I've had a few bad boards from Lionel in the last 1.5 years. Just recently a Lionchief Polar Express board. Didn't work. I've got a spare (Frosty the Snowman) board I use to test so I know the engine is good. I've had them tell me they test them all before shipping - but I'm not totally believing it. Of course they don't send out bad ones on purpose.
Jim