Lionel FAST Turnaround

That's great!  They have been turning stuff around pretty quickly, which is really nice.

It arrived yesterday afternoon (Friday) and we ran it last evening. She smokes really well and they installed the two builder's plates.

I asked about the sound dropping out whenever there was even a momentary interruption in power (passing thru a switch) and they added a 9v battery to 'fix' the problem. Regretfully, it still drops out..

 

Can't complain about the turnaround time however!   Thanks again Lionel

 

I am having the same issue of sound dropping out on mine.  It only happens every once in awhile and never in the same spot on the tracks.  I will try to install a battery before I call lionel to have them do a warranty repair.  

Sam,

Maybe you should forward this thread to MTH.

I really like the MTH products but It make me nervous

when you can get any response from them on service.

 

Lionel on the other hand is doing a great job.

I've ordered parts on Sunday and had them in my

mail box on Wed.

 

This may not be the solution to yours or Sams problem, but my legacy k4 had "sound dropout" problem that occured. It ended up being crud on the rollers lining up with crud on a turnout causing a power loss, didn't happen every time, only when the "crud" lined up. Cleaned the turnout and rollers and it never happened again. It seems the latest legacy electronics is more sensative to dirty track,and its more imperative to keep it clean.

Obviously, Rick is correct that keeping the track and wheels/rollers clean is important.   I'm surprised the sound drops out with a battery, that's clearly not right.

Actually we did not install a 9v battery in your tender, but recommended doing so. I did your repair on this Mike. Please throw a 9v in the tender and the sounds will no longer drop out on you. Thanks, Mike Lionel

Wow now that's what I call customer service.

Mike Reagan is totally awesome.

 

Thanks, Alex

It seems a battery has solved my issue!

 

Now  to get those builders plates from Lionel.

Thanks for the personal reply Mike - I really appreciate that 'the Master' worked on mine!

 

My apology for misreading your comments on my repair sheet; I thought you did install the battery. I'll do so later today and also to our K4 which experiences the same problem.

Again,  I'm amazed that you guys got this back to me so quickly.

Sam, I'd open it up and install the battery, I think that's all it needs.  I get an occasional dropout on some engines with no battery.

When I was at LCS a few weeks ago, Mike pointed out that all the repairs that came in that morning were either still on the test layout for their 3 hour burn in or on the shelf to go back out.

 

It's a pretty impressive operation and Mike sets some pretty hefty goals on turn around times and they seem to being met on a daily bases.

It's refreshing to see a major business putting their returns as a priority, most don't bother.  Hats off to Mike and the crew at Lionel!

I'll second that! Mike and his Team really excel in an area forgotten by many companies today - Instilling confidence in the consumer to make a purchase, knowing that the company will stand behind it.

These products aren't cheap and the complexity and "customized" nature of small production runs surely presents challenges to the overseas manufacturer. However, I know that if anything is "less than correct", Mike's Team will make it right in short order.

The level of service that Mike and his team have brought to Lionel Service make me confident that any issue I have with a Lionel engine will be dealt with.  Other manufactures should take notice that this is what hobbyists expect when purchasing high end product.

 

Just a couple of recent issues Lionel has resolved:

 

1) Mikado Builders Plates

 

2) Blue Comet Whistle sounds

 

 

Customer Service videos have helped many of us with information and step by step explanations that were not previously available.

 

Thanks to Mike and his entire team!

Can anyone tell me if all of the Mikado's had the three blinks/smoke issue and needed the two builders plates replaced? 

 

I only ask as I have one but have not had an opportunity to run it yet and since I am going to the Lionel service open house thought I might bring it along and drop it off since I am coming that way. 

 

I don't expect it to be repaired while I am there as they can ship it to me when it falls into their repair que.  Thanks.

Larry Brown

Hey Larry,  I believe that none had the builders plates when boxed from the factory but only recently became available to Lionel. The 3 blink issue has evidently affected several locomotives. If I'm missing anything, I'm sure someone will add to this.

Great steamers however!

Larry,

The Mikado's cataloged (and delivered) from the 2011 Volume II catalog are the only Mike's shipped without builder plates. The initital release from the 2011 Volume I catalog were all correct.

 

The 3 blinks to the cab light means the main stack smoke unit fan motor is shorted or pulling too many amps. It is not a problem the inherent to any one locomotive, but rather a visual confirmation added in the newer electronics cadre to identify a problem prior to pulling the product apart. When the blinking cab light appears all the is necessary is to turn the smoke unit off using the manual switch and all other functions of the loco are operational (and no potential damage will occur as a result of the error code).

 

Aside from the missing builder plates there are no other predominant issues with the Mikado's. BTW, Lionel service has the builder plates in stock and available.

 

Thanks,

Mike

lionel certainly is doing things the right way.mike and his team should be commended for helping their customers.

 

even my few e-mails with question's about something  have always been  answered in a day or so.

 

never have my e-mails gone un-answered.its nice to know that they do indeed care about the customer's as c.sam and other's can attest to.

 

terry.........

I have always had super fast service from Mike and Lionel.  They are great to deal with.

 

I just sent out my Lionel K4 to them today with a few issues. Had to send it on the slow boat from USPS as UPS wanted $48 to ship and insure. WOW!