Dave2,
What you got back works properly. If you don't like the way it turned out I suggest take a formal complaint to:
- Lionel
- The Better Business Bureau
- The Attorney General for the State of Michigan
You're obviously certain that Brasseur's did nothing, and that they couldn't find parts, or wouldn't take the time to look for them. Do you know that they are one of the most respected repair organizations, and a sponsor for this forum? Do you know that parts for many things are indeed in short supply?
You also have a problem with what they charged you. Your product's warranty had expired. Lionel's warranty matches it's competitors in the business so you it should not, and apparently didn't, come as a surprise that you'd have to pay for repair.
Be aware however that the set you bought is one of least expensive Lionel offers. From it's list price (MSRP $139.95, 5 years ago) it should be clear that it would be hard to pay the going rate for a repair technician and not quickly exceed a reasonable fraction of the original cost.
Repair shops have to make money or they won't be in business for long. Many, many, many have closed.
Looking at all this, ask the techs here on the forum for their opinion but I'd say you did reasonably well.
The standard for quality service by a provider, one I learned many, many years ago, is to leave your customer pleasantly surprised.
Given this was your experience perfect? No.
Does it seem to be acceptable compared to what it could have been? Yes.
Hopefully your future purchases turn out better.
In the mean time, and in this case, you're asking for too much.
Mike
