@New guy posted:Missing as in the production people missed it and it was designed flawed.
Of course my 4 year old spotted it. "Where is his beard?"
I understand the frustration with purchasing something new, and it failing to meet quality expectations. There is no excuse for missing pieces, figures, etc. Lionel and/or the distributor should (and typically does in my experience) take care of problems like this. Covid has impacted most all businesses and small companies, such as Lionel with small staffs, are not different. I think we need to give a little bit of leeway to get issues sorted out.
My friendly suggestion: While the cleanly shaven fireman isn't correct, it is an opportunity to make it right alongside your 4 year old. Get some cotton balls, some orange spray paint (or food coloring), some hot glue, and make the fireman right together. This is where the magic of the hobby happens. Getting to spend time with your child, identifying problems, formulating solutions, and executing them. I guarantee your child will always have a sense of pride when looking at that fireman years down the road.
