Some of you may recall my deep disappointment two years ago over my first-run Life Like Erie RR 0-8-0. The first one was returned to the dealer the same day. The second one wasn't much better. This one was sent back to Walthers for repair under warranty. Upon return it ran much better through my turnouts, but still wouldn't pull more than 5 cars. After more calls to Walthers (I was advised to adjust the wires between the loco and tender--didn't work) and many failed attempts by myself and some NTrak friends to increase it's pulling power, I had relegated it to display model status. Two weeks ago I began to work on it again. My exceptional skills this time rendered it completely inoperable. I finally decided another call to Walthers couldn't hurt (although it's long out of warranty). Jerry Roy fielded the call and encouraged me to send it back again with $15 for s/h and he'd see what could be done. It arrived today. I'd heard the second run had corrected the problems with the first run. I don't know if they upgraded it to 2nd run levels, but it now pulls 12 loaded hoppers on the flat and they definitely repaired my do-it-yourself efforts. It's running the way I'd hoped it would when it was first purchased in 2007. There was no additional charge, as Walthers had done it as a courtesy with a note to please contact them before I attempted any further "improvements" All of which is to say, I'm finally a happy camper and truly appreciate how well they responded on this go round. Now as soon as I can get a Lenz Silver decoder #132 will be switching my "Elmira" yard as intended. Kudos to Walthers.
