Chris
|
Arthurs friend ordered - MSS Saddle Tank.Ok, so the money was burning a small hole in my pocket.
Just phoned up Alan at PPS and ordered an MSS Saddle Tank in black.
Maybe madness buying a new MSS when you see so many Mamods on ebay, but I wanted something a bit different looking for my second loco. Ordered a meths burner to go with it, he is out of chassis spacers so I might just file a groove out of the one that comes with it.
I will investigate when it arrives the possibility for other upgrades.
So now I will need to decide whether it is a "Trillion" or a "Prefect" or possibly even a "Slartibartfast".
Can't be Marvin as I am saving that name for if I buy a "diesel" and it can't be Zaphod, as that is what the will become when I run them as a double header.
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MTA
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Good news Chris! I think 'Trillion' would be the best name  My MSS loco was second hand, but runs brilliantly. Dare I say it slightly more relaible than Mamod locos? The weight of the saddle tank might increase adhesion as well, moreso if you fill it with gravel or water etc. 
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Mamodman123
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Wise choice Chris! It won't break the bank, its something a little different and the right choice in the end
I look forward to pics and the video of its first run
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James
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Pleased you bought one mate!
I have been umming and arring about buying one for a long time now. I like them alot better than the normal type.
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Chris
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Just over £200 with a meths burner and postage, so I hope it is good. Will be interesting to see what it looks like for real. MTA's MSS seems to be a good runner, so I hope this will be too.
The saddle tanks are slightly more expensive than the regular ones.
At least I have all the track and a load of rolling stock, so most I will need for it is an upgraded safety valve, but want to see if the one I have fits first.
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SPOKESMAN
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Look forward to seeing it!
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SillyBilly
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If the saftey valve fits, them you may aswell order it from I.P engineering, as then you can get a spacer aswell!
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Chris
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| SillyBilly wrote: | | If the saftey valve fits, them you may aswell order it from I.P engineering, as then you can get a spacer aswell! |
And wait 3 weeks for them to get off their butts and post it! But yes, I could order from IP if I feel the need for it sooner, or don't just take the dremel or file to the existing one.
Alan was suggesting it would be a couple of months before he got a delivery of the spacers  seems a bit much. So IP might even be quicker.
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steamyjim
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great when you get it
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SillyBilly
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I've always had very good service from I.P!
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Mamodman123
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| SillyBilly wrote: | | I've always had very good service from I.P! |
appauling service from I.P very slow and crap communication
PPS is better
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SillyBilly
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That is strange becuase I've had very good communication also, infact I've been impressed by the speed at I.P.
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Mamodman123
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| SillyBilly wrote: | | That is strange becuase I've had very good communication also, infact I've been impressed by the speed at I.P. |
Took them 4 days to email me, over a week to send it, even though i paid via credit card.
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Chris
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I've had bad service from IP. Ordered from their website and paid. No feedback, nothing to say if they had my order, or if it had been sent out.
E-mailed them a couple of weeks later to be told that something wasn't in stock and that they had my order.
So I still didn't know when it was going to be sent out.
Going to try and avoid using them again if possible.
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MTA
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They were very good before they launched their online purchasing service  Maybe they can't cope with the huge demand anymore Who knows!
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Mamodman123
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| Chris wrote: | I've had bad service from IP. Ordered from their website and paid. No feedback, nothing to say if they had my order, or if it had been sent out.
E-mailed them a couple of weeks later to be told that something wasn't in stock and that they had my order.
So I still didn't know when it was going to be sent out.
Going to try and avoid using them again if possible. |
Exactly what happened to me. I wanted a comfirmation that I'd paid for the items. I got the debit card receipt with the items, but an automated e-mail wouldn't be too difficult 
Then a most detailed e-mail 4 days later "yes sent" 
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steamyjim
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i get most of my stuff from PPS as its quite local
20 minutes away at the most
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Mamodman123
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| MTA wrote: | | They were very good before they launched their online purchasing service Maybe they can't cope with the huge demand anymore Who knows! |
I doubt the demand is overwelmingly big MTA?
I understand there is demand, but where is the customer service you get with PPS and Forest?
An e-mail costs nothing, I like the personal touch! which is why Forest and PPS Rock 
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Chris
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Forest customer service is second to none.
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Mamodman123
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| Chris wrote: | | Forest customer service is second to none. |
Yes! it's spot on!
