Trains.com

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

CMI superblue 156 repair

3867 views
7 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    January 2012
  • 3 posts
CMI superblue 156 repair
Posted by timecard19 on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 5:06 PM

Hey Guys,

 

I am in a bit of a quandary. I have a CMI Superblue 156 that needs repair. It went “full voltage” on me the other day. Problem is, my layout is 14 feet by 20 feet and is on two levels and the only way I can get from the lower level to the upper level is with pusher service with an engine in the “bank.” I am pleased with the performance of the 156 and it allows me to operate a way freight with a walk around throttle. I have six stations for switching and the 156 handles all that I need. DCC isn’t an option as I have 30 steamers (I model the Montana Central in 1945, but that’s another story) and don’t want to convert to DCC.

 

I emailed MRC and asked if they would take it on, but they refused. If they still manufactured the Command Control 20, I would have bought two to replace both of my 156’s. The closest they have would be the Tech 6 Sound Controller 6.0 to fit my needs, but I don’t need the capability of DCC. If they had that model without the extra goodies that make it DCC, I would buy it.

 

I can’t believe I am the only one in the United States that wants to stay with analog DC. My question is: does anyone know of anyone that fixes power packs? I searched the web and found someone in Oceanside CA. that states he has fixed a few, but I don’t have an email address.

 

Thanks for reading my problem.

 

John

  • Member since
    April 2008
  • From: Northern VA
  • 3,050 posts
Posted by jwhitten on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 6:13 PM

 

 

Welcome to the forums John!

 

Just out of curiosity, have you checked on ebay?

 

John

Modeling the South Pennsylvania Railroad ("The Hilltop Route") in the late 50's
  • Member since
    September 2002
  • From: North Carolina
  • 1,905 posts
Posted by csxns on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 7:02 PM

You are not the only one with DC,i run DC also because i have too many locos to change over,But i do buy DCC ready locos because some day i might go DCC.

Russell

  • Member since
    March 2008
  • 53 posts
Posted by Valleycrest RR on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 8:05 PM

There are 3 MRC Control Master 20 on ebay right now.

Just search ebay for MRC Control Master 20.

Tom

 

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 9:42 PM

 Crest Train Engineer is another high capacity DC walkaround system. Sheldon here is strictly a DC guy and that's what he uses, to great effect. Not exactly cheap, but the handheld is wireless, no cord liek the CM20 or CMI.

                   --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

  • Member since
    February 2008
  • 8,877 posts
Posted by maxman on Wednesday, January 11, 2012 10:55 PM

I found a link to an auction site that listed a SuperBlue 156 and said that it had been serviced by the seller: http://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/chicago-model-international-156-super-112398234.  Then I searched for the seller and came up with the following information: http://www.trainz.com/t-about-us.aspx.

I don't know these people, but you might want to call them if all else fails.

Let me know how you make out.

Regards

  • Member since
    February 2021
  • 3 posts
Posted by kennyrach on Monday, February 15, 2021 6:45 AM

 

Hi
Your not along here I am still using DC system
as i was for last 45 year now
CMI Superblue 156i have one new in box that i not use at all and would trade for athearn engine old Blue Box one 

  • Member since
    February 2002
  • From: Reading, PA
  • 30,002 posts
Posted by rrinker on Monday, February 15, 2021 12:25 PM

 Since we never heard back from the OP and that was all more than 9 years ago - good luck.

                                        --Randy

 


Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's

 

Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.

Subscriber & Member Login

Login, or register today to interact in our online community, comment on articles, receive our newsletter, manage your account online and more!

Users Online

There are no community member online

Search the Community

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
Model Railroader Newsletter See all
Sign up for our FREE e-newsletter and get model railroad news in your inbox!