Question: Can MTH dealers order parts for customers to install?

I have 2 new motors for steam locos upstairs in my parts box, but will have to check, will let you know. I have several used ones also, if you look at the motor there should be two numbers on it, take a photo or write them down and email me, as the gear is the important variable in the motor application. 

DVBULL,

Instead of trying to contact MTH by e-mail, I suggest you call them on the phone and ask to speak to someone in the parts department.

Train Doctor - You're right, it's the gear that makes this motor difficult to find.  It's 6.4mm O.D. x 17.0mm long.  Single thread, right hand twist (standard type I believe)

Jim - Good to see you again even if it's in a photo.  We're all for the less since you retired.  Thanks for the tip.

If you want to take a gamble, I highly suspect BE-0000078 will work. MTH has this in stock.  It is listed as 12.5 length worm gear, but the drive chassis I would suspect is the same. I am going to order one for myself, and If you want you can send me a picture of the worm gear on yours and when I get mine, I will compare gears and see if the extra 5mm is really necessary.

Chuck

Hi Chuck,

That's very kind of you and I really do appreciate the offer.  I agree the length might work out, but I think the real issue is the 6.4mm worm diameter.  The worm has to mesh correctly with the brass driven gear.  All of the other MTH steel worms that I've seen so far are 7.0mm diameter.  I don't think a "7" will work without binding. 

If I can't find the correct motor & gear through MTH or dealer sources then I think my options are limited. 

a) Re-gear both sets of drivers using new motors and gear sets from North West Short Line. (no small undertaking)

b) Scrap the Loco and salvage it's PS2 electronics to repair one of my 3 other dead engines waiting for upgrade kits.

I still would like to get an answer to my original question from someone in the MTH supply chain.  Can dealers order parts from MTH for customers to install themselves?  Is this an official MT policy or is the dealer simply trying to pick up some repair work?

thanks again Chuck

The motor I listed is 6.4x17 worm gear thread (BE-0000078, same as BE-0000084).

I'll bet it will work. And as far as I know, I sell MTH parts all the time and MTH has not told me that's a no-no. ( I am a authorized repair center) Only exception is PS-2 circuit boards.

Not MTH policy, Circuit boards over a certain dollar value, and some other items like shells, blocks, Engine Trucks require turn ins.  I also sell parts as an MTH ASC, in some case I need a turn in.

I would call MTH, they have a separate data base, and there may be an alternate part number if yours is out of stock.

Chuck, what is the BE-78 for?  Is it a 365 or 385 motor?

I have created a motor reference list, 3 factors you need to consider on swapping motors.  Can size  365, 385, 545.  Worm size.  Fly wheels size.  Some applications can't handle larger flywheels or thick ones due to clearance.   G

G: the BE-0000078 is for the earlier  protosound Railking 2-8-8-2.

Hi Chuck,

Thank you for the info.  You're right of course, the "78" motor will work. 

It wasn't until after I had posted my previous reply last night, I realized that you probably had already checked out the worm diameter and determined it was correct.  Since I have limited knowledge of the various MTH motor assemblies, I made a wrong assumption.

Thank you very much for taking the extra time and having the patience to help me.  You have given the solution I was looking for.  I'll contact you via email to purchase the motors through you.

Thanks again to all for responding,

dvbull

Chuck, Thank you.  Is the fly wheel brass or black and is is 10mm thick and 30mm dia?

Here is the PS-2 motors for the RK 2-8-8-2:  The 85 just has the tach bracket which can be removed.   G

If MTH's specs are correct, Same flywheel, just unpainted brass. I converted my PRR Proto 1 version with no problem.