He sent me some rivets a day before STIA for a sight glass without charging me, and I paid him there!
Top bloke
Top service!
The Mamodman stamp of approval
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steamyjim
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when we went down to forests house they told us not to folow are tom-tom but we did and got stuck in a feild
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Chris
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Parcel Force tried to deliver the MSS saddle tank this morning, but my wife was out. So instead of a loco I have a small piece of paper telling me there was no one at home 
Should be getting hold of it on Thursday or Friday now. So not long to wait.
Impressive delivery from PPS as I ordered Saturday afternoon after he had closed.
Pics and hopefully videos will be made over the weekend
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tmuir
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We look forward to them.
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Mamodman123
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| tmuir wrote: | | We look forward to them. |
Yep we sure do
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James
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We want a catcher not a belly scratcher!
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Chris
|
Apparently I have a parcel at home.
Shame I am at work.
If there is time tonight I will do photos, and maybe run it on blocks with solid fuel to check all is ok.
If it is all ok then I will fit the meths burner and set it going for a run on the track.
Not sure on the build quality of the new MSS locos, heard varying reports, so keen to get home and get into the parcel.
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SPOKESMAN
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| Chris wrote: | Apparently I have a parcel at home.
Shame I am at work.
If there is time tonight I will do photos, and maybe run it on blocks with solid fuel to check all is ok.
If it is all ok then I will fit the meths burner and set it going for a run on the track.
Not sure on the build quality of the new MSS locos, heard varying reports, so keen to get home and get into the parcel. |
Funnily enough Chris, looked at one during my lunchhour - looks a lot more interesting that the normal MSS tank.
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Chris
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| SPOKESMAN wrote: | | Chris wrote: | Apparently I have a parcel at home.
Shame I am at work.
If there is time tonight I will do photos, and maybe run it on blocks with solid fuel to check all is ok.
If it is all ok then I will fit the meths burner and set it going for a run on the track.
Not sure on the build quality of the new MSS locos, heard varying reports, so keen to get home and get into the parcel. |
Funnily enough Chris, looked at one during my lunchhour - looks a lot more interesting that the normal MSS tank. |
I thought they looked interesting too. Apparently it isn't possible to do all the normal upgrades, so I am hoping it runs ok without them. As long as it goes round the track with two or three wagons I will be happy enough. Arthur is plenty powerful enough for other things, and I have plans for a third loco with all the PPS upgrades (but need to do some saving for that as although I hope to find a cheap loco the upgrades are expensive).
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Mamodman123
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The real test is a long track, its a marathon not a sprint
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MTA
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Looking forward to the pics/vids should you get any Chris My MSS loco was SH, but had only been run twice, and it is the best runner in my collection IMHO. It did ten laps of that portable track at the Steam Toy Rally with two Mamod Coaches and one wagon. And that was just on one fuel tablet and one boiler fill!!!
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Mamodman123
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| MTA wrote: | | Looking forward to the pics/vids should you get any Chris My MSS loco was SH, but had only been run twice, and it is the best runner in my collection IMHO. It did ten laps of that portable track at the Steam Toy Rally with two Mamod Coaches and one wagon. And that was just on one fuel tablet and one boiler fill!!! |
the originals pulled 11 wagons in the factory! Much to the amazement of the senile Wilesco owner
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MTA
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| Mamodman123 wrote: | | MTA wrote: | | Looking forward to the pics/vids should you get any Chris My MSS loco was SH, but had only been run twice, and it is the best runner in my collection IMHO. It did ten laps of that portable track at the Steam Toy Rally with two Mamod Coaches and one wagon. And that was just on one fuel tablet and one boiler fill!!! |
the originals pulled 11 wagons in the factory! |
 Although of course the wagons are considerably lighter to the coaches
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steamyjim
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the wilesco owner aint senile!!!!!!
i mean wilesco made the D32 he must have been doing someting right to make such a legendry engine!!
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James
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Mamodman123
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| MTA wrote: | | Mamodman123 wrote: | | MTA wrote: | | Looking forward to the pics/vids should you get any Chris My MSS loco was SH, but had only been run twice, and it is the best runner in my collection IMHO. It did ten laps of that portable track at the Steam Toy Rally with two Mamod Coaches and one wagon. And that was just on one fuel tablet and one boiler fill!!! |
the originals pulled 11 wagons in the factory! |
Although of course the wagons are considerably lighter to the coaches |
Maybe so... but it's totally stock.. no mods... probably barely run in.....
