Does anyone have a MTH SD-70 they would like to comment on. I’m thinking about getting one, but have had no experience with MTH locos. MTH seems to be the only one making an SD-70 in the NS paint.They seem kind of pricey, compared to Atlas or Athearn. Are they worth it? Thanks.
I like mine.
I like mine too!
hobo 9941…
This is an older post but my question to you is:
What would you like to know?
I own many of these in different roads, and have three of the SD70M-2 NS variants.
As with most everyone, I am pleased with them.
It is a very well done model and has what I consider to be the very best drive system ever in HO.
Two years in, of daily operation - no problems. I regard them as my premier power, along with many Athearn models
I just posted another comment on this forum regarding a comparison of the MTH to the newer and long-awaited Athearn release.
The Athearn model(s) I just purchased, are most likely going back for credit on my Discover Card.
why?
I’m disappointed with the overall model in terms of performance compared to the MTH.
I 've always been a big fan of Athearn and have many,many locomotives and freight cars -but the recent corner-cutting I see reflected in some recent releases, has changed my thinking.
The SD70ACe just released, has some real shortcomings IMHO and doesn’t measure up to the quality of the competitor - in several arenas. Athearn could have done a lot better.
The MTH isn’t without its own faults. the Electromagnetic controlled coupler is a great idea in theory and actually works well in larger scales but in my estimation, isn’t fully developed for the HO models.
I could have lived without this feature. To their credit, MTH is thoughtful enough to include a set of kadee compatible couplers that can be interchanged for those who dislike the automatic ones- like me.
The other gripe I’ve had is the Plow Pilot is not installed but supplied separately - you must remove the train line and MU hose assemblies to install the plow properly, then reinstall the hoses -a bit of a pain but not horribly difficult.
The biggest shortcomings of the Athearn, are the Sound output (really poor speakers and design), the ongoing issue with the Celcon cr
Got me two more today and they run just like the others,Great but i notice on one when i got home that MTH uses the same numbers on the no sound as they do on the ones with sound so i have a no sound and a sound with the same numbers.
You could get the DCC ready one and have the best of both worlds [:-^]
I am telling you to get one. I have several and you won’t be disapponted in both detail and performance. I dont think there are very many left out there so that is why the price is pretty high. I have recently seen them priced any where from $225 all the way up to $300.
I wish I could say the same thing but I am very disappointed with the running characteristics of my two weeks old DCC ready MTH SD70ACE.
I received this unit along with two Atlas Genset and installed the same NCE N14IP decoder in them. The MTH will jump, shudder, stop and go or stop and need a push to resume movement, this going forward or backward. Oddly sometime on the same stretch of track it will perform flawlesly being as smooth and quiet as the two Atlas Genset that cost half as much.
On the other hand, both Genset constantly performs silky smooth and quiet on the same stretch of trackage.
Until I find out what is wrong with this MTH I will say the drive system is not even at par with an Atlas Trainman engine.
Later on I will also post about the nightmare removing the shell can be, along with other flaws my MTH SD70ACe has.
Yes, Jack…Please do go on.
I can certainly understand your frustration with a new locomotive not running properly.
Slow down, and take a breath.
Before you go on a rant about all your faults with this engine, I would suggest a simpler approach.
Perhaps it is the decoder, in which I have had similar experiences with NCE decoders, that is the culprit.
I have installed the NCE N14IP into two different Kato locomotives and have experienced similar issues. I later exchanged these for TCS equivalents and the problem ceased. My customers were grateful.
Other modelers I’ve spoken to, have had issues with this decoder too -so I don’t know that the locomotive is to blame. Since I find there are issues with the NCE brand, I simply avoid using them.
Some electronics just don’t ‘play’ well with others.
You may want to contact MTH and ask their opinion - their technical support is quite good and they may have a simple solution to the problem.
The first thing I would do is isolate the decoder.
Try another brand decoder like Digitrax or TCS and see if the operation is the same - irratic operation is usually a sign that t here is a issue with either the decoder or improper installation.
Did you run the locomotive prior to installing the decoder? And if so, did it run smoothly??
If it is a faulty DCC decoder connection or component failure onboard, then MTH will replace it for you - you will have to have a return authorization to service it and I’m sure it will be covered under warranty. The Service Dept at MTH will be glad to give you the instruction for returning the item, if necessary.
As for your problem with removing the shell, it is a fairly simple process of prying four tabs under the chassis and slowly lifting the Shell and Walkway together off the frame. You also must have the couplers removed to lift the entire assembly off, unless you only want the body removed -then you must disconnect the han
Thanks HF1 for you input, this helped me cool down a bit but I came very close to ram that loco into a wall. Removing the shell following MTH instructions is a nightmare at best. I will further comment about that venture later on.
I am in this hobby since late 1950 and using DCC since 1999. I have nearly 150 decoders installations under my belt, removing shells is not new to me. But that MTH is a nightmare.
Removing the Radiator section was the first thing I did but it was of no use to install the decoder.
I also check all wheels with the NMRA gauge and they are within specifications. My next move was to replace the decoder with a Digitrax DH165LO i have on hand. I will also check gearing for foreign material. Rest assure I will find the cause and report accordingly on this list.
Calling MTH for service is not an option, I really don’t speak English good enough to be understood over the phone.