Trains.com

More problems with M.T.H. PA-1

603 views
1 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    December 2006
  • From: Michigan City, In.
  • 781 posts
Posted by spikejones52002 on Saturday, December 18, 2010 1:08 PM

I received a call from MTH. A lady informed me that they could not find a problem installing the PA into the TIU.

She questioned me as to how I attempted to install.

I explained all the steps I took.

She agreed that I attempted all steps and it should have installed.

Today I received the engine. I did not have a chance to open and install the engine.

  • Member since
    December 2006
  • From: Michigan City, In.
  • 781 posts
More problems with M.T.H. PA-1
Posted by spikejones52002 on Friday, October 29, 2010 2:20 PM

I been writing about my problems obtaining  M.T.H.s 70-2033-1 "A-A"& -3 "B". Well I received my set from Ridge Road.

The instruction for installing them into M.T.H's TIU is vague, correction non-existence. The first instruction is on PG 8.It mentions the polarity needed for obtaining the TIU signal. It also mentioned that the polarity revering switch in under the engine  Then on pg 9 a mention of plugging in a cable between "A" units.

Owning all of M.T.H,s "G" steam engines and their GG-1s. I got out my 5 ft section of track and placed a "A" engine on the track. The TIU could not find the engine.

I had power to the engine. Number boards on the side of the engine lit up. The number board read "52B". The TIU would not find the engine. I removed it.

I placed the other "A" engine on the track. The number board lite up, "52". The TIU did not find this engine nether.

Thinking of how the steam engines needed the tender connected. I deduced that the "52B" acted like a tender. They had to be connected by that cable.

I found the cable. The receptacle is inside the diaphragms. I needed a flashlight and needle-nose pliers, after a lot of attempts I made the connection.

I applied power. the number boards lite up. TIU still did not find the engines. I changed the clips I used to the other rails ( easier that finding the polarity switch under the engine). I did not turn off power.

The wires sparked. The engines took off like a bat out of hell. I hit the emergency stop.

I reset the TIU. I applied power. The engines lite up completely. The sound boards began to play all the sounds.

The TIU still did not find the engines. I changed wires again. All lights and sounds. TIU still could not find engines.

I called M.T.H.  Don. I explained what was happening.

He was concerned that the number boards lite immediately.

He also said that the ( 52 ) engine was the only engine that was suppose to be on initial install track.

I mentioned the lack of information on how to install the engines into the TIU.

He asked if I tried a hidden (4) option in the set-up (???? later). I said NO.

( I use outside WI-FI )

I went home and found the (4) option. It did not help. The next day I called M.T.H. Don.

Don said I have to send the engine back to M.T.H.

I am hooked on the engines. They look so good.  I ordered another set from Side Track Hobbies. The "A-A" unit is $50 approx cheaper. The un-powered "B" is close in price to other dealers.

Search the Community

FREE EMAIL NEWSLETTER

Get the Garden Railways newsletter delivered to your inbox twice a month

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Garden Railways magazine. Please view our privacy policy