I know this is a strange place to post this question but my MTH ho M & M Operating car has developed a loose connection just in time for Christmas, and I was wondering if anyone has ever taken one apart to troubleshoot it and was that sucessful or should I just buy a new one?
I’m not sure what type of car you are talking about, but if no one here can give you an answer, try calling or emailing MTH and see what advice they can give you.
Good luck,
Richard
Maybe it’s this item or similar: http://www.mthtrains.com/content/30-79226
Close, that is the 0-27 version. Here is the HO:
http://www.mthtrains.com/content/81-99015
Looks just like the fishy car.
Yes thats it I use it as part of my holiday set up because my wife is a big fan of The M & M characters. Shr bought it for me a few years back. I 'll email MTH but I was just wondering if any else has had similiar problems and how did they solve them.
Joe,
I do not have one but I would like the fish car. I have a original Lionel model.
So check the basics.
Does the car light and the M&M guys not turn?
Or does nothing work?
If nothing works check for the following. (If the car lights but does not turn skip to the body removal)
Are the wheels clean?
Trucks turned backwards?
Wheel wipers touching the wheels properly?
Follow the path from the wipers: Is a wire used or does the wiper carry power through the center bolster?
Remove the body and check for a disconnected wire.
Place the car on a powered up track with the body off, check for loose connections.
Actually Whats happening is that if I Press down on the car the lights come on and the M & Ms turn Which is why I suspect a loose connection somewhere.
If the wheels are clean and the pickups are correct, pull the body.
Probe around with the body off and you should find your problem.
Is this car noisy like the old Lionel car was?
Will Do
And yes it is noisy but thats ok cause it is a special purpose car not a daily runner. I actually have 2 of them this one and the shark tank (which serves as my collection squad lol). Neither one would be a daily car just because of the noise if nothing else. But I like to run special holiday trains.
If when pressing down on the car creates a solid contact , the trouble most likely is in the electrical contact @ the truck/ bolster itself, dirty wheel/ wiper or truck frame. You still may have a loose connection but clean the area w/ alcohol swab and try a conductive lube before tearing into the box…
I am surprised it does not have a off switch for the animation like Lionel did.
When I was a kid, it was always " Turn that darn fish car off" from the folks. Too funny.
If i pick one up I will add a switch so just the lights are on until I want to hear it.
It has an on off switch
Did not get a chance to work on the car last night maybe tonight
Found out that Santa bought me a new car
Glad it worked out for you Joe.