MTH/Lionel 265E problems

Not suggesting you are mistaken, but, which set is it as the 265E could have either tender, small for 1935 and large for 1936.  OR, MTH could have messed up. 

May need to check for loose connections, or send it back for the poor running.

Yes, in the early years, the 265E came with either tender. I know I have my Grandpa's black 265E from 1935, and it has the 265W tender (the bigger one). It is the freight set that MTH has listed in the new tinplate catalog.

Larry,

You might should check the pickup rollers for spring tension and dirt/corrosion. You may need to add another roller assembly to assure that you're getting proper voltage to the E-unit.

I don't know what MTH gets for these trains, but if I were to purchase this set brand new, and were having the problems you are having, I would be hopping mad and either return them or send off a blazing e-mail to Mike Wolf, with a follow up phone call.  It is ridiculous to even think that one would need to add an extra roller assembly to get reliability from a new item.  I only own and collect pre-war trains.  I never hae the issues with my old trains that I read about on this forum.

The 265E in the MTH product locator (item #11-6033-0) shows it with the smaller tender.  Several other previously announced versions of the 265E were, according to that same product locator, canceled.

 

I assume you bought/have item #11-6033-0?

 

As for the operational problem, give MTH Service a call.  It might be something the technician can talk you through correcting over the phone (loose wire, etc.).

 

An alternative, if you're really not satisfied, would be to contact MTH and tell them you want to return the engine for a full refund (and also notify your credit card provider).  Just say product was not as advertised (keep a copy of that ad) and does not operate.  That should do it.

My advice would be to take the later part of Allan's advice. Get rid of it. If you paid with a credit card, then you'll be OK.

 

If this was on the order of maybe $300 (I don't know because I don't follow them), you should be able to buy an original, and take the wife out for a nice dinner with the left over money.

 

As I have said before, search this forum before you buy this MTH modern tinplate stuff. Read the posts and decide for yourself.

 

BTW, my Lionel Prewar Celebration red comet runs fine. I'll keep it until I find an acceptable original.