Other than MTH, my LHS is NOT an authorized Lionel Repair Service Center, because the owner did not want to spend the money and time for Lionel's training course, but the store is an authorized Lionel dealer!
For a slight nominal fee they will check the item for the problem and inform the customer of such.
And for another slight nominal fee, they will repair and/or replace the part after the customer first orders the part from Lionel.
To check for the problem was $25.00 and depending on the part needed, cost of the part and the location in the item, where the part goes, the cost can vary from $35.00 and up!!!!!!!!
The cost of one of my newer diesel locomotives, out of warranty, was cheaper to pay for S.&H. and repair to the Lionel repair center, when they were in Michigan.
I had to wait about two weeks, total time and the return freight cost me nothing, compliments of a-la Lionel and with a year warranty on the new part.
Ralph