Impressive! more so than Mr Willesco could believe (the old fart)
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Chris
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The good news is it is here.
The bad news is that is has been damaged in delivery (Parcel Force, not Royal Mail). It was very very well packaged, so I am surprised at this (double packaged with polystyrene nuggets).
The dummy steam dome at the back has come away, it should be held on with a cerclip, so should be an easy fix, but as it is all riveted together I can't get access to do the repair. The body work in the same area is also slightly dented.
The actual steam dome is in the same place as the mamod locos, it is just hidden under the saddle tank.
Just e-mailed PPS, so waiting for a reply as to what to do.
I haven't tried steaming it in case I need to send it back for a swap.
Other good news is that the upgraded safety valve will fit without looking too daft. So only think lacking will be a water top up valve.
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Mamodman123
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I like it Chris very nice indeed!
Shame about the damage, don't steam it though, not until you can get it fixed or something
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SPOKESMAN
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That looks nice - whats the brass handle thing potruding through the saddle tank?
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MTA
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Sorry to hear about the damage Chris, I'm surprised a reputable company like Parcel Force would damage it Have you contacted PPS yet?
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Mamodman123
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| MTA wrote: | | Sorry to hear about the damage Chris, I'm surprised a reputable company like Parcel Force would damage it Have you contacted PPS yet? |
They are part of Royal Mail MTA
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SPOKESMAN
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Moose calls them ParcelFarce
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MTA
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| Mamodman123 wrote: | | MTA wrote: | | Sorry to hear about the damage Chris, I'm surprised a reputable company like Parcel Force would damage it Have you contacted PPS yet? |
They are part of Royal Mail MTA |
That might explain it then  Chris, I've just noticed something... My MSS loco has cylinders that are black for the main body, and the end caps are just plain brass. Whereas yours is unmachined brass Obviously there has been a changeover at some point 
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MTA
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| SPOKESMAN wrote: | | Moose calls them ParcelFarce |
LMAO! I'll have to remember that one!
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Chris
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| SPOKESMAN wrote: | | That looks nice - whats the brass handle thing potruding through the saddle tank? |
It is exactly what you said, it is a brass handle thing!
It has a standard mamod safety valve. The actual boiler is a fair way down underneath the saddle tank (which is just an arched pace of metal to look like a saddle tank). So the safety valve has an arch of brass soldiered to the top so you can get it in and out.
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Mamodman123
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| Chris wrote: | | SPOKESMAN wrote: | | That looks nice - whats the brass handle thing potruding through the saddle tank? |
It is exactly what you said, it is a brass handle thing!
It has a standard mamod safety valve. The actual boiler is a fair way down underneath the saddle tank (which is just an arched pace of metal to look like a saddle tank). So the safety valve has an arch of brass soldiered to the top so you can get it in and out. |
You would never get your fingers down there after a run would you Chris? without the handle?
I'm curious to see how it performs now
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Chris
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| MTA wrote: | | Mamodman123 wrote: | | MTA wrote: | | Sorry to hear about the damage Chris, I'm surprised a reputable company like Parcel Force would damage it Have you contacted PPS yet? |
They are part of Royal Mail MTA |
That might explain it then Chris, I've just noticed something... My MSS loco has cylinders that are black for the main body, and the end caps are just plain brass. Whereas yours is unmachined brass Obviously there has been a changeover at some point |
Looking at the PPS website it appears the saddle tanks have brass cylinders, and the normal mamod style locos have black. Don't know if that is some kind of design decision, or if there is any difference in the cylinders, or if they just changed over at some point from one to the other.
They don't feel that smooth, but then I haven't oiled it.
Will wait for a reply from PPS before doing anything. I think I could repair it with a bit more effort, but want to see what PPS say first.
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SPOKESMAN
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Thanks Chris! - that makes sense!
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Chris
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| Mamodman123 wrote: | | Chris wrote: | | SPOKESMAN wrote: | | That looks nice - whats the brass handle thing potruding through the saddle tank? |
It is exactly what you said, it is a brass handle thing!
It has a standard mamod safety valve. The actual boiler is a fair way down underneath the saddle tank (which is just an arched pace of metal to look like a saddle tank). So the safety valve has an arch of brass soldiered to the top so you can get it in and out. |
You would never get your fingers down there after a run would you Chris? without the handle?
