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My trouble with my Visionline GG-1 continues...

After getting the model back from warranty repair, after having it gone since early January, I take it out of the box and I find that I still am having problems. 
The biggest thing is that the rear pantograph, which I had to have them fix to begin with because the rear motor died on it, will only arc every now and then, but the engine will still make the sounds for the feature like it's suppose too. Look at the video in the link I've included and you'll see what I mean. 

Needless to say...I'm getting very tired of dealing with this engine and Lionel costumer service. I've sent them an email and will, hopefully, hear back from them this week about a solution. 
But if my first time around is any indication I'm probably going to have to get my dealer to get ahold of them for me just to get an RA number. 

For my first VL model, I can't say it's been a fun run. 

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If I fully understand the electrical connection for the LED's, the pantograph frame itself is the conductor.  Notice there's no wiring involved....the front and rear pan halves serve as the + and - leads.  The fact that your sparking pan electronics is going through it's paces and not always flashing with the coordinated sounds would indicate to me continuity issues due to the dirty mechanical connections.  If I experienced the same with mine, my first line of attack would be to shoot all the pan joints with tuner cleaner, like DeOxit.  Light spritzes followed by numerous workouts of the pans should clean and properly lubricate the mating surfaces.

 

Bruce

Last edited by brwebster

Mine has been with Lionel for warranty repairs since it first arrived. I was having pantograph issues and it was running rough. It really has been a disappointment so far. I've owned other vision line engines in the past and had always been happy with them. Hopefully whatever is next for the vision line works out better than the GG1's. 

No, Ray, the rear pan is not functioning correctly.  Each time you hear the arcing sound the LED should light.  I think Bruce may be right, about it being a continuity issue.  I would be leary about shooting Deoxit, or anything else on the pan for fear of getting it on the paint.  The pan can be detached but you will need a 3mm socket; also there are two wires connected to it (LED feeder) which have very little slack.

I know you really don't want to hear this but, you should, probably, send it back to Lionel.  Sorry 

Danr posted:

No, Ray, the rear pan is not functioning correctly.  Each time you hear the arcing sound the LED should light.  I think Bruce may be right, about it being a continuity issue.  I would be leary about shooting Deoxit, or anything else on the pan for fear of getting it on the paint.  The pan can be detached but you will need a 3mm socket; also there are two wires connected to it (LED feeder) which have very little slack.

I know you really don't want to hear this but, you should, probably, send it back to Lionel.  Sorry 

Oh make no mistake I'm going to send it back! I've already emailed Lionel tonight and hope to hear from the this week. If they do not reply by the end of the week I'll be calling them. 

Ray Lombardo posted:

That looks like it is working fine to me.  Not sure I see what the issue is.  I would run the locomotive and enjoy it.

The LED on the rear pantograph on lights after once in a while. It's suppose to flash everytime the sound on the engine plays. Half the time it works, half the time it does not.

Enjoy it? Not after It's been months since I've had it and it's still not working right. Especially with a feature that was suppose to be the key selling feature of the model to begin with. 

I read others had a similar issue when they were first released.  If I recall correctly, the pans have tiny screws which hold them together.  If the screws get loose, you can have the problem you are reporting.  I would check the screws in the pan.  You may just need to snug them up a bit.  Not too tight as the pan needs to move at each joint.  I do not own a Vision GG1, so I cannot comment for sure.  Its worth a quick check, and could save you a trip back.

It's always a risk when packing and shipping that you will end up with additional damage. It's worth the DeOxit try, to avoid going through the heartache of more issues. It's probably all they will need to do to fix it for you. It's also a good product to keep around for cleaning pick-up rollers.

Danr posted:

Lionel is pretty good about responding to emails but it will be a day or two.  I would just call them, that way you will have an RA and return label by the evening.  I have always found the Lionel customer service reps to be very good.  Just remember it is okay to be frustrated with the product but be nice to the rep.

Good luck.

Of course. It wasn't their fault the problem happened. 

J Daddy posted:

Maybe its my age but when I purchase a product and something just does not seem quite right, or robust enough. I will flip it and walk away. Some items are home runs... others are just waiting for that next open house to take a dump.

And just another reason why I don't buy from anyone but Authorized dealer's..............

Train6666 posted:
J Daddy posted:

Maybe its my age but when I purchase a product and something just does not seem quite right, or robust enough. I will flip it and walk away. Some items are home runs... others are just waiting for that next open house to take a dump.

And just another reason why I don't buy from anyone but Authorized dealer's..............

Agreed. Thankfully my dealer is one. Infact I had to get him to talk to Lionel after they wouldn't return my phone calls and emails about getting an RA number for the engine in the first place.  

brwebster posted:

If I fully understand the electrical connection for the LED's, the pantograph frame itself is the conductor.  Notice there's no wiring involved....the front and rear pan halves serve as the + and - leads.  The fact that your sparking pan electronics is going through it's paces and not always flashing with the coordinated sounds would indicate to me continuity issues due to the dirty mechanical connections.  If I experienced the same with mine, my first line of attack would be to shoot all the pan joints with tuner cleaner, like DeOxit.  Light spritzes followed by numerous workouts of the pans should clean and properly lubricate the mating surfaces.

 

Bruce

I wonder if it's possible to get the JLC GG1's to spark..... I got 5 of them. 

Danr posted:

Lionel is pretty good about responding to emails but it will be a day or two.  I would just call them, that way you will have an RA and return label by the evening.  I have always found the Lionel customer service reps to be very good.  Just remember it is okay to be frustrated with the product but be nice to the rep.

Good luck.

I always call and have an email with an RA# the same day.

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