Originally Posted by PaperTRW:
If I remember correctly, the 6-28857 Alaska GP-7 was one of the locomotives delivered with a plastic pinion gear on the motor shaft. It didn't take long for the gear to split on the shaft. At the time, Lionel provided a free motor upgrade that used a metal gear, but I'm guessing they no longer provide the free upgrades.
I hope this helps.
TRW
Why not? If it is defective design/manufacturing would expect them to stand behind it.
Everyone knows most of the new stuff is barely run by the amount that is for sale and still new in the box years after production.