My 33911 since last year has given me problems even new I had to adjust the slider to run without derailments. Last year a screw came off the running gear and I ordered a new one, thank God it was still available. This year the screw came off again and when I replaced the screw the connecting rod bent. Seeing the good reviews from Helmunt Hobby I sent it 9/22/17 and received it today 10/18/17 which to me is a good turnaround considering the shipping time was 4-6 days. Helmuts Hobby had in stock four 72020 current conducting couplers for my Rheinegold set to replace the pain in the butt ones that came with set. The price seemed high to me but I do not need any more, I hope. Apparently the steel mother Marklin used for the axles at this time caused the wheel to slip from the axle. The engine runs great and looks good to me with it's TEE cars. I know it is not true to prototype but its a Privatbahen so I can justify the consist. The cost is reasonable for the repair and the lok came well packaged. I definitely would recommend Helmuts for repairs.

Scott is "the man". The only one I trust with a serious repair I can't handle myself.

OK a correction- the only one not in retirement I trust!!! (thankfully I learned from the original master )

That is good to know. My 2001 Big Boy really needs to get upgraded to modern electronics. Although I do motor and decoder upgrades myself I don't really want to attack that particular model. It has a beautiful motor but the decoder is an early M4 decoder and it lacks the sophisticated motor control and cool sounds of the newest locos.

One of these days I need to send it off to be professionally upgraded and now I have a good choice for where I might want to send it.

Thanks!

Robert from RJF trains also does repair and installation of decoders etc. He does a good job. http://rjftrains.com/