@gunrunnerjohn posted:I will present an opposing view of this particular model. It has the infamous K-Line designed chassis with the internal gearbox. I have replaced a number drive blocks on these, I believe six and counting. It happens enough that I keep a spare new driveblock in stock so that I don't have to wait for it! Other than for damage from drops or zinc pest, this is the only model that I've had to replace the whole chassis on.
The problem with this model is an internal gear has a side load due to the gearbox design and works it's way off the shaft. Although it could probably be repaired by pulling ALL the wheels to be able to remove the internal gears, the amount of labor to do that simply isn't justified.
If you buy this model, I suggest you don't overload it with long consists, as I don't have any faith in it's longevity in heavy use.
I’ll second that,….problematic for sure,….and yes, it will affect the ones with the long haul tender,…..any of the Lionels with this type of gear box is susceptible to this failure, …fortunately, I do believe it is limited to the K4 at the moment, the problem lies in the intermediate gear in the compound gear box,…..the intermediate gear walks off the final drive, and then either slips and quits engaging, or goes into self destruct mode,…..
Pat
