Large Scale Central

LGB Repair time!

General Discussion
#221
John Joseph Sauer said:
Face it- it's over- everyone else has including LGB of America! You guys seem to be the only ones who are hanging onto it and beating it into the ground.
Sheesh Marvin, are you still hanging on to those "it must be true" figments? Remember how that worked out 12 months ago? It was just the one bank that wasn't on-side, wasn't it? Just one more little email campaign to convince those who didn't get the message yet, that's all it would take, trust me!?! Oh yeah, oh yeah, oh yeah .... things will be just fine, just wait for next week! And then the veil was lifted, the "Ventilator's Fog" cleared and the creditors' assembly left Stefan Jakob & Co standing there - errrrrrrrrrr ...... actually according to eyewitness reports Stefan Jakob storming out of the proceedings. But I fully agree, much better to keep expecting "miracles", at least until such time as reality rears its ugly visage again and the situation goes "crunch".

Remember this

lgboa press release said:
LGBoA Signs Exclusive Agreement with Märklin

LGB of America today announced that it has signed an exclusive distribution agreement with Märklin. The agreement means that LGB consumers in North America will continue to get quality LGB products and service from their friends at LGB of America.

“I have seen Märklin’s commitment to keeping the spirit of LGB alive,” said Tony Castellano, President of LGBoA. “And now, LGB of America is prepared for a very bright future as the one-stop source for the best model trains in the world.”

LGBoA expects to receive shipments soon of LGB products from Nürnberg. Märklin has also announced that it expects to restart the successful “LGB Club” and its member magazine as soon as possible. “Containers to be shipped to our Freehold warehouse are already being prepared, and we’re pushing hard to serve our customers even better than before,” said Castellano, who noted that details concerning new products, prices and availability will be released as quickly as possible.

In conjunction with the Märklin agreement, LGBoA also announced today that its parent company, G45 Inc., has been transferred to new owners: LGBoA President Tony Castellano and Munich attorney Stefan Jakob, who represented LGBoA in the Lehmann bankruptcy proceedings. “I saw the potential in LGBoA,” said Jakob. “Now, I can see that potential becoming reality.”


Those who already knew that the dealer agreements were for 2007 said “Certainly, certainly” and waited for the next step. Which wasn’t next week :P, but it could have been. :slight_smile: :smiley: :lol:

PS there were/are a few “atheists” who asked/ask: “If one supposedly has the sole distribution rights for NA, why would one sign a new “exclusive distribution agreement”?” Not that nitpicking, small-minded questions like that would impress or bother the “True Believers”, not at all … their faith had been confirmed, affirmed and reinforced by the message from the holy “Nancy Ridge”.

#222

Never mind HJ.

Marvin and his myriad identities prefer to live in fantasy land.
Still “waiting for next week” I suppose.

#223
Steve Featherkile said:
One thing I found curious is that the sound always seemed to appear after the loco started moving. I've noticed that the start-up sounds would appear only after the loco was traveling at 20 scale mph, or so. Fascinating.
Steven,

I would be fascinated also, since my LGB sound locomotives have sound both before and after any movement. Are you referring to a basic Stainz or an add-on tender?
Otherwise I would replace the battery.

Jack

#224

This found it’s way to me. Jack (aka Superman!)

“Over the next few days, Silvergate Distributors will be moving our San Diego offices to our brand-new facility, just a few miles away.
We are working hard to minimize the interruption, but there will be some down-time, while our computer and phone systems are being moved. Our email, phone and fax service will be off, starting about 3:00PM Pacific Time on Thursday June 12th. We expect to have everything back up and running by Monday Morning, June 16th.”

#225

Jack,
you and Clark Kent (sorry, JJS) are really enjoying this. Your memory of sound-equipped locomotives is a little askew. Yes, with DCC you would get correctly synched sounds, if Cv’s are correctly adjusted. With the aftermarket 6500X series, then sound synchronisation is possible, but not guaranteed, as the sound system start voltage is not necessarily the same as the loco start voltage. One is not able to adjust the basic sound unit start voltage, but one is able to play with two CV’s, a minimum CV to get a reasonable start/synch and the upper max CV to minimise chuff ‘runaway’.

