What is reasonable?

I'm not understanding something here.  Did you purchase the engine in October or did you purchase the upgrade in October or did you purchase both at the same time?  

Anyway, I'd ask whomever is doing the upgrade what is causing the delay.  When I had a PS-1 to PS-2 upgrade done it only took a few weeks and that was because the person had several jobs ahead of mine.  Delays could be caused by a big backlog, not being able to get parts or a number of other reasons.  I'd say your first step should be a call to the dealer and depending on what they say move on from there.

It depends on how busy the person doing the repair is.  I've dropped off stuff at my LHS that was returned within a few days & stuff that took a few months b/c they were busy or waiting on parts.  I would place call & find out what the hold up is though

Gosh, I just send my brand new PARR T-1 to Lionel for repair, I hope it doesn't take months!

I'm a little confused as well.  I had an engine converted to PS2 a few weeks back.  I paid for the engine, but did not pay for the upgrade until it was finished.  It took about a week, but they had parts.  If the dealer is waiting for parts, it might be a long wait.  PS2 kits are virtually unobtanium - I got lucky because my dealers service tech had one in his stash that he wanted to sell.  There just aren't any kits right now for PS2 and the PS3 kits aren't due for a while.  I don't think this is a problem for TMCC/ERR upgrades - they seem to be out there.  IMO, its not cool for the dealer to charge you for the engine AND the upgrade, and still be holding the engine, but again, I don't know the whole arrangement.  

 Sorry for the confused statement. Let me try again. I paid for a engine and the upgrade from ps-1 to ps-2. The dealer who I feel is a nice guy said he had the parts and would start on it although there was a backlog of repairs to what extent, I did not ask, I took a different engine that I purchased from him and had a fried board at the same time. I hear that some repairs could take up to 5-6 months but this is the first rrepair experience that I have had and I need opinions to either stay with this dealer or look for another. Also a thank you to all who have replied.

So you have called the dealer and asked right?

Anything more than 30 days and its time to look elsewhere. Looks like there is a big backlog of repairs for some right now-http://www.traindoctor.com/Service/service.asp

Rob

 I called dealer yesterday and was told that both engines were not yet repaired or converted to ps-2 but I was next on the list. I do appreciate all opinions and suggestions submitted. Thanks again.

If you are next on the list did he tell you when you could expect them done?  At this point I'd let him shoot for that deadline but make it clear to him that if he can't make it, you want to pick up the engines and get a refund for the upgrades.  If he balks or if he only refunds your money minus the upgrade boards, then I would make sure to get the boards to take somewhere else.  Let us know what happens.

I would not wait months for an order to be shipped or for an upgrade. If they can't get the order out in a week or two I'd go elsewhere to a place that provides better service. To change a board in an engine should only be an hours worth of work.  

A little communication can go a long, long way in level setting expectations. In this case, and IMHO - it doesn't appear that this repair facility has participated in the communication process with their customer. Being you don't know his work load - it is HIS responsibility to set the expectation. "Next" doesn't cut it.

It doesn't appear you are dinging the place on a daily basis like some over anxious kid (are we there yet!) At the same time, have you asked for the definitive "when"? I don't think you would be out of line to seek agreement for a specific date. Communication is a two-way street.

Once again, opportunity has a shelf life - and it sounds like this shop is on the cusp of the expiration date.

Please do not feel so bad.  I just received today a Lionel ten wheeler that I submitted for repair in early Nov. 2011.  Something about parts order delays.  I also know that the repair tech is a part timer.  I will from now on try to do it myself.  Mike