Talked to the Lionel service folks via e-mail and then said to get a new remote. I can understand this as you have to know something is working and I didn't know that. With the return policy it isn't like you are going to be out all the money. The mailing back is a hassle but I needed to get this resolved. So I ordered a new remote and it solved the problem. So I'm a happy hobo camper along the main line.
Train ON