  An analogue/digital factory-fitted steam outline loco is usually pretty good as far as chuff synch and stationary sounds,  although the analogue F7 is particularly pathetic as one only gets around 6 seconds stationary sounds,  as is the 65003 American diesel sound unit.  The optional sound tender I have had little success with as far as chuff synch as digital (non-mechanical chuff sensed) sound units are limited by the factory set start voltage.  One could experiment with diodes in the input voltage of the loco to raise the loco start voltage to be compatible with the digital sound unit,  but Steve was undoubtedly referring to standard factory released models.  Replacement battery is only applicable to non-digital factory-equipped locomotives and optional 2-4-0/0-4-0 sound tenders (USRA? and Vanderbilt).
#226

Tim I think you are the one enjoying this. You have seen me post in several places around the internet. I’m not JJ, Marvin or Bruce. Regardless of what some dumb counter says, I don’t log out! Sorry!

#227
Tim Brien said:
Jack, you and Clark Kent (sorry, JJS) are really enjoying this. Your memory of sound-equipped locomotives is a little askew. Yes, with DCC you would get correctly synched sounds, if Cv's are correctly adjusted. With the aftermarket 6500X series, then sound synchronisation is possible, but not guaranteed, as the sound system start voltage is not necessarily the same as the loco start voltage. One is not able to adjust the basic sound unit start voltage, but one is able to play with two CV's, a minimum CV to get a reasonable start/synch and the upper max CV to minimise chuff 'runaway'. 
  An analogue/digital factory-fitted steam outline loco is usually pretty good as far as chuff synch and stationary sounds,  although the analogue F7 is particularly pathetic as one only gets around 6 seconds stationary sounds,  as is the 65003 American diesel sound unit.  The optional sound tender I have had little success with as far as chuff synch as digital (non-mechanical chuff sensed) sound units are limited by the factory set start voltage.  One could experiment with diodes in the input voltage of the loco to raise the loco start voltage to be compatible with the digital sound unit,  but Steve was undoubtedly referring to standard factory released models.  Replacement battery is only applicable to non-digital factory-equipped locomotives and optional 2-4-0/0-4-0 sound tenders (USRA? and Vanderbilt).</blockquote>

Tim, if you are concerned with timing (motor speed and sound start delay) you should install a sound system which allows you to synchronize the sound with the actual movement on the wheels. I use Phoenix sound, and i always ad on the wheel synchronization future. with a real wheel sync, you never have to worry about any delay.

think global Pius

#228

PJ,
the only sound that I have used, other than factory sound LGB locomotives is the LGB 6500X series units. I programme them to get as close as I am able (within half a wheel revolution for dedicated units mounted in the tender) and a compromise for the digital sound units fitted in ‘sound’ cars as they must cater for several different loco types.

I am aware that Phoenix is considered top shelf quality,  but to date,  cannot justify the additional expenditure.  The main problem with the digital LGB sound units is that they are a generic sound,  although I only operate a single loco at a time,  so all locomotives sounding the same is not a problem to me.
#229

Jack,
the problem is that when one’s opinion coincides with that of another then the detractors paint you with the same tarred brush. As you are named with your compatriots, so I am ‘cloned’ by the detractors with HJ and others. I have an opinion, as you do. Our opinions are at opposite ends of the spectrum, but we are free to discuss the issues. No doubt you would like it all to simply vanish, however, mud sticks and some feel that there is plenty of mud around. Blatant noise is not going to cancel out the discussion and so sabotaging the discussion is not going to make it go away. While ever the issue is raised then there will always be a differing opinion. I have more LGB than I really care to disclose, but feel that there is a case to answer in relation to business proceedings, particularly in the period of 2005/2006/2007. I believe that simple economic market forces did not bring the company into insolvency and that non-market forces were at play.

#230
Jack Barton said:
Steve Featherkile said:
One thing I found curious is that the sound always seemed to appear after the loco started moving. I've noticed that the start-up sounds would appear only after the loco was traveling at 20 scale mph, or so. Fascinating.
Steven,

I would be fascinated also, since my LGB sound locomotives have sound both before and after any movement. Are you referring to a basic Stainz or an add-on tender?
Otherwise I would replace the battery.

Jack


Jack, I don’t own any LGB locomotive, though I do own many of their freight cars. The specific locomotive that I’m referring to is an F7 in roughly 1:27 proportion. At least I think it is supposed to be an F7, isn’t that the covered wagon that LGB made? I suppose I could go look it up, but it is late.