I'm curious to see how it performs now |
I reckon it is going to get very hot! It is much more enclosed with the saddle tank styled lid. Hope it gets enough air flow or I can imagine you could get unburnt meths fumes burning above the loco.
Another vaguely interesting point. The PPS meths burner that I ordered with it looks somewhat nicer and better finished than the IP engineering one.
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Mamodman123
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| Chris wrote: | | Mamodman123 wrote: | | Chris wrote: | | SPOKESMAN wrote: | | That looks nice - whats the brass handle thing potruding through the saddle tank? |
It is exactly what you said, it is a brass handle thing!
It has a standard mamod safety valve. The actual boiler is a fair way down underneath the saddle tank (which is just an arched pace of metal to look like a saddle tank). So the safety valve has an arch of brass soldiered to the top so you can get it in and out. |
You would never get your fingers down there after a run would you Chris? without the handle?
I'm curious to see how it performs now |
I reckon it is going to get very hot! It is much more enclosed with the saddle tank styled lid. Hope it gets enough air flow or I can imagine you could get unburnt meths fumes burning above the loco.
Another vaguely interesting point. The PPS meths burner that I ordered with it looks somewhat nicer and better finished than the IP engineering one. |
You may get a pretty good run considering everything is nice and tight together, less attacks from wind
The PPS burner being better quality doesn't suprise me at all. They are a much better run company IMO!
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steamyjim
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PPS IS VERY GOOD!!!!!!!
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Chris
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Had an e-mail from PPS this morning saying that he has taken the matter up with MSS.
This afternoon I had an e-mail from MSS essentially accusing me of causing the damage and saying they would repair it at cost if I paid for postage there and back!
So I am rather astounded at the poor customer service. I have just replied saying this is unacceptable so will see what happens next. Seems that I will probably end up repairing it myself and be left feeling p***ed off.
Will let you all know what happens. But seems that MSS join the crowd of bad customer service.
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tmuir
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Did you pay by Visa?
If you did you may be able to take it up with them as you paid for a good product and only got a damaged product.
Your other option is to send PPS or MSS a link to this post and remind them how many future MSS owners may read this and decide not to buy MSS and stick with Mamod.
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Chris
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Unfortunately I didn't pay visa. PPS charge extra if paying by credit card.
Hopefully this will be sorted out. Will keep the board posted...
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SPOKESMAN
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Is it the dome that fallen off (sorry) - If it was supposedly damaged in the post why is there no pther damage around it? Thats poor - Id hold out for a full repair or new engine . . . that sort of customer service does the company no favours whatsover.
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Mamodman123
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There is damaged paintwork around it Mike
Chris, if neither PPS or MSS will pay up can't you do a claim at the post office for 32 pounds? I know its not a enw engine but it'll be enough to fix it and a little compensation
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Chris
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Ok, latest news.
Alan (PPS) said that he had asked MSS to send me a replacement as he was out of stock. Seems that it was then MSS who decided to make an argument out of it.
Alan at PPS has since discovered he does have one in stock, and I have discovered that his shop is not as far away as I first thought. So the plan is to drive over in the morning and do a swap.
So seems good customer service from Alan (which seems to be a widely held opinion across this and a couple of other forums), and poor customer service from MSS.
I'm busy tomorrow afternoon, but hopefully get a steaming in of the new engine on Saturday evening or Sunday.
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Mamodman123
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Great news Chris!
Just steer clear of MSS in the future I guess! Alan at PPS and Forest Classics are two of the best people you can order from!
I look forward to the steaming of the loco...PUT YOUR BATTERY ON CHARGE
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SPOKESMAN
|
MSS - orignally stood for Mamod Sales And Service.
David Evans is the man to speak to.
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Chris
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| SPOKESMAN wrote: | MSS - orignally stood for Mamod Sales And Service.
David Evans is the man to speak to. |
It was David Evans who e-mailed me and basically accused me of breaking it!
Anyway, should be sorted with PPS now, so will go and do a swap tomorrow. PPS are going to argue it out with Parcel Force.
MSS shouldn't really have had to get involved, but as PPS thought they were out of stock they probably thought it would speed things up to get MSS to send me one direct.
Sorry, just checked the e-mail again and it is Martin Evans that e-mailed me (is it a family ran company?).
