everything was delivered in a a very timely manner.  Mike Reagan has done a fantastic job.  

Boy, they did use a page out of the Lionel playbook, that gummed label order sheet is exactly how Lionel stuff comes!   I haven't gotten my shipment yet.

John,

If I'm not mistaken I used a page out of "my" playbook. The same "play" I implemented previously elsewhere (hmmmm, where could that have been?).

If you're gonna point it out, make sure you get the verbiage right! LOL

Mike

Gentlemen lets but bicker here the point is it is most likely a great idea and it is only human natural to stick with something that works specially when it may have benn your own idea!!!!

@Mikado posted:

John,

If I'm not mistaken I used a page out of "my" playbook. The same "play" I implemented previously elsewhere (hmmmm, where could that have been?).

If you're gonna point it out, make sure you get the verbiage right! LOL

Mike

Gotcha.  Nice playbook, it works well!

kudos to mike. fyi I am computer illiterate and this sight is so easy to understand and navigate even I can do it. thanks mike for all the work you have done. just waiting for my engine to be cataloged.

So, we managed to correct an issue that I discovered over the weekend. When you go to "exploded view part lists" you can now enter any MTH product number (up til roughly December 2020), (i.e. 20-3657-1, 30-3542-1, etc.) (don't try those numbers, I just made them up for demonstration purposes). But I think you get the point. This Parent/child relational database was broken, but now its fixed and it works quite well! If you have some time in the future, give it a try.

Thank you
Mike Reagan
MTH Parts & Sales LLC

That's great Mike, that was something I was trying and was disappointed that it wasn't bringing anything up!

Mike, how do you search on a partial part number?  Say I wanted to search for any PS32 stacker board, I figure I should be able to search on: AE10353V

That comes up with no results.

Another question (s). Is the Michigan repair center open and ready? I have a couple of PS3 boards still under warranty, Just need reprogramming. Can I send them up there for that and how will the warranty issue be handled? The process started last April, but never got very far before everything got shut down.

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

Mike, how do you search on a partial part number?  Say I wanted to search for any PS32 stacker board, I figure I should be able to search on: AE10353V

That comes up with no results.

Many PS-3 Boards are turned off, I asked Mike that morning when I had the same issue doing partial search. G

Enter PS 3/2 Stacker and click search!

All that gives me is the heatsink kit and the plastic holder.

that's all that is available at this time until MTH updates the data base with ps 3 stacker boards !

Alan

@Mikado posted:

Mike, just want to let you know of one other glitch. When you click on the “contact us” tab at the top, it provides you with the email address info@mthpartsandsales.com. However, when you click on this, it causes your Mail program to populate an email with an address named “support@mthpattsandsales”, which comes back undeliverable.  I noticed this after 2 tries and just manually retyped the address starting with “info”into my email correspondence and that appeared to work.  Unfortunately, I’m trying to resolve a problem with my order involving a broken/missing part and some used smoke fluid that was shipped.

@Strap Hanger posted:

Mike, just want to let you know of one other glitch. When you click on the “contact us” tab at the top, it provides you with the email address info@mthpartsandsales.com. However, when you click on this, it causes your Mail program to populate an email with an address named “support@mthpattsandsales”, which comes back undeliverable.  I noticed this after 2 tries and just manually retyped the address starting with “info”into my email correspondence and that appeared to work.  Unfortunately, I’m trying to resolve a problem with my order involving a broken/missing part and some used smoke fluid that was shipped.

Curiosity is killing me, what makes smoke fluid used?….was it burnt and put back in the bottle??……🤔

Pat