Regg,
I am in the same boat as you, wanting one but leary.
I've been researching this model and watching reviews on Youtube and I've found a lot of issues.
Some issues are minor, like the locos come from the factory with a detail already broken and details being easy to knock off.
Midline issues I have seen in the reviews are things like the snow plow is too low and it can't pull a lot of cars.
Concerning issues I have seen in the reviews are things like paint being mis-aligned or missing. One guy purchased one that was supposed to be "Rail Runner" and instead said "ail unner" on the side.
Scariest of all there was a video of a guy who said his Metra model stopped working all-together after he ran it some and the motor started emitting a burning smell.
Things like this have made it where I don't want to purchase this model, even if it does look beautiful.
Long live the J!
Here are a few review You tube video's on the Model. Maybe you can gleam some info from them:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AZML3-0XUTQ
Frank
Hey,
With the recent release of the True Line Train HO scale commuter locomotives I was thinking of getting the MP36 in the Metra paint scheme since I model chicagoland passenger service. However, I know two people who got them and they've had several issues with them. Constant derailing, front plow to low so it hits the rail joints, etc. Has anybody had any good luck with these new models or how reliable or reputable is True line Trains. I was going to get the DCC model once my LHS gets the new shipment in a couple of weeks. But im concerned.
Regg