New Visionline GG1 Amtrack with frozen Pantograph

One of our local dealers ordered five GG1's. Three had to be sent back to Lionel. One had a frozen pantograph, the other two simply stopped running after two and after eight hours respectively. Putting this or any other engine away in a closet without extensive testing would seem like risky business.

Larry, I feel bad for the guys who have these problems.  It is not their fault.  I know Dean at Lionel is very committed to getting everyone help.  I did not buy one for reasons that I have many MTH and Williams G motors.  I hope everything works out for the owners.  Sometimes it takes less time to contact Lionel and get an RA number than it does to put out a post against the engine and Lionel.  

Turbgine,  that is good advice on testing.  No matter what make a train is, it is a smart move to test it good before putting it away.  Two reasons for this.  If you get a bad one, your dealer usually will replace it and the warranty issue comes in to the mix.

I am one for two regarding Vision Line GG-1 pantograph issues. My recently purchased (brand new) Bicentennial GG-1 has a rear pantograph stuck in the up position that occurred  after about one or two hours of operation and is on its way back to Lionel for fixing. My "Old Rivets" version was purchased last year when these locos first hit the market and does not have any pantograph issues--- at least not yet. 

Both units have front pilots that remain skewed to one side after exiting a curve, that is, the front pilot does not center up upon exiting a curve and entering a straight section. Does anyone have a fix for that issue?

Just opened up a new one today, the one pantograph seems a bit higher in the lowest stage that the other. Any ideas to fix this?

also do you need premium Lionel smoke for it to work or would Mth work?

Robert Cushman posted:

Just opened up a new one today, the one pantograph seems a bit higher in the lowest stage that the other. Any ideas to fix this?

also do you need premium Lionel smoke for it to work or would Mth work?

The easy answer first: either smoke fluid will work just fine. The funnel inside this locomotive is long.  Put the fluid in slowly and blow gently to get the fluid all the way down to the smoke unit.  Initially, you will need about 20 drops.  Read the instructions to set up the smoke unit to function like the prototype and not like a steam engine.

As far as the pantograph, I had this problem.  It is not easy to fix.  The locomotive is new so, if it bothers you, call Lionel and get an RMA.  If you are adventurous and have the tools you can adjust it by taking the engine apart and removing the pantograph.  You have to adjust the pin on the pan that closes the down position limit switch.  Under the circumstances, consider returning it.

I’ll send you a photo of it. Honestly not a huge deal. My Acela did the same thing. I’ll try doing that with the smoke as well. Thanks again for the help!!

Smoke works.

Here are photos of the pantographs.