What to do with a defective Lionel locomotive

Send it back.....why keep something that isn't right? Let them at least attempt to make it right. 

What is your time worth? You can box it up and drive to your dealer or post office or you can go online, find a magnet that will fit for a few bucks and when it arrives glue it in place. I understand in principle it should be perfect when new so you'll have to decide.

 

Pete

Call them and ask them to send a new correct one.  Then cement it in place.

Depends on who you bought it from.  If it was an authorized dealer, have them fix it.  If not, you're pretty much on your own, but it sounds like an easy fix with the right part and a little creativity.

If it were me, I would return it to my dealer and get a new one.

I'm confused. I've never examined a Legacy GP-9, so I'm curious about just what is the

problem. Just want to know; not being a smart-aleck.

 

What front and rear "panels"? What magnets? Where? For what? What "broken hole"?

=======

 

Update: I figured out the terminology/my problem. I...must...buy...more...modern...diesels...

 

 

 

If the shell is actually broken, I'd take it back.  If the magnet is just missing or loose, I have glued many of those back, I sure wouldn't go through the angst of sending it back for that.

 

another instant where the 6-number would help a lot!

 

but I believe the op is talking about the radiator or a small section of the body covering the switches being held in place with a small magnet.

 A lot of the newer engines have the switches located on top of the engine for easy access. Steamers might be under a sand dome. Diesels under a hood panel. They are held in place by small (~3/16" diameter magnets) rather than screws.

 

Pete

If you need disk magnets, K&J Magnetics has tons of them, and they have a lot of very small disks, just like what holds the cover in place.  I use these for chuff switch installations.

The little magnets are available from Lionel. When they reopen. Drop the service dept an email, and they might drop one in the mail for you. I wouldn't go through the hassle and cost shipping it back, for a 2.00 part.

Yes if it's one of the hatch magnets give them a call. But give them a better description, your post is a little confusing as to what you need.

 

If it were me, I would not go through all the hassle to send it back for one of those magnets. If the hatch stays on, and there is no external cosmetic damage, I wouldn't even worry about it.

Yeah, stuff like that is easier, plus there is some slight chance it is damaged during shipment.  magnets and stuff like that come loose: I'm fix it myself.

 

 

I understand. If it were me, though, I would leave it go if it stays on.

 

I would agree with the overall consensus of others' replies.  If the hatches/panels stay on reliably and there's no other general issues with the locomotive (cosmetic, functional, etc.) then I would leave it well enough alone.

 

I had the exact same problem with a UP Legacy GP7.  But the other magnets hold the cover on just fine and I've never had any problems or issues with it. 

 

IMHO, this problem is so minor, you'd be better off just to leave it, or fix it yourself.  Not worth the hassle, expense, and time delay in sending it back for something like this.

That cover is not going to come off anyway.Move on with your life.Nick

Okay I get the message suck it up and move on. Yes the cover stays on without a problem.

Have you tried shaking the engine to check if the broken piece(s) might be inside?

 

Pete

Yes but I recogn I should remove the shell as the magnet could be stuck to somethig inside.

Man, some of you guys are tough on a new forumite

 

I also have a Legacy GP9 with the same defect you mention, broken housing and no magnet.  I had enough of the magnet "housing" left (about 1/2) and found a magnet I could fit in the hole.  This engine was an engineering sample from Lionel so I knew what I had ( a free engine with some minor cosmetic problems that were easily fixed, the engine ran/runs great).

 

The "panel" or cover DOES fall off if you pick the engine up and not keep it perfectly level.  I must have had mine fall off 2 dozen times before I finally fixed it.

 

Unless you're comfortable with disassembling your engine I would hesitate doing so.  This Legacy GP9 is full-o-wires and tight fits.  I also had a cab window that was flopping around inside.  I took mine apart mainly because I was going to do a repaint, so at the same time I fixed all the things I found.  If it's running fine now it may not after you reassemble it unless you're confident enough to do so.

 

I'd get a small inspection flashlight and probe around with it to see if you can see the magnet that is missing.

 

If you honestly think you can't fix it I'd return it to the place of purchase or send it to Lionel for service.

Marty,

 

Welcome to SD, dude (might as well get used to the lingo now  )  Come join us at the San Diego 3-Railers Club as soon as your feet touch down.  We're in the San Diego Model Railroad Museum in Balboa Park.

Is this a new engine purchased from a dealer, or a used engine purchased on the secondary market?

he might be someone who visited on a Tuesday and intends to join our club.

 

 

sorry for the highjack.

Send it back with a letter that you have been dissatisfied with their product. With My Baby Berkshires Lionel made with TMCC, I got fed up with how their service was claiming they fixed but it didn't work, and asked for my money back.

Holy smokes Tim, this thread is over a year old