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Mamodman123
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Either way i'd brick his window
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SPOKESMAN
|
I think Martin is his son.
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Chris
|
OK, just got back from a trip to PPS.
Did a swap, so now I have a loco with the steam dome attached and no dent.
Spent a bit of time there (I took wife and baby so baby needed feeding and changing anyway), Mrs. Alan went off and fetched tea and biscuits, and apologised for the poor biscuit selection!
Being a novice at everything steam I was rather surprised at the shear size and weight of the other locos (roundhouses, accucrafts and even the Janet although not big is very heavy). Have to say the Janet looks very well made and rather tempting. But I was very glad I didn't buy a Roundhouse or Accucraft. Don't get me wrong, they look fantastic and extremely well made, but they are just too heavy for my bit of track layed on bark chippings. So getting one of those is a no go until such time that I set up a proper garden railway which will be no time soon!
While there a young lad and father came in to pick up a Roundhouse Bertie (one that was on my wish list), and asked Alan to help give the loco its first steaming. So it was filled with gas and water and we waited for it to get up steam. It took a bit of coaxing at first, but then ran as sweet as a nut. Brand new, just out of the box. Very very nice, but as I said not for me just yet (one day...).
Also had a look at the other mamod upgrades. The spoked wheels look good, the the pistons are better than those on Arthur. All money though so none of that just yet and Arthur runs well anyway.
I picked up an upgraded safety valve for the saddle tank. Alan was a bit reluctant with the sale on that as he warned me that I wouldn't be able to undo it once I had got it on (the saddle tank prevents proper access). But I assured him that I had always got the one on and off my other loco by holding it with a bit of leather. (also if it comes to it you only need to undo 4 screws and with a bit of effort the saddle tank comes off anyway).
Enough waffle, I will get in trouble for not doing my chores.
In summary a trip to PPS is well recommended!
First steaming this PM, hope all goes well now!
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tmuir
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Glad you got it sorted.
Yes the Roundhouse locos are absolutely brilliantly made but monsters compared to a Mamod.
I think my Lady Anne weighs 3Kg compared to the 1100 grams of my upgraded SL2 and Lady Anne isnt even one of the big Roundhouse Locos.
Wish I had a shop like that near were I live.
The closest one I know is on the other side of the continent to me.
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SPOKESMAN
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Great news Chris - look forward to 'son of Arther' running soon!!
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Mamodman123
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Good news Chris! Can't wait for the first steaming
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steamyjim
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cant wait to see it steaming!!!!
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Chris
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OK, I've done a couple of steamings and all is not quite right.
It goes fine backwards. It isn't at all interested in going forwards. In either direction or stopped it spits steam and water a bit from the forward/reverse valve, but I figured that might calm down a bit with time.
Putting it into forwards just causes the sound of steam being released and absolutely nothing else happens.
I'm guessing it might be leaking from the forward/reverse valve, but it is a bit hard to tell. Surely if it runs ok backwards there can't be a block in the steam pipe or a problem at the piston/cylinders?
I would sooner sort this out myself this time as I am sure it should be simple enough. But some hints and tips would be good.
Could get one of PPS forward/reverse valve upgrades but would sooner sort it out without doing that.
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Mamodman123
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I had that problem with Dougie, one of the trunion bolts was stopping it from moving in one direction. You may have to dismantle and swap the cylinders over! It's not the block! as it wouldn't go in either direction!
That steam is definately coming from the pistons! What you need is a mirrior under there so you can see whats happening!
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Chris
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OK, I will have a go at doing that (possibly not today). I haven't taken the cylinders off a loco before, looks very hard to get a spanner in.
Could you please provide some hits/tips or order of how to get them off and back on.
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steamyjim
|
i have the same problem with my MSS loco...
it ran beutifily backwards straight away but didnt run atall well forwards but no its a bit more run in it runs better
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SillyBilly
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I had a similar problem, and it helped just to flick it over a few times in forward. if you take the cylinders off your best using needle nose pliers!
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Chris
|
I tried flicking it into forwards several times but it just kept dumping steam, which you can hear in the video.
I will try again tomorrow.
It is going to want a fair amount of running in anyway...but running would help!
Ah well, the challenge won't hurt me.
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Mamodman123
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| Chris wrote: | OK, I will have a go at doing that (possibly not today). I haven't taken the cylinders off a loco before, looks very hard to get a spanner in.
