Friday I called Trainworld. I have called them about twice a week when I seen MTH announced that they are distributing the PA_1 70-2033-1 to retailers.
Trainworld just got some in stock.
I ordered it immediately. I received it Wedsday. I read through the enclosed manual.
NO information about downloading it to the MTH's TIU. So I just layout a 5 ft section of track and hooked up the leads from the TIU. I unpacked one of the engines. I set it on the track. I could not get a download.
I reread the manual. The only tiny bit of information I glimisted was a tiny photo showing a wire harness between engines.
I started to take the second engine out of it packing. When I removed the styrofoam container. I touched the plastic wrap.
The Wrapping was very WET.
NOTHING previous was wet. Not any part of any of the cardboard boxes or the styrofoam shell was wet.
Just the clear plastic that MTH wraps all the engines in was slick with water.
I attempted to call Trainworld. Past business hours. I immediately called U.P.S.
I filed a report. I also mentioned that I was very positive that it was not U.P.S. problem, Because the outside containers were not wet.
They were just the delivery unit and I wanted to take every step for notification.
Thursday I called Trainworld. Rosie told my report and transferred me to a Manager (forgot Name).
I informed her of the problem. I also stated that I was sure that Trainworld did not cause the problem. I was sure that it was shipped out from the manufacture in China that way. That was the only place that it could get wet on the inside and not any part of the outside packing.
I was informed that they will notify U.P.S. to pick up the package immediately.
I was very sad to be informed that Trainworld did not have any more 70-2033-1---- AND DID NOT KNOW WHEN THEY WOULD BE RESTOCKED.
I did not want these engines because the electronics could be corrorded.
The next day I called every retailer listed in Garden Railroad. No one had the Santa Fe Silver and red warbonnet.
I called MTH and spoke to Regina. I told her about the problem I found with the engines being wet. I was about to plead to get one that was not shipped to a retailer.
Regina informed me that they had a very large stock of 70-2033-1. All Trainworld had to do was call for a replacement or to order a restock.
TrainWorld Rosie informed me that Trainworld would not restock the engine.
MTH Regina called a local dealer (to MTH) to sell me the engine.
I called the dealer and "AL" was in a meeting. I am waiting a call back to order.
There might be a slight miscommunication, you do not want Trainworld to "restock" their store, you want a replacement.
I'm sure, with Trainworld prices, they buy a "batch" of product at a big discount. Restocking an item means a lot of them, not just replacing a defective one, which I am sure most dealers would do.
It might be worth it to double check this, another dealer might have a higher price.
Regards, Greg
Visit my site: http://www.elmassian.com - lots of tips on locos, rolling stock and more.
Click here for Greg's web site
No Miscommunication.
I recalled Trainworld. They refused to reorder or replace mine by reordering.
I talked to Regina again at MTH. She assured me that if Trainworld requested one set. MTH would honor that order at Whole sale price. They would send a replacement for a defective item.
Regina directed me to a dealer (Side Track Leonardtown Md.) Al. When I called Al. He was never available. Friday I talk to a saleswoman. She said Al was at York PA meet. He did not leave any information.
I got in touch with Ridge Road. They would order one for me with 10% down.
Today I received a letter from Al. It gave me his sales price. The engine set was about $50 cheaper.
I just wish he would have called me as promised. He also should have informed his sales personal after I called.
My only reply is:
That sucks. Sorry about the situation at Trainworld. So they will give you your money back, but not re-order the replacement.
Sorry!
Greg
Odd. Still listed for sale in their on-line store by that part number.
Is it smoke fluid or water?
If they won't re-order, bets are MTH at TW is going the way of USA trains.
You can't return it to MTH?
TW for years has said to return for waranty to the manufacturer......will MTH take it?
Why would I want a repaired brand new engine??????????
I did not even unwrap the engine. How or why would a (supposedly) untouched engine have smoke fluid all over it?
The sample of fluid MTH packed with its engines is in a sealed container inside a sealed bag.
The sample was packed with the first engine I opened. That engine was packed very good in its own container.
My main concern was corrosion of the electronics. This might not show it ugly head for some time.
MTH engines always (in my case) come loaded up with some fluid. It is possible the engine was turned up side down turning transit allowing the fluid to leak out of the stack. It has happened to me and many others before...
If the fluid leaked from the engine. It would have been on the inside of the last protective wrap.
The wet stuff was on the inside of the styrafoam shell and outside of the two plastic sheet wraps.
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