mth proto 2 problems

[tmackinator]

Hi , I have a set of mth emd f3 aba diesels with proto sound 2. I have now had to replace the regulator on the bottom board twice. the symptoms were a buzzing noise and garbled sounds. Has anybody else had problems or am I just having my usual luck? Thanks for your input- Tom

[clinchfieldfan]

Sounds like gremlins in your engine set. I have several PS 2 engines and have excellent service with them. How often do you run your engines? Kind of sounds like battery problems. Maybe the internal battery charger in your engine is not allowing a sufficient charge. I let my PS 2 engines sit on sidings that are powered up while running trains on the main lines to keep the batterys charged.

[tmackinator]

The battery appears to be in good shape and hold its charge very well. When I spoke to the MTH service guy he stopped me in mid sentence and said, yeah your regulator is bad. I think this is just my usual luck. fortunatly they are not very hard to replace, just annoying. Give me the old stuff I guess. As a side, have you noticed in reviews of engines recently how many have problems out of the box or develop problems during the test. I think any derailments or inadvertant sparks or momentary shorts kill these units, perhaps they need fuse protected or surge protected?

[clinchfieldfan]

I have had great luck with my engines "out of the box". I have had some mechanical type problems though. A drive cog fell out of the front power truck on my Lionel E-6 diesel, Lionel replaced the truck with no problem. I had a drive rod malfunction on a MTH railking Y6b. MTH was prompt with the repair. There was quick turn around on both products. I have been concerned with the surges in electricity with derailments, I don't know how that could be addressed though? These new command unit's electronic components do seem to be rather fragile.

[GRR7315]

Have an IN THE BOX Gauge 1 Hudson (ref my User Name); hoped to have
it running outside, however some delays in trackwork have my operation at
a halt! (5 hesitation spots in my 150' short "T", although Phoenix Sound in a G GP38 gets by fine, Mike's rep's at trainshows have stated I really have to have great trackwork). Waiting for my order for railclamps; only snowstorm coming in). Hope to powerup for the Holidays, even if indoors; just to see how my Proto 2 works!!

[tmackinator]

Fuse protecting the engine internals is some protection. Maybe a circuit breaker that could be reset externally on the engine? Also certian components (MOV's) can be used for surge protection as in you computers power strip. Both items are "extra cost" to a manufacturer and don't promote repair business. Personally I'd rather have a good rep than be known for unreliable units. These trains are really nice but I am hesitant to buy more.