You have a defective pantograph control board. Usually when they are bad the front will stay up and that is the end of the story. John, on the Little Joe you can usually bail out by hitting the motor with 9V switcking polarity a few times. Mini second contact.
ALEX M, I bought the previous Lionel GG1. One pantograph didn't operate but it had the motor sounds. I took the shell off and one wire to that motor was holding only by rosin. I resold it. I take everything that I buy apart, no matter what it is. Alex you are the man!
Hello everyone,
Thank you all for the kind comments and input, this thread became a very informative thread. That's what's great about this forum.
Thanks, Alex
My VL GG1 came with the hose detail missing on the rear pilot. A little hose and a sort of square hose assembly. I emailed Lionel and they said send it in. I just wanted a pilot or some hose detail so I could glue in on. The parts were not in the wrapper...so somebody at the factory was complicit.
There are still no parts for these on the Lionel Parts site. I figured to buy a pilot in order to not risk the shipping back and forth...and replace the hoses. Anyone know of these detail parts anywhere available?
cjack posted:My VL GG1 came with the hose detail missing on the rear pilot. A little hose and a sort of square hose assembly. I emailed Lionel and they said send it in. I just wanted a pilot or some hose detail so I could glue in on. The parts were not in the wrapper...so somebody at the factory was complicit.
There are still no parts for these on the Lionel Parts site. I figured to buy a pilot in order to not risk the shipping back and forth...and replace the hoses. Anyone know of these detail parts anywhere available?
Lionel usually doesn't post VL Parts until the warranty time period runs out from what I've seen in the past.
They haven't posted the parts for the VL-BB yet, and the warranty on those has run out for most of us.
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MartyE posted:cjack posted:My VL GG1 came with the hose detail missing on the rear pilot. A little hose and a sort of square hose assembly. I emailed Lionel and they said send it in. I just wanted a pilot or some hose detail so I could glue in on. The parts were not in the wrapper...so somebody at the factory was complicit.
There are still no parts for these on the Lionel Parts site. I figured to buy a pilot in order to not risk the shipping back and forth...and replace the hoses. Anyone know of these detail parts anywhere available?
Lionel usually doesn't post VL Parts until the warranty time period runs out from what I've seen in the past.
That's a good tip...I'll keep looking from time to time. I also wondered if those detail hose parts are available on some other pilot or train part sites. Are they typical? It'll be awhile before I find a junker VL GG1 
If you need a detail part just call. We don't typically post the VL parts online, but if you call we can take care of it.
gunrunnerjohn posted:They haven't posted the parts for the VL-BB yet, and the warranty on those has run out for most of us.
Thanks. I stand corrected. If I remember correctly, those parts didn't appear right away either.
Dave Olson posted:If you need a detail part just call. We don't typically post the VL parts online, but if you call we can take care of it.
Thanks, I'll look into that. Appreciate the reply!
This is a great thread, and again, I admire those of you that have the electrical ability, and intelligence to diagnose and repair these high tech engines. Alex, Marty, gunrunner John, and many others that post on this forum helping us to understand better the working of these new fun to run diesels and steamers makes the enjoyment of the hobby so much more fun....You all are the best.
Yesterday, I called Lionel Service and within 3 minutes, I was speaking with Angela in customer service, and she emailed me both an RA and shipping label for the return of my VL GG1....Fantastic service....Now, I hope I can pack it properly for the return for repair....Thank You for your kind advice...
Larry,
What went wrong with your VL GG1?
Richard
Richard, on my VL GG1, the front top marker light went out, and does not come on even after reprogramming the engine. It was suggested that I contact Lionel for warranty repair...I just posted how quick and simple it was. It's a fantastic sounding and performing engine. #4913 Tuscan.....
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Larry,
Nice GG1!
I will have to keep an eye on my 4935 VL GG1. When did you notice that the marker lights had stopped working?
Take care packing her up.
After I unpacked my GG1 I realized I should have taken a picture before I unpacked it. I hope I don't have to send mine back for repair.
Good luck with the repairs. Lionel took good care of me when my VL reefer arrived with a broken roller pickup.
Let us know how the repair process goes.
Richard
Ok Alex and Marty and gunrunner John, how in the world do you pack this beautiful GG1 like it came from Lionel. I know how the black rubber pieces fit, but, I do not want to force it into the container....Wow, I might need to drive it to the factory...Any ideas would be considered....Thank You.
leapinlarry posted:Ok Alex and Marty and gunrunner John, how in the world do you pack this beautiful GG1 like it came from Lionel. I know how the black rubber pieces fit, but, I do not want to force it into the container....Wow, I might need to drive it to the factory...Any ideas would be considered....Thank You.
Hi Larry,
I've only unpacked mine, I'll take a look today while I'm working in my shop and I'll let you know
Thanks, Alex
Larry, the black pieces fit on the upper part of the nose. The paper (probably still attached) goes against the paint. If you look at the styrofoam package. You will see that the cutout is squared off at the top on either end - that is to accommodate the black piece. Try fitting one before you pack. I wrap the engine with the foam sheet and plastic wrapper first - use a piece of tape to hold it. