Paul Kallus posted:As I have four calls into Lionel service and 3 into Charles Ro on this matter, I guess I am a broken record to them. Am trying to stay optimistic.
See the featured message on the J at the top of the forum. Ryan addresses this in his last post. Sounds like they are rerunning the shells.
MartyE posted:Paul Kallus posted:As I have four calls into Lionel service and 3 into Charles Ro on this matter, I guess I am a broken record to them. Am trying to stay optimistic.
See the featured message on the J at the top of the forum. Ryan addresses this in his last post. Sounds like they are rerunning the shells.
Item #3 on his follow-up post. I'm glad he mentioned it. I believe my post asking was removed, but he must have seen it prior. He did address it, and I now am 100% satisfied. Returning for a refund was not an option. I can't seem to get cash to run around the layout. Trains do much better.
I'm happy with this as well. Looking forward to it being in the consist next year.
MartyE posted:I'm happy with this as well. Looking forward to it being in the consist next year.
Marty,
I assume the consist headed by that beautiful Bi-Polar you received a month or so ago? If you are at York next October we have to meet. We have been dogging this forever since the 1st posting. I as well as you, feel much better.
I'm not that knowledgeable about collection value - never bought any trains for anything other than running them and having fun, but with a limited amount of these cars being produced as "mistakes", is it possible these could be a rare item in the distant future and therefore valuable?
Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:MartyE posted:Paul Kallus posted:As I have four calls into Lionel service and 3 into Charles Ro on this matter, I guess I am a broken record to them. Am trying to stay optimistic.
See the featured message on the J at the top of the forum. Ryan addresses this in his last post. Sounds like they are rerunning the shells.
Item #3 on his follow-up post. I'm glad he mentioned it. I believe my post asking was removed, but he must have seen it prior. He did address it, and I now am 100% satisfied. Returning for a refund was not an option. I can't seem to get cash to run around the layout. Trains do much better.
I'm glad Ryan addressed this as well. It makes me feel a lot better about my preorders in the new catalog. 
sord posted:I'm not that knowledgeable about collection value - never bought any trains for anything other than running them and having fun, but with a limited amount of these cars being produced as "mistakes", is it possible these could be a rare item in the distant future and therefore valuable?
Not to sound like a naysayer, but, mistakes must be very rare to make collectability. Also, low number in quantity. I think there were enough produced that the market would not appreciate in value. I know there are people out there with upside down lettering etc. and they don't seem to hold the value in high esteem. I'm glad they are going to make them right. As far as collectability, we will see, especially if they don't want the wrong shells returned. Then the auction sites will tell.
I still think it would be helpful if Ryan (or somebody) would come out and address the issue of the RPOs squarely. I realize he said in the other thread the RPOs were being remade in Korea. Does that mean they are being “remade” by offering shells to existing owners? Will they be free or will there be a cost to replacing them? What is the timing? I agree that hearing something today is better than the previous silence, but I still have no tangible idea as to what is going on and this thing has been lingering since the fall. I’m okay being patient for as long as necessary, but it would be great to have a little communication as to how long my patience is to be necessary.
I still think that you need to send your product back to your store or distributor so they can can hopefully send it back to Lionel. If Lionel does not receive any or very little quantity back, why would they care to produce any more if there is little or no problems that they receive in returns. Hopefully I did the correct choice in returning mine back. I have no idea if Charles Ro will return it to Lionel or try and resale it as well. But am hoping they send it back to Lionel to make a statement.
These qa/qc problems are ridiculous in trying to sustain the hobby or product line.
I figured I'd open this wound again and ask if anyone has heard anything on correcting this car's colors? Ryan @Conrail6358 did mention in the J repaint thread that they were being reran in Korea. With Christmas approaching and wanting to run all my Polar cars this is coming up again.
I didn't know if Ryan could comment or if any dealer or anyone else that might have had a conversation about this with them and whether any progress was made in Korea. With the Covid mess I'm not hopeful we'll see a correction soon but thought I'd check the forum in case someone else had any info.
@MartyE posted:I figured I'd open this wound again and ask if anyone has heard anything on correcting this car's colors? Ryan @Conrail6358 did mention in the J repaint thread that they were being reran in Korea. With Christmas approaching and wanting to run all my Polar cars this is coming up again.
I didn't know if Ryan could comment or if any dealer or anyone else that might have had a conversation about this with them and whether any progress was made in Korea. With the Covid mess I'm not hopeful we'll see a correction soon but thought I'd check the forum in case someone else had any info.
I spoke with Katie about a month ago. She knew it was an active issue, but did not know anything more than that.
When I spoke to someone prior (maybe Ryan), the plan was to run shells with the car (2027480 18" Hobo Car that is being released soon. They will be on the same paint run.
If they don't, I figure move on. Looking at the RPO as is, I figured a coat of Tamiya Dullcote would even it out a bit. Something with a little smoke in it will help add depth and darken it up a bit.
Christmas already. Let's only hope Marty. The set built up is very beautiful, with the exception....
