GS-4 Roof Hatch Easy Fix

"No big deal."

Really? Doesn't taking it apart void the warranty? Wonder why the "builder" didn't install it correctly in the first place. Luckily, these models are relatively inexpensive.

As long as you don't break the seal releasing the special dye,it's not likely the manufacturer will be able to tell you had it apart.

RickO posted:

As long as you don't break the seal releasing the special dye,it's not likely the manufacturer will be able to tell you had it apart.

Good luck with that. 

No big deal in terms of time and aggravation.  I don't have the interest or energy to fixate on what "could have" or "should have" been done.  

I like Arttista engineer and brakemen figures.  I put them in all of Lionel engines.  This engine was coming apart as soon as I got it to put the figures in the cab.  So Lionel if you are reading this I VOID my warranties on ALL my engines.

BTW, I sent an engine to Lionel for warranty work on which I installed a Atlas O 2 Rail Electro Coupler on the tender and they still completed the warranty work on the engine.  Granted the problem I sent it in for was totally unrelated to the modification I clearly made, but Lionel made good on the warranty.

SO, if you have a new GS-4 you have decide for yourself if you want to fix the hatch or not.  In the end it was no big deal to me.  I just wanted to share that the solution does not require any fabrication.

That fix is too simple.

Whats a warranty? Who needs 'em? 

Pete

Nice work!

Great fix Kevin. Thanks for putting that up. I too am not worried about taking the shell off.... I am my own repair/upgrade department. $80-$100 for round trip shipping for warranty work dictates I fix my own stuff.

Such an easy fix, new figures, smoke wick and reversed cab hatch. 15 minutes of time. I'm in.

I maybe easy fixes for guys used to opening up their own locomotives but hopefully something gets put in place for guys who are not comfortable with opening.

MartyE posted:

I maybe easy fixes for guys used to opening up their own locomotives but hopefully something gets put in place for guys who are not comfortable with opening.

Do you mean; send it back to Lionel for WARRANTY FIX, since they are responsible for installing the hatch incorrectly?

Hot Water posted:

MartyE posted:

I maybe easy fixes for guys used to opening up their own locomotives but hopefully something gets put in place for guys who are not comfortable with opening.

Do you mean; send it back to Lionel for WARRANTY FIX, since they are responsible for installing the hatch incorrectly?

That's what I implied yes. Sorry I didn't spell it out to your satisfaction. 

I would not ship my engine to Lionel for this error given the fix is relatively simple. Odds of damage in transit are greater than its owner botching the removal of boiler.  This could be warranty work for service stations. That would give owners not comfortable with fixing it a viable option.  

T4TT posted:

I would not ship my engine to Lionel for this error given the fix is relatively simple. Odds of damage in transit are greater than its owner botching the removal of boiler.  This could be warranty work for service stations. That would give owners not comfortable with fixing it a viable option.  

As long a the service center is competent. Not all service centers are created equal even with Past Lionel training. 

Once again another quality control issue. You either live with it or attempt to repair it on your own. The customer should not be put in this position but regrettably time and again we are. 

MartyE posted:

T4TT posted:

I would not ship my engine to Lionel for this error given the fix is relatively simple. Odds of damage in transit are greater than its owner botching the removal of boiler.  This could be warranty work for service stations. That would give owners not comfortable with fixing it a viable option.  

As long a the service center is competent. Not all service centers are created equal even with Past Lionel training. 

If a service center can't remove four screws and lift the boiler off they need to close their doors. Sheesh.

Norton posted:

If a service center can't remove four screws and lift the boiler off they need to close their doors. Sheesh.

I don't disagree.

- Easiest fix: leave it closed. Not a solution, just a denial.

- Are we sure that it's not a fighter plane-style air brake?

- Easier to see than a NYC tender water scoop - a plus.

- A friend just took delivery of his GS-4 and we had a few chuckles over this "smoke scoop".

- While we're on the subject, why did Lionel use thick, cheesy plastic sliding cab roof vents on the recent USRA Heavy Mikado? I have one, and plastic has a place in modeling, but what possible financial or manufacturing advantage could this have given them? But they stand out like sore thumbs - small sore thumbs, granted - but still there.  That answer - and the smoke scoop one, as well - may be found in The Mysterious East, I suppose.

- Just fix it.