I'm looking for a recommendation...I live in NYC and need a minor repair on a Legacy engine under warranty. Not worth packing up and sending all the way to North Carolina. The only authorized service center near me is Nassau Hobby, and they have some really bad online reviews, specifically about getting authorized Lionel service. Can anyone recommend an authorized service center somewhere near NYC that has a good reputation?
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I'd recommend Charles Ro. The guy that does the repairs is pretty good I hear and factory trained. Not really NY but definitely reputable.
Thanks Marty!
JAMESRX, what is the engine and what is wrong with it?
This is a little embarrassing but here goes. I bought it from an out-of-state dealer so it was shipped to me and when I received it the windshield in the poweed unit was out and on the floor of the cab. As I explained to the dealer I have neither the ability nor the desire to open the shell on a brand new $1,000 locomotive! Out of frustration I decided to just return it for a refund but when they got it back they refused to accept it because they claimed it was "used." So they said they would fix the windshield and send it back to me and I had no choice but to accept that. But when I received it back the windshield in BOTH the powered and the non-powered unit we're out! Obviously these particular windshields cannot withstand the shaking they get during shipping. So even if I were to send it back to Lionel, by the time I receive it back it the windshields might be out again. So I'm trying to find a local authorized service center since it is still under warranty. The only one anywhere near me is Nassau hobby center but they have some really really bad reviews online specifically about their service department. The engine is the Lionel Legacy E8 AA set (6-84088).
I recommend, without reservation:
Ken Webster, proprietor of: Walker's Hardware, 294 Union Blvd., Totowa, NJ. Phone [973-825-7119]
His hardware store/ train sales/repairs establishment, a family business for decades, is easily accessed from NYC via GW Bridge, onto Rt.80, approx. 25mi, west, to easy-off, easy-on "Squirrelwood Road exit" close to (3-4mi ?) the store.
Of my 50+ locomotives and numerous rolling-stock, most all are from Ken, and he is the only person I go to for any service or repairs.
FrankM, Layout Refinements
While no longer an authorized Lionel service center, Trainland of Lynbrook will do an excellent job in repairs. Ask for Sal.
Trainworld in Brooklyn sadly does not do repairs, but their sister store does, and yours is not a difficult repair, just lotsa screws, and the right (Testors window) glue.
FYI, those windshields do not pop out.
Marty F: Just curious: Exactly HOW are these particular windshields mounted? Glue or snap-in with tabs?
Thanks for the advice! Ive never had a window pop out either but twice they arrived from the dealer with windows out before I even took them out of the box. Any theories?
Does anyone think it might be possible to manipulate the windows with some kind of tool going through the cab doors (which open) and snap them back into place? Are they snap-fit?
Alex M a forum member was recommended by Lionel. I also lived in NYC at the time and he is right over the bridge in NJ. Email me and I will forward you his phone number
How about repair shop near western North Dakota?
The question of whether they fit with snap-in tabs or are glued has NOT been answered.