Issues with my brand new Lionel 2233151 Legacy Diesel DD 35 1650

Video

Picture

Ron, I guess no one else has had the issue you have. Call Lionel to see if your solution is correct. Let us know.

Yes I’m calling Lionel and getting a ticket to send back. Should be easy fix, just replace front axel.  It’s brand new so it’s under warranty. I love the engine, it’s awesome. The part I don’t like is it probably will be weeks before I get it back. Rod, how do you know if no one else has not had any issues? I hope they have parts for it or it will be a long delay.

I don’t know. I was just  saying that because no one had replied to your post yet with same issue or help.

Ok thx Rod

Hello. I just read this. My Lionel UP DD35 runs great. I have no problems. However, my layout has broad curves. Nothing less than 072. My turnouts are all ROSS. Either REG, #4, 072 or 088.

I am thinking your smaller radius switches are the culprit. The Lionel web site states minimum curve is 042. But those Big, 4 axle trucks do not have a lot play in them.

I hope Lionel can solve your problem. It is a shame when we have these issues with brand new locomotives.

Where did you purchase? They may be able to help, either with a replacement or getting the RA number from Lionel.

Donald

Hi Donald, thank you for your response. I do have have a long outer loupe with minimum 72 curves. It runs find on that, but there is a Ross double cross over on that route. On the switch  straight thru, once and a great while the front wheel right wheel jumps off when going over cross over. On my inter loop with minimum 54 Ross switches it jumps off often. No problem on regular 54 track curves, only on switches. The front axel is definitely defective. See video explaining problem. I talk to Lionel and they sent me a return shipping label for warranty repair. Also the rear coupler sits too low . It sits about half way down when coupled on all my rolling stock cars.😀

Hello Ron. Thanks for the explanation. I understand the issues. I now agree, the best bet is just to send it back. I just check out my rear coupler. No sag. It looks normal.

Good news, if there is any, I had to send back my Lionel Veranda last month. Electronic issues. Anyway, from me sending it back to me getting it back, it was two weeks. Problem fixed and fairly quick turn around. Hopefully the same for you.

Please keep us informed. Thanks.

Donald

Thanks for your comments. I’m glad Lionel got your engine repaired and back in two weeks. As I said before I love the sf 1650.😀

Having the same problem. Ross track and Ross 072 switches.  Called Lionel, got an RA.  Will keep ya posted.

@Ron Casamento posted:

Thanks for your comments. I’m glad Lionel got your engine repaired and back in two weeks. As I said before I love the sf 1650.😀

Did you ever get it fixed?

Hi John, Lionel replaced both trucks. I got it back and same problem The front axel would jump off some Ross Switches and derail. Too much up and down movement on front axel. I took front axel off . There is a tiny spring on both ends of axel next to wheels. I try stretching spring to put more down  pressure on axel. That helped some but didn’t totally solve the problem. Then I ordered a package of the smallest springs on Amazon that I could find the would be stronger and put more down pressure.None were small enough diameter to fit in small barrel that Lionel’s springs fit in. The springs were probably only two millimeters in diameter. They are much too soft. I ended up cutting and making a small post if you will and inserted inside spring. Made just long enough to reduce up and down movement of axel but still leaving some spring movement. Put on track and bam! Runs perfectly over Ross Switches. Lionel said they couldn’t test because they don’t have Ross Switches.You probably could eliminate spring and replace a solid piece in there that would cut the up and down movement of front axel to a minimum. Ps I ended up doing the same to back truck, because that would derail sometimes backing up.

Thanks Ron, always like to "close the loop" on problems so the next guy sees what worked and didn't work.   Next time you're looking for springs, try Aliexpress.com, they might have an assortment that would include small enough springs.

Thx John

Thank you to both of you for the info you provided.  As we talked about on the phone Ron I’ll send that back too Lionel and see what happens  If that doesn’t work I’ll check that site John mentioned and attempt my own fix.

I had a similar problem with a truck on an AC6000.  In my case it was not the springs on the axel but a centering torsion spring that fits under the plate on the front wheels and into a pocket in the base of the base of the truck.  Lionel did not have the spring but did send me another truck. Not sure if your engine has a similar design.

Marty

Ron, thanks for your determination to sort out the problem and share your solution. Very helpful.

Jim, Welcome.

Martin, did the new truck fix the problem?

Ron,

Yes, the new truck fixed the problem, and it runs great.

Marty

Marty, glad to hear it fixed the issue.

I had same issue so I just removed the front truck

@Gsgood posted:

I had same issue so I just removed the front truck

Doesn't it look goofy without the front truck?  I have the DDA40X, and I sure wouldn't like the look without the front truck!

       Looks fine. I have the DD35 "76" Handle IT

As long as it works for you...