MTH smoke unit melting the shell

Ed, a quick check on mthpartsandsales.com shows no lists for the VO 1000 yet….that doesn’t mean the parts don’t exist, it just means more than likely we haven’t gotten to that batch of parts yet,….when the parts list becomes available to view on the website, register yourself, and use the wish list feature if the body shell gets a part number attached to it, ……if or when a batch of shells becomes available stock, you’ll be notified via email that the part(s) you’re looking for are currently in stock,….

Pat

Thank you Pat.

Ed

is there a warranty possibility? Can it be sent somewhere and repaired?

If you are worried about shell warpage around the smoke unit, then install a heat sink. Goo on some tinfoil aount the area of the shell closest to the smoke unit and a bit beyond. The Aluminum foil will act as a heat sink and disdipate the heat buildup. Tbis has worked well in mpc diesel shells, passenger cars and cabooses with lights as well as smoking Lionel and Kline cabooses too!

Thank you for the replies.

My understanding of the MTH warranty is that it is only good for a year from when the product was shipped. That really isn't much of a warranty compared to what it used to be. If you buy anything later than one year from the shipping/arrival date, then you are on your own. That's my situation with the VO 1000. I have bought and enjoyed a lot of MTH engines over the years, but with the new warranty protocol, I'm very reluctant to buy an engine that is more than a year away from the shipping date. If one gets an engine with a problem, then the repairs can add a few hundred dollars to the purchase price.

I thought about the heat sink. Probably best to get it fixed to assure no further damage.

Ed

My understanding on the warranty is one year from date of purchase from  authorized dealer. Trainworld is an authorized dealer. I know they give u a receipt.  If you are under one year, I would contact MTH directly.

Maybe they have some shells, but didn't put them on parts website??

Or, they have some in production because of this issue, and you can get your name attached to one??

I would definitely reach out to MTH directly.

If he just bought it from Trainworld, the first logical step would be point of purchase to see what they can do in house, …..MTH still uses the dealer network as the first point of contact for warranty claims ( those that can offer such services ) so if the OP recently bought it from Trainworld, a phone call would be my first choice, ….If they do replace the engine, or the shell, then do as @prrhorseshoecurve suggests and make some sort of heat barrier to prevent it from happening again,…….

Pat

@prrhorseshoecurve posted:

If you are worried about shell warpage around the smoke unit, then install a heat sink.

This particular issue is a chain file issue, it's powering this as if it's the large smoke unit.  There shouldn't be an issue with the proper chain file.

Here's the thread about the problem:  https://ogrforum.com/...-unit-problem?page=1

About 80 replies down there is a post from Trainworld - they produced a very good video regarding how to load the correct files into the engine.  It's easy to do, provided that you catch it before the shell melts.

@Mallard4468 posted:

It's easy to do, provided that you catch it before the shell melts.

The horse may have escaped this time.

I tripped on this issue last year with my new RS3 - https://ogrforum.com/...-unit-problem?page=1

Trainworld was fabulous and really supported my resolution.  First, stop running the engine and the heat sink will not work. As gunrunnerjohn said, you will need to change the chain file with your DCS.  You can see the process in the above link. As for getting a new shell on an older engine, that might be difficult, but give Trainworld a call and I'm sure they'll do whatever is possible.

Thank you for all the replies.  I still think the one year from purchase is the old warranty guideline. There is a local man who is an MTH authorized repair person. I will ask him to do the chain file update so I don't mess this engine up more than it already is. I'll ask him to check the new RS 3 also. I don't think Trainworld has any more of this particular engine. A call to them asking if they have any connections for a new shell makes sense. At least the engine looks better than the one that had the accident at Strasburg!.

Ed

I think the dealer should have informed the customer that the chain file needed changing before running the engine. They certainly knew about it.

Resolution. I want to compliment Trainworld on how they handled this problem. They tried to get a replacement shell from MTH. No luck there. Then they offered to help me figure out how to change the chain file, give me a store credit, or return the engine for a refund without a restocking charge. I chose to return it for a refund and they sent me a prepaid label for the return. My only expense was the original shipping charge. I think this was a very fair way to handle my problem and I want to give credit where it is deserved.

Ed