Could you please provide some hits/tips or order of how to get them off and back on. |
You have to take the chassis off, if you flick it forwards and it won't go then its not ever going to unless you sort it! You can't force something to run when it physically can't
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SPOKESMAN
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Possibly needsmore running in? No blocked ports in the steam control? solder for example orloose as you say.
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Chris
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All runs freely if you run it back and forth by hand. Will have another look tomorrow if there is time.
I don't really understand what you mean by the trunion bolt stopping it running. It all looks fine to the eye, and runs smoothish by hand.
Looks darn fiddly to take things apart. Can't you get the cylinders off without talking the chassis off (if it comes off, most of it seems to be riveted).
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Mamodman123
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| Chris wrote: | All runs freely if you run it back and forth by hand. Will have another look tomorrow if there is time.
I don't really understand what you mean by the trunion bolt stopping it running. It all looks fine to the eye, and runs smoothish by hand.
Looks darn fiddly to take things apart. Can't you get the cylinders off without talking the chassis off (if it comes off, most of it seems to be riveted). |
One of the springs on mine was really really tight thats what was stopping it from moving easily!
Might just need running in, but if it doesn't go when you flick it then thats quite worrying Steam looks to be getting to the pistons though
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MTA
|
!!!THOUGHT!!!
It runs ok in reverse, but not forward. Maybe the port holes have been missaligned!
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Mamodman123
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| MTA wrote: | !!!THOUGHT!!!
It runs ok in reverse, but not forward. Maybe the port holes have been missaligned! |
If they are then it has no chance of running forwards ever, but steam does get to the cylinders! From what I can see anyway.
IF they are not aligned then you need to drill them, its not a case of adjusting them!
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SillyBilly
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i think you should unbolt the cylinder and blow down all the holes in them and also blow down the holes in the frames that go to the regulator, or poke down them with a cocktail sitck, possibly both.
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Mamodman123
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| SillyBilly wrote: | | i think you should unbolt the cylinder and blow down all the holes in them and also blow down the holes in the frames that go to the regulator, or poke down them with a cocktail sitck, possibly both. |
Make sure the chassis comes off first otherwise if you unscrew the cylinders (if they have 4 nuts and bolts) then you won't get it back on without having the whole bottom half off.
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SillyBilly
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Why?
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Mamodman123
|
you can't bolt the rear bolts on if the chassis is on!
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SillyBilly
|
What about if you used some needel nose pliers?
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Mamodman123
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| SillyBilly wrote: | | What about if you used some needel nose pliers? |
Well its possible to do so, I have done it, however its not easy and quicker to take the chassis off
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Chris
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OK, I am fairly sure the chassis will come off from the body.
I think it is just the body work that is riveted, the chassis is bolted.
What happens to the steam pipes? Are they just push fit?
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SillyBilly
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Yeh, push fit. No chassis spacer? Aren't you scared it'll fall to bits?
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Mamodman123
|
Yes both pipes are a push fit, you won't really need to remove the,m i wouldn't have thought. just take the chassis off and see if any of the holes on the reverse block are blocked up. If they are clear check that the holes on the chassis line up with the holes on the block.
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Chris
|
OK, will have a go tomorrow.
The reason the chassis spacer is missing is because I was running it on meths and PPS have ran out of the chassis spacers. I will nick the one of my other loco if I get the saddle tank running.
Then order one when he has one in stock, or file a groove out of a normal one.
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Mamodman123
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| Chris wrote: | OK, will have a go tomorrow.
The reason the chassis spacer is missing is because I was running it on meths and PPS have ran out of the chassis spacers. I will nick the one of my other loco if I get the saddle tank running.
Then order one when he has one in stock, or file a groove out of a normal one. |
Looks like the tank is bolted on Chris?
Anyway I hope you get it sorted!It should run out the box though 
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steamyjim
|
can i ask where you have the safety valve?
is it where the dome would be?
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Chris
|
The saddle tank is just an arch shaped bit of metal that fits over the top of the boiler, and yes it is bolted on.
The boiler is a standard Mamod type boiler. The safety valve is at the front the same as a standard MMS/Mamod. The steam dome is in the middle. It doesn't have the actual dome part, and it is hidden under the fake saddle tank. The fitting at the back where the whistle would be is blocked up and hidden with the cosmetic steam dome.
So it is just a standard MSS/Mamod loco with cosmetic additions.
