Micro-Trains Engine Quality? EMD FT

CharlieWolf Apr 8, 2010

  1. N&W

    N&W TrainBoard Member

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    Yes, the mechanisms are China made.
     
  2. CSX Robert

    CSX Robert TrainBoard Member

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    That other component was the gears on the trucks. This can happen if the flywheels are not pressed far enough onto the shaft.

    I had a couple like that and had luck placing the motor and flywheels in a vice so that the vice is pressing the two flywheels towards each other(a C-clamp would probably work also, and might even be better). It was easy to get one flywheel to move in some, but the other was a little tricky. I had to place a screw in the hex shaped hole of the first flywheel to move so that the vice pressed on the shaft instead of the flywheel, then I could get the second flywheel to move.
     
  3. skipgear

    skipgear TrainBoard Member

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    It is really unfortunate for the manufacturers that this happen. Both loco's are very good models and because of the glut in the market, neither sells well. I don't think it owes as much to the popularity of the loco but the price point both companies were aiming for. They are both premier product with seprate details and were trying to compete against LL FA's and Kato F3/7's at the time which could be had at half the price for an AB set. I have an MT B&O ABBA set that I picked up last year for a grand total of $150 between buying the two AB sets, one for $60, one for $90. That is less than the original retail for one set. They are beautiful models and I would buy more numbers if released.

    If I remember, IM is testing the waters with some re-issues. At somepoint the overstock will dry up in the aftermarket. I have already seen some roads climb back up and sell for above retail. The tooling is there and paid for, once they see an increase in demand, it will be utilized again.
     
  4. Fredsmi

    Fredsmi TrainBoard Member

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    I have the Ringling Bros. loco with a few cars and a caboose. It runs well.
     
  5. glennac

    glennac TrainBoard Member

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    I realize this is an old thread (will search for other threads on MTL FTs).

    In the meantime, I’m looking to remotor an ABBA set of these and want to inquire on sourcing new motors for them. MTL appears to have none on their website. Is there an after-market one that fits?

    Thanks!
     
  6. Joe D'Amato

    Joe D'Amato TrainBoard Member

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    how many do you need?

    Joe
     
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  7. bremner

    bremner Staff Member

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    Now that is customer service
     
  8. scottryan

    scottryan TrainBoard Member

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    MTL failed to make FTs in CNW and CBQ. Two large railroads that would have sold better. I think the MTL FT is superior to that of a IM FT.

    The MTL offering looks more "Kato like" and rides lower and looks in scale when paired to Kato F units

    The IM offering sits too high just like all their other locos.
     
  9. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    Rather than start a new thread on Micro-Trains N Scale FTs, I'm in need of a part for mine -- one teeny black air horn.

    M-T's website is scant on locomotive parts and nothing is available for the FTs. Does anyone know where I might find one? I've been scanning eBay with no luck. I've never seen an InterMountain FT; it'd probably be a million-to-one shot if their horn fit an M-T unit and I'm not sure if IM has horn parts anyway. Thank you for any ideas.
     
  10. Point353

    Point353 TrainBoard Member

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    Contact Joe D'Amato, who works at Micro-Trains. (See his post earlier on this page.)
     
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  11. Hardcoaler

    Hardcoaler TrainBoard Member

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    I sent an e-mail to M-T customer service a few days ago and I'm hoping for a reply. I'll give it a week or so, then I'll ask Joe. Thanks!
     
  12. Tony Burzio

    Tony Burzio TrainBoard Supporter

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    I never liked the coupler spacing. We also found that under pressure the rear of the shell would bow forward and the coupler would release. They did run reliably though.
     
  13. EMD F7A

    EMD F7A TrainBoard Member

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    MTL made a VERY sweet engine there. Please note, the colors on the MILW and NP units are way off. The NP FT set's yellow was pale as heck, the MILW grey was wrong too. (still nice locos!)
     
  14. DCESharkman

    DCESharkman TrainBoard Member

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    I only have a NYC FT set from Micro-Trains, but I also have the Smokey Bear, Christmas and Navy FT's and they all run very well
     
  15. subwayaz

    subwayaz TrainBoard Member

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    Happy Holidays first off Joe. Secondly now that the MP15 is out do the ever plan to release the SP Kodachrome? I ordered on and for a year now have heard nothing.
    Thanks


    Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
     
  16. Hansel

    Hansel TrainBoard Member

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    I have one, runs great!
     
  17. Run8Racing

    Run8Racing TrainBoard Member

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    I have FTs for the Navy sets. They run GREAT !!! They make some noise, but trains tend to do that, ya' know ???
     

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