If Lionel will not fix the issue of the "defective" coupler knowing they do not mate with existing couplers, then perhaps Lionel should introduce a new selling strategy. Option 1 sell the cars with trucks and couplers and option 2 sell only the car, less trucks and couplers.
When Atlas introduced the new and beautiful California Zephyr cars, they were originally shipped with window inserts that had the venetian blinds mounted on the outside of the car window, instead of inside. They realized this error and corrected future shipments. And those that purchased the early batch of cars were GIVEN new window inserts to correct the problem at no cost to the customer. I don't know how many hundreds of these first cars were shipped, but it was a lot.
Several years ago, Athearn produced some highly details F7's (HO) and stated that the models included "correct and accurate" details for each of the road names they produced. However, the CB&Q version had nose grab irons mounted on the right side of the F7. These should have been mounted on the left side. Athearn fixed this and shipped new shells, at no cost, to those that had the incorrect version. And they did not ask for the incorrect shells back!
So if we are going to pay $70 or more for Lionel freight cars that do not mate with other rolling stock, we shouldn't be forced to spend another $20 to $30 to rework the cars with either Kadee couplers or new trucks.
As for paint flacking, well I haven't played with my Freedom car long enough if that is an issue. But what I can tell you, I will not be buying the rest of the set at this time.
RAY
