I got my new Lionel Lion Chief Plus RS-3 a week ago -- Hobby store called today and said ship it back - Lionel has issued a complete recall. Store said they will pay postage and will reship to me a new unit or when mine is repaired for the recall. I got little other info/
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Yes, my local dealer got the same news also. His distributor came down to pickup the engines in question. No news yet as to what exactly the issue is.
Thank you for letting us know.
I have the recall notice for the RS-3 but no reason. I was quite impressed with
the way it ran and sounded.
Why the recall for a product that works so well?
A quick google search found this:
WOW! What a bummer. I wonder if we'll ever see the GP-7'S.
I think I'd have just installed the correct sized tires instead of going through the problems of shipping it back. 
Good for Lionel for catching and correcting BEFORE it was posted here on the Forum. That's gotta be some kind of record!
Jon 
WOW! What a bummer. I wonder if we'll ever see the GP-7'S.
I doubt such a minor problem as replacing traction tires will have much to do with GP-7s coming out.
I think I'd have just installed the correct sized tires instead of going through the problems of shipping it back.
I'd agree with that.
WOW! What a bummer. I wonder if we'll ever see the GP-7'S.
I can't see a problem with one being related to the production of the other
At least its a minor recall, not like they were catching fire
I think I'd have just installed the correct sized tires instead of going through the problems of shipping it back.
I'd agree with that.
I think I wouldn't bother with either unless it was derailing on MY layout.
The GP-7's are shipping now and even if it is running ok, you need to send it back. We will pay the shipping back to us if you bought it from us.
Well, shucks, after waiting for more that a few months, this is a little disappointing. Hopefully, Christmas won't pass before we see these things.
Agreed Bob,
I would think that it shouldn't take that much time to do the re-work, but
the logistics of getting the correct parts on hand and setting up the
procedure are the first steps that will need to be done.
As it is I just so happen to be involved in the waiting process for these also as I have 2 PRR LC+ RS3s on order so I can MU them with one remote.
Dennis
Piscataway, NJ
On Wed, Aug 20, 2014 at 8:39 AM, O Gauge Railroading On Line Forum <
alerts@hoop.la> wrote:
Kudos to Lionel for taking a proactive approach to repair a seemingly simple problem on their own. Let's face it, many toy companies would have shrugged it off or at most sent replacement tires to service centers. Its great to be in a hobby where the manufacturers care about their reputations and are willing to make things right.
Lionel have some ex-GM folks???
Lionel have some ex-GM folks???
I hope that Lionel is not sending them back to China to get repaired!
Any informtion on new delivery date?
Sorry to resurrect this old thread but I'm looking to purchase a Lionel #6-38779 New York Central LionChief Plus RS-3.
Does anyone know why the recall was issued? And is this a wise purchase?
Thanks,
Jon
@ffjon posted:Sorry to resurrect this old thread but I'm looking to purchase a Lionel #6-38779 New York Central LionChief Plus RS-3.
Does anyone know why the recall was issued? And is this a wise purchase?
Thanks,
Jon
How about earlier RS-3 models. I have a Reading Lines?? It has had problems with MTH 0-31 switches.
If it's just traction tires, it's an easy fix.
Sorry I have a GP-7 lionchief plus. Are others of the Lionchief Plus line similarly effected?
@Former Member posted:Why the recall for a product that works so well?
Maybe too many buyers were shocked and amazed?
Interesting these locos were recalled for something as minor as traction tires.
Oh wait...... this was back in 2014.
Wasn't Mike at the helm back then in 2014?
@Chuck Sartor posted:Wasn't Mike at the helm back then in 2014?
Bingo!
Looking back at this, I'm confused. Ed h posted a copy of the notice on 8/19/14, but looking up the engines, the RS-3s named were cataloged in 2016. (?)
I have two of these engines, and don't recall getting any notice, but it appears the dealers passed the info on to their buyers. I bought mine from an on-line dealer. Never heard anything. I suspect most owners never heard anything about this.
The 4 locos appeared in the 2014 rtr catalog. In late 2013 or early 2014 there was also an 8 page separate flyer for the new line of LionChiefplus locos which included the RS-3 models.
I would guess that the reason for the recall, for something minor, was the consideration of the buyer profile. They probably figured that it would be a more casual user rather than a hardcore 3-rail fanatic.
was 2014 the year they had the plastic gears in in the gp7 and rs3 and decided to go with metal gear because of problems
Don’t think my father would have started me in this hobby in 1958 if Lionel was made anywhere but America.....I hesitate to buy these days (although I still must) due to quality control deficiencies since trains made in China....
I bought the NYC Rs-3 from the first batch of Lion Chief + . It was a Dud from the get go. The Lights gave a Strobe effect & would not move Period . I took back to the LHS to get refund !
my NYC mikado lion chief + is great !
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