I would say my Mamod loco is better made, but then some of that isn't original.
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steamyjim
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how is the hole at the back blocked up??
is it possible to unblock it?
id like to get one and put the regulator in so was wondring if it was possoble
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Chris
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On the previous one with the broken off "steam dome" it was possible to see, but it didn't look easy to unblock. Looked like there was solder going on.
I would say the easiest thing to do would be to fit a new (standard) boiler into it.
It really is all standard MSS with just cosmetic changes. I like the cosmetic changes but it will hinder upgrades so it isn't one to get if you want to add all the upgrades easily.
You might even be better off starting from a standard mamod/MSS and adding a cosmetic saddle tank.
Going to take it to bits tomorrow and see if I can find the problem with it. If it is easy to fix then I will fix it, if not I will take some photos and send to PPS or MSS and see if I can get a replacement part.
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Mamodman123
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| Chris wrote: | On the previous one with the broken off "steam dome" it was possible to see, but it didn't look easy to unblock. Looked like there was solder going on.
I would say the easiest thing to do would be to fit a new (standard) boiler into it.
It really is all standard MSS with just cosmetic changes. I like the cosmetic changes but it will hinder upgrades so it isn't one to get if you want to add all the upgrades easily.
You might even be better off starting from a standard mamod/MSS and adding a cosmetic saddle tank.
Going to take it to bits tomorrow and see if I can find the problem with it. If it is easy to fix then I will fix it, if not I will take some photos and send to PPS or MSS and see if I can get a replacement part. |
It's been a bit of trouble for you so far Chris, hopefully you can get it sorted out. I'm suprised these aren't tested on air for leaks before they leave the factory
The later Mamod ones have the same sort of issues, but the earlier ones are very good indeed!. They just need time and effort putting in, and you'll get it all back and more
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Chris
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OK, planning on taking the chassis of later and seeing what is going on.
Just one more thought though, how does the steam pipe fit into the steam dome? Will I have to take the steam dome off to get it back together?
No real problem if I need to do that, just means getting the saddle tank bit off (only four screws, but then a bit of force to get over the heat baffle bits) so I can access the steam dome.
Thought if there is a difficult to sort problem then I might buy some upgrade parts for Arthur and fit the bits from Aurthur onto the saddle tank. Anyway, will see what gives later. I would like to upgrade Arthur further anyway.
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Mamodman123
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You won't need to take the pipe out, its a push fit anyway though
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Chris
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OK, ran it a couple of times trying to work out where the steam leak was coming from.
It ran ok backwards, and ran very slowly and weakly forwards dumping lots of steam.
Then a wheel fell off!
Going to e-mail PPS later and tell him I want to send it back for a refund. It seems clear the engineering is below par, and not up to the standard of Arthur.
Considered asking to do a swap for a Janet and pay the extra, but I think I would sooner get another ebay mamod. At least then if it doesn't work very well I will be happier to fiddle and pay for upgrades.
I don't expect new things not to work and then for bits to fall off!
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Mamodman123
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| Chris wrote: | OK, ran it a couple of times trying to work out where the steam leak was coming from.
It ran ok backwards, and ran very slowly and weakly forwards dumping lots of steam.
Then a wheel fell off!
Going to e-mail PPS later and tell him I want to send it back for a refund. It seems clear the engineering is below par, and not up to the standard of Arthur.
Considered asking to do a swap for a Janet and pay the extra, but I think I would sooner get another ebay mamod. At least then if it doesn't work very well I will be happier to fiddle and pay for upgrades.
I don't expect new things not to work and then for bits to fall off!
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Shocking Chris just shocking. Just send it back for a refund and buy an ebay mamod then add all the upgrades! It's apauling that a bloody wheel fell off! That would NEVER happen on a mamod loco!
I'm sorry its happened to you mate! You don't deserve that! Never mind, chin up! Grab something off ebay
Why didn't MSS test it in the factory?
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Chris
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Annoying thing is I was torn between this as it looks a bit different, and quite fun, or another ebay Mamod.
Still want another loco, so I will be watching ebay again now.
Anyway, as always thanks for your help MM.
I hope that others see this and decide not to buy one.
Just hope I don't get problems when asking for a refund.
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Mamodman123
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Hope you get a full refund Chris! LEt us know how you get on anyway!
I guess that proves the old thought that MSS locos are better than mamod ones....they aren't........
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