Information direct from Lionel on new service program

Called yesterday to see if an LHS was still a  "Authorized Service Station", the LHS was verified for all Lionel Products but Vision Line. An RGA was issued.

 

The $100.00 fee was included in the conversation.

The cost of parts in NOT included in the $100.00

 

Brent

And if we don't have a local service center?

 

Could you provide a link to this new service program please?

There are 164 listed on Lionel's website, and I'm sure you can mail to one as well. Lionel has had the service station system for decades.

wow 5 years.  that is going to hurt.

 

lionel needs to start back up their tech training program! some of these shops can not fix older stuff and/or newer stuff.

 

This is good to know as shipping cost is really going up. There are also less Authorized Lionel  Repair Centers than ever. YES, Lionel needs to have another Training School Program for Those interested in becoming Repair Centers.  

Are you saying 5 years back, and VisionLine items only? At one Time, Mike Reagan said 1995 and forwards.....I think $100 is  fine, as long as Lionel Can repair our trains.

Thanks for Posting....Now, let's Play...

The Lionel authorized tech at my LHS is at Lionel right now for 2 weeks of some kind of updated training or something? If I make it to my LHS this week I will try to remember to ask about that. He can't (or couldn't at the time mine broke anyway) work on Legacy 990's, had to send mine back to Lionel.

 

The shipping is getting expensive, my 990 set was right at $20 to send back using UPS. (I think Lionel wanted it sent UPS if I remember right?) I also packed it in a smaller box than it's original carton, probably a couple inches bigger all the way around than the 990 remote and base. Packed it tightly with foam rubber all around it and it survived both ways there and back.  

Sounds reasonable to me.

More business for GGG.

 

 

If I have to mail it, I'd rather mail it to Lionel directly.

But, what if it is more than 5 years old? 

My LHS does not work on anything with electronics. 

I think that there are a number of forum sponsors that do work on train repairs, old and new, electronics, etc that will be happy to get the business from us.

Yeah, but if they aren't taking them and there's no service stations in your area, here's your solution. I feel like we're talking in circles. 

Just buy Postwar and learn to fix it yourself.  Yes, I know we all like the bells & whistles the new stuff has to offer but, imho it is all born to wearout & prone to failure. It's too complicated & troublesome….where's the fun in that? I have some modern Lionel, though it is pre-Legacy, and slowly but surely the electronics are starting to go bad, the sound systems going quiet.  Finally arrived at the point where it's not worth the hassle and expense.  Lot's of postwar around and still running strong plus prices are very reasonable for operator quality pieces. Parts availability is high & they aren't hard to work on.

Just my 2cents worth,

Tom

I think you'll find the $100 is reasonable for Lionel to do the work. If the item is not worth another $100 + shipping one way, well...

That's fine if all you want out of the hobby is selectively compressed, sort of generic steam locomotives and low detail level first generation diesels.

 

If one is attracted to the likes of say, a Y3 or SD70ACe, they're out of luck with Postwar.

 

Rusty

For a simple smoke unit fan fix is $100? That's outrageous

Maybe not, When Lionel's bean counters factor in parts, labor, return shipping, and profit ( yes, Lionel is a profit based corp ) $100 might be spot on.

 

    Bill T.

Perspective.

(1.) Recent power steering/power brake hydraulic repair my Chevy truck $375

(2.) Chevy truck fill-up 25 gal. @ $3   $75.

(3.) Prius fill-up 9 gal @ $3   $27. 

(4.) Costco (discount) grocery supplies, usually  $ 350 to $450 per month for the two of us.

(5.) I can still find a breakfast at a local dinner for $8.  National chains a lot more.

(6.) The full effect of the recent western draught on food supplies may not show until later this year. 

(7.) Shelf the model, it probably still looks very nice.  IMO. 

Thats why I fix/rebuild my own smoke units now If you can build a layout from start to finish with all the aspects of woodwork, wiring, paint, scenery, and structures..... it's not that hard to fix your own stuff. Post war or modern.

Sure glad I fix my own stuff!

 

I helps to be handy… once the Postwar Celebration Southern F3 power unit on my layout begin to stop on switches.  Took it apart and found an open trace on the driver circuit board. A little delicate solder work and it was running fine again.  

Remember…..

"if women don't find you handsome they should at least find you handy"

Tom

After sitting on a shelf over four years and with less then 45 minutes total run time, my JLC BB would not move in reverse.. Problem.. bad motor board.

Total cost of repair at $60 labor including shipping.. $187.00.

Cost today $227.00.

Maybe Lionel should make available download step by step instructions how to do home repairs.. 

Joe 

 

Hi Joe, hope the BB got some action over the 4 years and not just a dust collector.

 

Could be the light bulb came on with the bean counters. They see all the product coming in for repairs and they figure they have a gigantic cash cow in the making. Increase the cost for repairs and laugh all the way to the bank.

 

  Bill T.

I think we have hit the age of the disposable train engine.

You can buy a lot of starter engines ( Thomas, 2-4-2 's ) in the $100 range.

So if those break, fix them yourself or toss it.

It looks like some of the fun has been taken out of the hobby....