My messages regarding the RPO remain unanswered. I understand phone calls may be better than emails, but I’ve always had good luck getting my emails answered so I assume the lack of an answer is related to the subject, not the method of communication.
Perhaps a bit irrational, but I’ve decided the RPO is a circuit breaker issue for me relating to preorders. I realize the car itself is not big bucks, but for me it represents my accumulated frustration on these types of “variations.”
FWIW: I suppose it was the little cold spell here (after a brutal summer it is very welcome) in PA to get my interest in the Polar Express revived...so I followed up with customer service today at lunch break...the person didn't have any updates on the RPO color solution(s), but took my number and said he'll look into it.
I think we're going on a decent lapse of time since the issue was first brought to Lionel's attention. Given the global pandemic, its likely some things got sidelined. Nevertheless, I recommend others giving them a call.
I still have my RPO cars (white and black roofed) sitting in boxes waiting for either re-paint or shell replacement. Given that they're scale cars and relative high price point, I am expecting a satisfactory resolution.
@Paul Kallus posted:FWIW: I suppose it was the little cold spell here (after a brutal summer it is very welcome) in PA to get my interest in the Polar Express revived...so I followed up with customer service today at lunch break...the person didn't have any updates on the RPO color solution(s), but took my number and said he'll look into it.
I think we're going on a decent lapse of time since the issue was first brought to Lionel's attention. Given the global pandemic, its likely some things got sidelined. Nevertheless, I recommend others giving them a call.
I still have my RPO cars (white and black roofed) sitting in boxes waiting for either re-paint or shell replacement. Given that they're scale cars and relative high price point, I am expecting a satisfactory resolution.
I am in the same boat. Luckily I have only the 1 white Roof RPO. If Lionel does not address this I think a fine coat of Tamiya Dulcote will soften the brilliance. I only have the one car left on pre-order to complete the set. Hope that one is right. My gut is 50% that they will rectify this. We will know fore sure when they get ready to release the last one. That would be the time to paint shells in that production run.
I will lob a call in and squeak the wheel a bit.
Well I was getting ready to pull my scale Polar set out for the year and then when I got to the RPO car remembered that it's still incorrect. I keep on picking this scab. Anyone hear any updates about a new shell. I'll email Lionel again but thought before I do see if anyone has beat me to it.
I guess it will be delegated to the Island of Misfit Toys. A real shame too as it would have looked great with the consist. As Clarice sang "there's always tomorrow", or next year.
On 9/23, Aaron at Lionel said he'd get back to me...how time flies...I'll give Lionel a call again...maybe they're strength in numbers...if 2 or 3 of us call in the same day.
@MartyE posted:Well I was getting ready to pull my scale Polar set out for the year and then when I got to the RPO car remembered that it's still incorrect. I keep on picking this scab. Anyone hear any updates about a new shell. I'll email Lionel again but thought before I do see if anyone has beat me to it.
I guess it will be delegated to the Island of Misfit Toys. A real shame too as it would have looked great with the consist. As Clarice sang "there's always tomorrow", or next year.
I have been waiting. In the absence of a Lionel remedy I think it can be somewhat corrected. Tamiya makes a synthetic laquer in a clear dull coat. I have used it in modeling for many models. It should work very well at killing the brilliance in the blue which makes it stand out like "spats at an Iowa picnic". A little rubbing will bring on a little dull matte look to match the textrure of the other cars. If they don't move on the replacement shells, then I will try it. I will post if it gets to that.
@sord posted:I'm not that knowledgeable about collection value - never bought any trains for anything other than running them and having fun, but with a limited amount of these cars being produced as "mistakes", is it possible these could be a rare item in the distant future and therefore valuable?
Discussed this with guys recently, their opinion was this was a big deal with Postwar collectors, today's customer isn't interested in factory errors.
Has anyone gotten an update on these cars?
I emailed the "Talk to Us" address. I'm waiting on a reply. I've actually had pretty good luck with that.
FWIW: I called Lionel customer service but never got through...so I sent an e-mail to Talk to Us.
If we don't hear back on this matter this year, then perhaps a letter to Howard Hitchcock will be my last hope. He responded to my letter 2 years ago regarding the scale PE trucks and paint blotches. I still think the written word via USPS conveys thought and feeling beyond e-mails and phone calls.
@Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:I have been waiting. In the absence of a Lionel remedy I think it can be somewhat corrected. Tamiya makes a synthetic laquer in a clear dull coat. I have used it in modeling for many models. It should work very well at killing the brilliance in the blue which makes it stand out like "spats at an Iowa picnic". A little rubbing will bring on a little dull matte look to match the textrure of the other cars. If they don't move on the replacement shells, then I will try it. I will post if it gets to that.
To me, this not an acceptable fix!!!
@Paul Kallus posted:If we don't hear back on this matter this year, then perhaps a letter to Howard Hitchcock will be my last hope. He responded to my letter 2 years ago regarding the scale PE trucks and paint blotches. I still think the written word via USPS conveys thought and feeling beyond e-mails and phone calls.
