10th Anniversary Polar Express

Looks like something took a bite out of that wheel at the factory.  Maybe it got stuck in the conveyor? Is it stalling on a curve? If so, that wheel maybe be hanging up since it is a lead driver. I bet it runs OK in reverse. Can you take it back and exchange it?

George

I made an inquiry with the Hobby Shop. Waiting for a response.  They have an all starter sets are final policy however.  It's a reputable forum sponsor. I'm sure they will make it right.  

I had the same issue when I purchased my 10th anniversary PE.  I took it back to my local Hobby store and they fixed the pick up roller and replaced the bad wheel.  I guess they had a bad run of them?

Thanks for letting me know of your experience.  

DLC posted:

I made an inquiry with the Hobby Shop. Waiting for a response.  They have an all starter sets are final policy however.  It's a reputable forum sponsor. I'm sure they will make it right.  

I am sure they will fix or replace a broken set, unless they disclosed it was defective. I expect the policy is for people who want to return the set altogether, and to dissuade people who wait until February and try to return sets that sell mostly at Christmas. Otherwise, I am sure Lionel will make it right.  They usually rely on the dealer for this though.

I too am having problems with a tenth anniversary edition locomotive . I purchased it for my five year old grandson three years ago from a reputable forum sponsor . There was no problems in the first year . Run for about two weeks under the tree and put away until next Christmas . Last year it was DOA when placed on the tracks on Christmas eve . I returned it to the dealer with my receipt , but was informed that I was one month out of warranty . So I paid up to have it repaired , which took about two weeks . I was told that the pick-ups had gone bad and needed to be replaced . Before returning it to my grandson , I tested it on my layout and everything seemed fine . Back in the box until this Christmas . Now the problem seems to be a gear issue . It powers up fine , all sounds are working . When you turn the remote dial forward , it moves in jerking motion for about an inch or two and then stops dead . if you reverse the dial it moves back about the same distance and stops . I don't know for sure , but I'm guessing that the worm gear has somehow become separated from the motor . Oh well , back to the repair shop . I had a lot of hope for good things with the LionChief , but now I'm not so sure . Maybe there was a bad batch or maybe I just drew a lemon . 

Summerdale Junction posted:

I too am having problems with a tenth anniversary edition locomotive . I purchased it for my five year old grandson three years ago from a reputable forum sponsor . There was no problems in the first year . Run for about two weeks under the tree and put away until next Christmas . Last year it was DOA when placed on the tracks on Christmas eve . I returned it to the dealer with my receipt , but was informed that I was one month out of warranty . So I paid up to have it repaired , which took about two weeks . I was told that the pick-ups had gone bad and needed to be replaced . Before returning it to my grandson , I tested it on my layout and everything seemed fine . Back in the box until this Christmas . Now the problem seems to be a gear issue . It powers up fine , all sounds are working . When you turn the remote dial forward , it moves in jerking motion for about an inch or two and then stops dead . if you reverse the dial it moves back about the same distance and stops . I don't know for sure , but I'm guessing that the worm gear has somehow become separated from the motor . Oh well , back to the repair shop . I had a lot of hope for good things with the LionChief , but now I'm not so sure . Maybe there was a bad batch or maybe I just drew a lemon . 

Sumerdale, it sounds like you may have a bad pick up again.  Does the loco die the same way regardless of where on the lay out it is?

Return it.  These types of issues should not show up and should not be tolerated.

-Greg

Just to close out this post.  The forum sponsor got back to me and agreed exchange the engine, tender, and remote for new ones.  

Janitor John posted:

Summerdale Junction posted:

I too am having problems with a tenth anniversary edition locomotive . I purchased it for my five year old grandson three years ago from a reputable forum sponsor . There was no problems in the first year . Run for about two weeks under the tree and put away until next Christmas . Last year it was DOA when placed on the tracks on Christmas eve . I returned it to the dealer with my receipt , but was informed that I was one month out of warranty . So I paid up to have it repaired , which took about two weeks . I was told that the pick-ups had gone bad and needed to be replaced . Before returning it to my grandson , I tested it on my layout and everything seemed fine . Back in the box until this Christmas . Now the problem seems to be a gear issue . It powers up fine , all sounds are working . When you turn the remote dial forward , it moves in jerking motion for about an inch or two and then stops dead . if you reverse the dial it moves back about the same distance and stops . I don't know for sure , but I'm guessing that the worm gear has somehow become separated from the motor . Oh well , back to the repair shop . I had a lot of hope for good things with the LionChief , but now I'm not so sure . Maybe there was a bad batch or maybe I just drew a lemon . 

Sumerdale, it sounds like you may have a bad pick up again.  Does the loco die the same way regardless of where on the lay out it is?

John,

Check the engine mount screw thread. Engine upside down and remove cover.

I bought my Polar Express Anniversary Edition 2 years ago.  The flanges on the drive wheels were nothing to write home about; a little rough and not well machined but not as bad as the one you show.

I don't have the 10th anniversary edition, but I have the first generation Lionchief PE.  I was running it tonight and thinking this set is likely the first and only experience  many will have with Lionel.  The trucks and couplers on the cars are a big disappointment as they are flimsy and don't stay closed without rubber bands.  We have the LC PRR Broadway Limited set and the metal six wheel trucks and couplers are much more reliable and make the cars feel more substantial. I also paid less for it.