Scott,
If requesting a Return Authorization (RA) from Lionel becomes your only option, suggest waiting until you thoroughly run and exercise the set (e.g.; through many loop rotations) to make sure there are no addition problems that might need repair.
While the pantographs are a very cool and impressive feature, I keep mine always locked down to avoid any risk of snagging on scenery, tunnel entrances, bridges or wires hanging down from my 2nd level (avoiding damage to a $2300+ purchase !!)