I got mine at an auction and it worked reliably out of the box and for several years afterwards. Currently needs servicing because of what I think is an Odyssey issue but in every other respect is one of the finest model locos Lionel has ever produced, IMHO. It was practically a Vision Line engine of its time.
I once suggested to Lionel that they re-issue the Veranda as a VL model. Got the usual form of email brush off but I’ll keep on saying that!