I think what really happens is that the owner slams the throttle into notch 6, and the motor responds a few seconds before the sound has a chance to do it’s thing. I thought it was funny that the loco was traveling at 20 - 30 smph while the diesel motor was going through its startup procedure. Recently, I heard him do the same thing with an Aristo steamer, so I guess it is operator error.

Steve

#231

Steve,
the F7 diesel sound is not proportional to speed. The sound has several ‘ramps’. Think of a set sound level, then as loco accelerates, it ramps up to another set level, proceeds at this level until it increases to another set level. There are about four or five ‘ramp’ levels. It is like the floor levels of a multi-storey house with steps between, connecting the levels. Most sound systems are directly proportional to the loco input voltage (speed). The sound is meant to represent the ramp levels of the original (prototype) loco.

    If the operator 'guns' the loco then the sound card needs to 'catch up',  so this would give the impression of being out of synch.  This is definately an operator issue and not a fault of the sound card.  I particularly enjoy the LGB F7 sound,  particularly startup sounds the ramping levels.
#232
Tim Brien said:
PJ, the only sound that I have used, other than factory sound LGB locomotives is the LGB 6500X series units. I programme them to get as close as I am able (within half a wheel revolution for dedicated units mounted in the tender) and a compromise for the digital sound units fitted in 'sound' cars as they must cater for several different loco types. 
I am aware that Phoenix is considered top shelf quality,  but to date,  cannot justify the additional expenditure.  The main problem with the digital LGB sound units is that they are a generic sound,  although I only operate a single loco at a time,  so all locomotives sounding the same is not a problem to me.</blockquote>

Hey Tim,

you said “the only sound that I have used, other than factory sound LGB locomotives is the LGB 6500X series units”
if you used just LGB sound, how is it possible for you to know that other sound modules are to expensive. In the old days, when i used MTS2 i had LGB sound, i always disliked those four five ramp-up levels, to make the sound sync, someone had to be extrema easy on that throttle to make it sound right. Phoenix sound does not have this four five levels, therefore sync is more accurate. The original LGB sound in my diesel had some kind of sensor on one of the axles, in the schematics LGB revered to it as “Hallsensor”, still it was hard to get any wheel synchronized sound out of it.

you said:I am aware that Phoenix is considered top shelf quality, but to date, cannot justify the additional expenditure. I guess you meant to say that you feel Phoenix sound is to expensive for you. i do not know the additional cost to have a LGB Engine with sound, but if i remember right the price difference is not far off from phoenix sound. Phoenix sound is selling different sound modules, the 2K2 is the top unit and the P5 therefore less expensive. I know it is possible to tinker with LGB sound until it runs quite well, i prefer to ad my sound module and be done with it. By the way, it is possible to use Phoenix sound in a analog engine as well as in a DCC equipped engine. do not take this personal, but i feel it is a bit a oxymoron when you say that Phoenix sound is top shelf Quality and in the same moment you imply that it is to expensive, i belief that you get what you pay fore.

think global and regards Pius

#233

PJ …your avitar is slightly WAY too big methinks

#234
Victor Smith said:
PJ ...your avitar is slightly WAY too big methinks
Hey Victor, Folks in Texas say" bigger is better", but i guess you mean that you can't see the whole picture. move your mouse on to the picture, click right hand key, and select view image. best regards Pius
#235

No I mean it scrolls down the side of each post about 12 feet.

Most of us have avitars that are not designed to kill dial-up users. Dont be surprised if Bob gives you a friendly email about avitar and signiture format size. :slight_smile:

#236
Victor Smith said:
No I mean it scrolls down the side of each post about 12 feet.

Most of us have avitars that are not designed to kill dial-up users. Dont be surprised if Bob gives you a friendly email about avitar and signiture format size. :slight_smile:


Hi Victor,
i was not aware that we still have dial up connections, and that it creates there some trouble. of course i will change the picture size, it just takes me a while to figure out how to reduce size and to find that original pic on that public server.

think global pius

#237
PJ said:
John Joseph Sauer said:
PJ said:
Hi Ray, Partially you are right, LGB Germany went bankrupt and got bought by Maerklin. But LGB Germany still exists, Maerklin/LGB just started to sell new products in Europe. In a German forum there is right now a big discussion about the new LGB/Maerklin items which are now available. Everything is the same with the exception that the name "Lehman" was removed on all items.

