Is it me or are other folks noticing that the bands on the LCT 400es seem to be sloppy? What I mean by sloppy? Seems as if the bands are misaligned or a little out of shape. I'm not sure if its the tin body that's not properly set or the band itself causing the issue. If you've ran across this issue how did you fix it or what was the real cause of the issue?
Sunrise
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Hey Sunrise,
I have black and Brass LCT 400E, and it appears to be fine, However, I have seen pics of other engines where they appeared to be off. Meaning they did not look straight on the boiler. I have wondered how they were attached?
Do they have tabs that are bent in under the boiler?
JoeG
omg will have to look at mine
My PERSONAL experiences with several LCT products, such as the Brute, the Showroom cars, the "Barnard" coach and a 216 hopper, have ALL had paint defects such as chips or styrofoam bits stuck to paint surfaces. 
Also had late production "Tinplate Traditions" motor/gear issues with BOTH a traditional 392E and a Proto 2.0 392E!
It seems the more recent Chinese tinplate production has had a serious lack of quality control, resulting in sporadic defects! 
I have been a loyal fan of MTH "Lionel Classics", "Tinplate Traditions", and the more recent LCT products until recently!
I might add the earlier MTH open-frame "Bild-a-Loco"-style motors have been VERY reliable and powerful in my two 408E's and a LC 2-400! 
The Korean-built (Samhongsa) "Lionel Classics" were much superior in quality to the later Chinese production.
The early Chinese "Tinplate Traditions" production was also of higher quality than the recent LCT!
ALL of the above are MY opinions based on MY own experience with these products! 
I have had to send back several 400es because of paint chips where the shell meets the frame. Here's an example of one from an online auction...Look to the far right. I thought I was just having bad luck but it seems to be a greater issue. The second photo, from the MTH Facebook page from York, is an example of a band issue. The center band isn't sitting correctly...how long before that chips the tin. From here on out..I will only buy SG tin from Sidetrack.. Allows me to thoroughly inspect my purchase.
SS:
I am in complete sympathy with your pain and frustration, having experienced many such defects myself!
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