Got to check out and detail some new Lionscale reefers. I must say, Quality issues are several.
Lionel had a chance to improve upon some things. The compressor ladder, door and guide issues that plagued Weaver still exist. The door doesn’t slide evenly. This operational part is weak along with its ladder. Perhaps metal parts would have been a better choice.
All brake wheels were not glued as most just fell off during the handling process.
New Trucks - Screw tightening on bolsters is a guess and varies from car to car. Same issue Weaver had. Still using those odd ball sized fine thread screws.
No end of car ID markings present. Weaver also missed that detail. Two railers won’t accept this.
Brake man’s platform on end of car was never installed. Also its box label was missing the last digit on the road number. Just a dot was present.
Flat rough texture paint on most cars. Smooth on only two. Which is it?
Lint – dust attached to paint on stirrup steps. Paint was not cured when placing shells on the dirty work surface during production. Had to remove debris.
Improvements were overlooked along with a good Quality inspection in a rush to market this potentially nice model.
I’m finding that the Made in America Quality inspection is about the same as or worse than overseas. Too bad we can’t get it right.
Despite of the discoveries, the cars turned out nicely!