ckbeatty ck, Having previously purchased several DCC locomotives (mostly BLI) I have to say that the looks, sounds, and operation of this MTH product blows away anything I've ever owned.
ck,
Having previously purchased several DCC locomotives (mostly BLI) I have to say that the looks, sounds, and operation of this MTH product blows away anything I've ever owned.
While I will agree with you that the MTH locomotives run better than BLI's, IMO, I don't think that the NYC Mohawk and Dreyfuss Hudsons look as good as BLI's offerings of the same model.
Tom
https://tstage9.wixsite.com/nyc-modeling
Time...It marches on...without ever turning around to see if anyone is even keeping in step.
jecorbett An earlier poster stated that at one time he didn't think you could even change the address of an MTH loco and he wasn't sure if that was still the case or not. From what you said, that doesn't sound like it is still an issue, if it ever was. Can you confirm that. My attitude is much like yours. I want three things from my locos. I want them the run good, look good, and sound good. The rest is superfulous to me. I've never changed a CV on any of my present DCC fleet so if I can't do it on a MTH, no big deal. I would have no problem buying a MTH loco as long as I can do the basic stuff without a lot of hassle.
An earlier poster stated that at one time he didn't think you could even change the address of an MTH loco and he wasn't sure if that was still the case or not. From what you said, that doesn't sound like it is still an issue, if it ever was. Can you confirm that.
My attitude is much like yours. I want three things from my locos. I want them the run good, look good, and sound good. The rest is superfulous to me. I've never changed a CV on any of my present DCC fleet so if I can't do it on a MTH, no big deal. I would have no problem buying a MTH loco as long as I can do the basic stuff without a lot of hassle.
I have three MTH's and have always been able to change addresses to longs. But an odd characteristic I found on my SD70-M2 (maybe the others, but I haven't re-checked) is that the address doesn't change until about 5 seconds after my NCE sends it. If I cut off power before then, the change doesn't occur. This drove me nuts on one occasion when I was in a hurry.
My 4449 didn't work on DCC at first and had to be returned. Then I found it picked the frogs on Peco 100's at our club, due to being too light on the front drivers. I replaced the pilot spring with some lead weight, and stuffed additional lead under the front, which took care of the problem. Also changed the drawbar to a shorter one for better appearance. I love the sound.
No other MTH problems here so far.
Hal
I met the guys from MTH at the GAH show in Atlanta. I thought one was really rude and the other as helpful as he could be for not knowing the answer of a simple question. They were discussing quality with a guy who was having problems with several locos. BTW, My SD70ACe has been great.
When you say you've been waiting for a week, I'm assuming you only emailed or similar. When I have called, answers/solutions came right away. Do not wait, be aggressive because time marches on and that can be used against you due to parts running out, etc.
Richard
I'd say that's a good call. Still haven't heard from them. Close to two weeks. Thanks for the tip.
Christiaan
MisterBeasley From the MR review of the SD70 by MTH: "An MTH representative informed me that the company will soon be offering a free user-installed upgrade for the SD70ACe. This will allow you to set speed tables, remap functions, and advance consist the locomotives using DCC. These upgraded electronics will also be included in future MTH HO locomotives." This indicates to me that MTH understands it has a weak product with respect to DCC compatability, and is working to change that. It's a good start. But, there's no information about engines other than the SD70, or when these upgrades will be applied to new engines. Also, what about engines already in people's hands? Will they get a free upgrade? (Admittedly, Advanced Consisting isn't something you do a lot with steam engines, although some do.)
From the MR review of the SD70 by MTH:
"An MTH representative informed me that the company will soon be offering a free user-installed upgrade for the SD70ACe. This will allow you to set speed tables, remap functions, and advance consist the locomotives using DCC. These upgraded electronics will also be included in future MTH HO locomotives."
This indicates to me that MTH understands it has a weak product with respect to DCC compatability, and is working to change that. It's a good start. But, there's no information about engines other than the SD70, or when these upgrades will be applied to new engines. Also, what about engines already in people's hands? Will they get a free upgrade? (Admittedly, Advanced Consisting isn't something you do a lot with steam engines, although some do.)
That was from January of 2010. They never did it.
What they did do was offer the loco in DCC Ready. They should do the same with their other loco's.
Springfield PA