@JohnActon posted:I am wondering if it was that way from the factory and you just did not notice it ? I have received damaged items new in the box and missed it for several days. Even though I thought I had given the item a good inspection when first opened. I wish I could examine it in person. That "crack" has an unusual formation usually a stress crack tapers to a hair line at the top. That crack seems to end as wide at the top as it is at the bottom. That looks like a molding problem more gap than crack. Two questions. Are you up for removing the body from the chassis ? Do you have the ability to make macro photos ? Some really close pix from all three sides outside, inside, and the bottom of the crack while shining a light through it. Would help tell the story. Look at it with a jewelers loop. Is there any paint on the mating faces of the crack ? If so then the crack / gap was there when it was painted. If it is a crack you should be able to push it closed. Once you determine if it is in fact a crack we will discuss a solution. I will have to make or find a similar crack then make photos of how to close the gap and make an invisible repair. I don't want to waste the time if it is a gap and not a crack. j
This engine went back to Lionel twice over the smoke unit.It is possible the crack was there but not as noticeable until now. My trains are in an unheated garage and the temperature got below freezing for several nights.. Maybe that caused it to open more. Also I don't expect any help from Lionel or the dealer because it is a custom run and no more of these are available.
