BOILERMAKER1,
So sorry to read about your problem with your engine. Definitely, your engine should of never came back from Lionel the way it did. If Lionel couldn't repair your engine correctly, they should of called you, letting you know your engine cannot be repaired. Then, they should of offered to either try to find you another one or send you a different locomotive at the same value of yours. The other thing they should of done, would of been to contact your dealer and work out a deal with your dealer, whereby your dealer would refund you, your purchase price.