Re: Lionel Service Department

AflyerOGR Forum Member

In a post I responded to a week or so ago I mentioned that we had been told at the Lionel Warehouse Sale that we were welcome to bring any locomotive that needed repairs to Service center in Concord NC, and we could watch them being fixed and tested. I had the opportunity to go visit the new facility today and had a really great experience.

I had two S Gauge Steamers that were not smoking very well, so it was time for repairs. Dean at Lionel is a great guy, and repaired both my Challenger and my new Y3. He repacked the smoke boxes with the fiberglas wicking material and replaced the fan motors in both locomotives. They now operate better than new. These are both Legacy locomotives and are pretty impressive pieces I am pretty excited to have them smoking so well, and hope the rebuild lasts.

I don't know if Lionel is listening, but if so, Mike this was a great experience, Dean you did a great job, and thanks for an enjoyable and educational visit. Phil, those new trucks went on my caboose just fine, thank you too.

Aflyer

11/20/149:47 PM

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Roundhouse BillOGR Forum Member

I did not make this event, but I always have had good luck in sending trains to the service department or calling for advice. I have never found them rude or not doing their best to help me.

On their smoke units I have learned to repack them myself when their smoke production goes down. The fiberglass wicks singe and stick to the heating element , which causes the fluid not to be able to get to the element. Lionel will sell you the wick material.

I wrote about the process of rebuilding wicks in the Flyonel diesels in the Roundhouse column in S Gaugian for the Jan/Feb issue 2014. I have done it in my Big Boy, Y3, and Challenger as well as diesels. It is not difficult.

11/21/1411:35 AM

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Rayin"S"OGR Forum Member

I have to chime in with Roundhouse Bill, my experiences with the Lionel service dept has always been pleasant. Needless to say I don't like having to send equipment in for repair but every time I have contacted them, whether it be for advice or repair service, they have been very courteous and helpful.

Ray

11/23/148:18 AM

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trainroomgaryOGR Forum Member DIGITAL SUBSCRIBER

Hi Aflyer • Great story about Lionel service at Concord NC. I would like to say that NC is to far of a drive from my train room to NC. Like you I would like to share a story about my Lionel Service at my local Authorized Lionel Service center. Wild Bill's trains, I have been going there for about 15 years and they have always been able to repair my locomotives.

Thank-you Ulmer & Bert.

Cheers from Michigan