It is a fact that Maerklin and LGB-of-America have not a deal as of today, and i am sure you can image why it is so. And i am sure you can image that Maerklin is not doing business with LGB-of-America, because Maerklin is not interested to support LGB-of-America, to strengthen their position. I could image that Maerklin would love to see LGBoa going bankrupt, it is easier to buy a firm who has no money left . Be sure Maerklin would love to get back in the huge American market, but since LGB-of-America has the sole right to import and distribute any LGB items, it is not possible for Maerklin to do so. Mean while we are left with out any support, and prices go constant up, and all the American large scale fan have to pay the price.

You can turn it and look at it as you like, the fact still remains that LGB-of-America is the main road block, is the reason why we sit without any new LGB parts.
It would be worth a whole new discussion to learn again how LGB-of-America acquired the distribution rights, just shortly before LGB Germany went down. Legaly it might was correct, but judging with your heart, you might see it different. here again you can turn it and look at it how ever you like, if LGBoa is receiving any money from Maerklin, we all the end user have to pay it in the long run.
Another interesting topic would be to learn why LGB-of-America is not sold as of today, surely not because they asking for a to low price.
Another great discussion would be to learn more about the real reason why LGBoa changed the name to Silvergate, because from a business point of view it makes zero sense. I guess now some folks could stop any inquiries by replaying that LGB-of-America is not longer present.
For my self, the whole situation just gives me a bad taste, i know it is just business and politics as usual. To many different parties are involved, to many different interests are present, and everyone tries to make as much money as possible. To bad that folks always try to make money instead of earning money. And what i dislike most is that meanwhile we as the customers have to deal with steady increasing prices.

I know that with my posting, i expose my self a bit. There are still a bunch of blind LGB-of-America followers, folks which are blind in love with LGBoa.

think global PJ


It’s your opinion and your welcome to it- but that doesn’t make it the truth!
There are always 2 sides to every negotiation. Blind loyalty can go both ways as does blind hatred.

Hi John Joseph,
hey thanks for your input, but i miss a bit any argument which is backed by actual facts, i miss any real argument which would eliminate any of the ones i made. Since i am a extreme open minded person, i relay would like to here if i am wrong, i would prefer facts which proof that any of my statements is wrong.
by the way you are partially right, in each negotiation there are two sides, but there is only one truth.

think global and regards Pius


part of the problem is simple. New production that needs to be ramped up. Marklin has chosen to supply the European market first AND with European outline products. If Marklin wants to sell in NA they will find a way to do it.
LAO

#238

P.J.:

How about turning the avatar OFF while you’re finding out how to reduce the size? You have made it very difficult for me to browse this board. Waiting over 3 1/2 minutes to load a pix (your avatar) that shows about 75% bare concrete and that fills one whole vertical screen isn’t my idea of fun. Even less so when it appears several times per thread.

And yes, those of us living way out in the country still can’t get broad band service without paying for satellite or a T1 line, each of which comes with its own limitations.

Thanks for the Consideration & Happy RRing,

Jerry

#239

Well I got a LETTER from LGBGate today. A bill for $200 > $ 150 for the Mikado Drive and $50 for the Stainz gears. So I call And asked that is a first run Mik with the inferior drive train. I thought those were being replaced, so James says," well you only sent in the drive train parts missing ,no sliders, no warranty paper work and that engine was produced in 2001" What Kind of answer is that ? I had to run told him I would call back and that Jack Lynch told me to send it in. I really got screwd I guess.

#240

From everyone’s hero-

OK those who have LGB items that need repairs I suggest you contact:

LGB Customer Service wrote:
Gebr. Märklin & Cie. GmbH
Betriebsstätte Nürnberg (LGB)
Witschelstraße 104
D – 90431 Nürnberg
Tel. +49 (0) 911/83707-0
Fax +49 (0) 911/83707-70
Email: [email protected]

Reparaturen und Ersatzteilbestellungen können an die genannte Adresse gesendet oder auch direkt
in Nürnberg abgegeben und abgeholt werden. Die Öffnungszeiten des Kundendienstes sind:
Montag – Donnerstag: 07.30 Uhr bis 16.00 Uhr
Freitag 07.30 Uhr bis 13.00 Uhr

translation of the remarks:

Repairs and spare part orders can be sent to the above address or dropped of and picked up in Nürnberg at that address. The opening hours of customer service are: Mon- Thur 07:30 to 16:00; Fri 07:30 to 13:00

From what I’ve read so far the customer service seems to be functioning “nicely” in Germany!

HJ http://www.rhb-grischun.ca http://www.easternmountainmodels.com