FWIW I did email Howard when the 611Js came out with the incorrect stripe color and the solution was still unresolved. I do know he read it and it made it's round around Lionel. It's certainly a viable avenue. I am definitely waiting though to see if the TTU avenue works.
@Big Jim posted:To me, this not an acceptable fix!!!
The purpose was to keep it out of the misfit toybox as mentioned earlier. I wont know if it accepatable until I do it. It is my last resort incase the Big L does nothing. I may be acceptable when complete. What is not acceptable is putting this on the customer to sort through. If anyone is keeping track, this goes back going on 2 years if I am correct.
Other than a passing comment on the thread regarding the N&W J color fiasco, I don’t think Lionel has ever acknowledged anything relating to the RPOs publicly. A year into it, I’ve now given up. My instincts at the time were to return it and I wish I had done so.
@Rider Sandman posted:Other than a passing comment on the thread regarding the N&W J color fiasco, I don’t think Lionel has ever acknowledged anything relating to the RPOs publicly. A year into it, I’ve now given up. My instincts at the time were to return it and I wish I had done so.
Actually Ryan did address this in this post. While I can't find mention of it, I believe Ryan was commenting on the RPO cars. Unless that is what you are referring to.
Point #3 Polar Express cars are a separate issue entirely – these will be remade in Korea.
I emailed Lionel a long time ago asking about this. I never received any followup.
Marty, that is the reference I was alluding to in my post. It doesn’t clear much up in my view. On its face, Ryan’s statement simply says they’ll be more made at some point. It is completely devoid of details and, frankly, doesn’t even make it clear the new ones will be offered as free replacements for the existing ones. Like I said, I’ve given up (which allows me to be pleasantly surprised if it gets fixed).
@MartyE posted:Actually Ryan did address this in this post. While I can't find mention of it, I believe Ryan was commenting on the RPO cars. Unless that is what you are referring to.
Point #3 Polar Express cars are a separate issue entirely – these will be remade in Korea.
When I spoke to Ryan there was conversation about having shells made when they did the 2027480 18: Hobo Car. That makes sense. If they don't do it then, then...........................we're probably on our own. The last shipping I had for the Hobo Car was Nov-Dec. After the red fiasco with the Lionel J Class, I pre ordered the MTH version. I did order the Black GS-1 or 2 from Lionel. Hard to blow black.
@Bryant Dunivan 111417 posted:When I spoke to Ryan there was conversation about having shells made when they did the 2027480 18: Hobo Car. That makes sense.
That would make sense. Certainly would be a solution for me but it would also be nice to know it's coming.
FWIW, I asked Lionel's TalkToUs about this last night. No human reply at this time.
Both RPOs (1927351 and 1927352) are now listed in the shipping schedule for delivery in May 2021. I have no idea what, if anything, that means for those of us who have the current version.
@MartyE posted:I emailed the "Talk to Us" address. I'm waiting on a reply. I've actually had pretty good luck with that.
I heard back and I very much appreciated the response via the Talk to Us avenue. The email stated that the new shells are in production and they are looking for a Spring 2021 delivery. A little later than I hoped but I'll take it.
Thank you Lionel for the response and making the new shells!
@MartyE posted:I heard back and I very much appreciated the response via the Talk to Us avenue. The email stated that the new shells are in production and they are looking for a Spring 2021 delivery. A little later than I hoped but I'll take it.
Thank you Lionel for the response and making the new shells!
Marty,
Thanks for your diligence on this one! Did Lionel give any instructions on how to follow up? Do we need to get on a list, work through our dealer, etc.?
Thanks again!!
@NBGT posted:Marty,
Thanks for your diligence on this one! Did Lionel give any instructions on how to follow up? Do we need to get on a list, work through our dealer, etc.?
Thanks again!!
They did not give me an instructions. I imagine once we get closer we'll get some details.
@MartyE posted:I heard back and I very much appreciated the response via the Talk to Us avenue. The email stated that the new shells are in production and they are looking for a Spring 2021 delivery. A little later than I hoped but I'll take it.
Thank you Lionel for the response and making the new shells!
Thanks for the follow up, Marty. “Spring 2021” seems to align with the shipping schedule date of May 2021. It’s certainly less than ideal that it’ll take over 1.5 years to fix from start to finish, but, like you, I’ll take it.
Thank you Marty!
I got the same message this morning from Aaron at Lionel, new shells slated for Spring of '21.
I received this email thius morning:
We are expecting these shells to be available likely in the Spring and will make an announcement at that time so that your shell may be brought in for exchange.
Hope you are doing well,
Katie
Customer Service Representative
6301 Performance Dr | Concord, NC 28027
800-454-6635 ext 2 (o) | LionelSupport.com (web)
Has anybody seen the hobo car? Are the colors right? I’m looking for a reason to believe the RPOs have a chance of getting fixed correctly.
I'm looking for a reason to justify pre-order of one of the new cars in the 2021 catalog. But until they resolve both the RPO and the hobo, I don't think I can make that justification. Who's to say they don't revert back to being color-blind.
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