@bob2 posted:I am not totally unskilled, but when looking inside my Lionel FEF (since gutted and 2-railed) I could see that trouble-shooting might be a difficult process. Assuming that one simply pulls the old circuitry and installs new, I could see three or four hours' labor plus parts and shipping. That is approaching the cost of a new model, unless the labor cost is way below what your employer charges for your efforts.
I can see why Lionel refuses to deal with out-of-warranty items: it would be so expensive as to drive up the cost of new production, and probably lead to the actual demise of your favorite model train source.
I think the bigger issue is they have too many warranty repairs that they'd never be able to keep up.
Whoever Jada is, they must be a cottage industry - willing to work for $25/hr with zero overhead expenses. Good for them - tell them thank you as often as possible, because they are doing you a giant favor.
Jada is a one man operation. Alex seems to enjoy fixing these engines and also has a curiosity streak in him.
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