Has anybody heard of Lionel doing this ?

I would be surprised to hear Lionel would dump a defective batch on the market on purpose. Many other things could be afoot.

I would find out if the seller is a Lionel dealer first.

I would return it and get a refund, eBay has a money back guarantee.

@PRR1644 posted:

I would return it and get a refund, eBay has a money back guarantee.

That’s the best advice.  Lionel won’t honor ebay purchase for warranty.  Some dealers have eBay accounts.  See if yours is tied to a brick and mortar Lionel Dealer.  If not, get your money learn and run.  Good thing it was not a VL locomotive where your dealing with a couple grand.

Lionel use to resell factory returns about 5 years ago or more. I thought that they quit that practice.

@gftiv posted:

Lionel use to resell factory returns about 5 years ago or more. I thought that they quit that practice.

Lionel sold or sells "Refurbished Items" that were repaired as needed.  They might have a blemish on the paint or issues with the boxes etc but were advertised as fully operational. They do the same for some items at the warehouse sale.

Just because it had a problem doesn't mean that it was intentionally sold that way, or supplied to the seller that way by Lionel.

On these forums we hear of a number of instances where things arrive with issues, by accident -- in fact probably much more than we'd like to.   Occasionally we also hear of this happening intentionally with something purchased from a seller.

Correct me if I'm wrong but as far as I know we've heard of none where they've been supplied that way surreptitiously, and by intent, by Lionel. 

Mike

As others have said, contact the seller.

I found the listing, and this seller has a 99.9% Feedback on more than 11,500 transactions.  I am sure they will take care of you.

Well, I knew something was up before I set up the train I took the remote out and something was broke off inside their if you shake it, it sounds like a rattle snake inside the remote. Plus I have never gotten a remote where the screw was stripped that holds the batteries. He is not a train shop and he is not replying to my emails. Just curious we’re he got 16 of these models.

Yes he emailed me and is going to take the return. It sucks because I really liked this train and got it at a good price and the guy was nice enough to take 10 dollars off the price. There’s just something fishy as I have bought brand new stuff from Lionel and never had  something rattle in the remote or the battery screw stripped and makes a screeching sound. I’m just curious if Lionel had problems with the sound board on this model and maybe replaced it with another bad sound board and sold these in bundles.

There’s a little guy on my right shoulder telling me to keep the train and just turn the sound off. It still operates fine and at 240 what I paid for it not a bad price. He is arguing with me. The guy on my left shoulder is telling me that if there is a couple problems now there will be more to come.

You will send it off and for days you will kick yourself.  Down the road you will see one that someone else owns.  Not you.  You will say, I should not have sent it back.  If it runs well, there are people here that can help you sort it out.  Doesn't sound like earth shattering money.

The mere fact you are questioning yourself, tells you the decision.

Anyone else not have this happen before.  My wife tells me I do it to often.  I've learned to follow the gut, and stick it out.  More often than not, it was the prudent move.  When not, I manage to get past the errant move.

Merlin, enjoy the locomotive.

If he has 2 more of these engines for sale why not take a chance and have him ship you another as an exchange?

Rick

@Rixster posted:

If he has 2 more of these engines for sale why not take a chance and have him ship you another as an exchange?

Rick

I agree. The price of $240 sounds familiar? I bought one of these and it works flawlessly. I believe the sellers name was "olivia" something? It came still in the original brown lionel box I also purchased a new lc+ RS3 in the same condition a few months back from the same person for $195. Asking $210 or best offer. It works flawless as well.

You’ve got horrible luck. I would suggest you to find a hobby shop near to you so you can test and inspect all your purchases beforehand.

Buy a second one and use the sounds from just one.