@Vernon Barry posted:Here's my issue with this. Forget about this specific sale. I'm not saying it was right, but there are FAR BIGGER underlying problems even if the sale went OK.
#1 The premise that buying a used engine with TMCC today, knowing full well Lionel Support has removed almost all of the electronic boards to support one of these engines should it need anything. Literally something as non showstopper critical as a smoke regulator- now could be a lot more involved to get fixed, and if it's a motor driver or other failure, the costs just keep ramping up for alternatives.
#2 The premise of buying what is one of the last K-line engines, actually delivered by Lionel in the end to customers. Again, the far bigger problem- you basically were buying a very unique engine that OBTW- has very little support information and parts. Google the very engine you are going to buy at a show BEFORE buying it. How do you even know if you are getting a good deal on it? By comparison, this EXACT engine is being sold by a reputable online dealer (trainz) and there are also a few on the bay. Everybody is walking around with smartphones, and then this user was complaining about credit card acceptance, but where was your google search and research before you agreed to the deal?
#3 Going to a show, walking around, looking for an engine without FIRST doing your homework on what you intend to buy- and what you do not want to buy-2 lists are equally important. Again, given the known constraints, parts and service considerations (example Williams, MTH, Lionel, K-line) all have different electronics, different parts, different features. Do you know what you do not want to buy? Example a MTH PS2 5V unless extremely cheap (due to the known potential failures), already upgraded to newer electronics, or you have an upgrade kit in reserve. Or maybe you just don't like PS1 engines and had problems in the past. Or you want something specifically with speed control (Odyssey, cruise, PS2,PS3, or Locosound). Maybe you want bluetooth control- more recent modern Lionel?
Again, the problem I see, and from a repair perspective and long term support- there is more than just testing at the show and getting a working condition engine. Are you paying too much for an engine that is a boat anchor of a project down the road?
Just a google of this exact model. I take all information with a grain of salt and not saying never buy this engine or something like it- but at least know the bigger picture situation.
Example- Lionel support- nothing on this engine
https://www.lionelsupport.com/search?keywords=2-11556
Search of this forum:
K-Line by Lionel sd70 #2-11556 - O Gauge Forum
O Gauge Railroading Magazinehttps://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com › topic › k-line-by-lio...Feb 15, 2017 — I have a k-line by Lionel sd70.Great details but runs terribly. I will update with ERR cruise commander and have some lighting questions.K-line site searchA common problem I have heard of is that this specific engine came in 3 different "tiers" of electronics and what the box says, vs the engine may not always match.Again, bottom line, even if the sale went OK, is this your best choice for a first TMCC engine? Are you really getting a good deal? What about long term maintenance and repair? What about a manual? What support and parts?
Sorry but this has nothing to do with the original issue. The seller either did not know what he was selling or was dishonest, one of the two. Every guy always says the same thing at train shows. "Hardly run, Like New, Hard to find".
Half the time they never even put it on the track to test it.
My guess is he just assumed it ran because of its cosmetic condition, probably from an estate sale.
However this constant posting from everyone about boards always going bad is over exaggerated. Some do for various reasons, but the majority of TMCC engines are totally fine and may never have an issue. Same thing with this constant PS2 3 volt/5 volt board discussion. I have 5 volt engines that are 20 years old that run fine, plus MTH sells stacker boards to fix them now, so it's a moot point.
TMCC engines are the best value going right now with the high cost of Legacy engines. Also, some engines were only ever made in TMCC.
If I am buying an engine at a show I ask questions and expect to be given an honest answer. He could have said he did not know if it ran, then it would be on the buyer to make the decision.
That is the one difference with York. Everyone is a TCA member so very easy to know who you bought from and be able to contact them after if something like this happened.
Other shows, anyone can sell anything.
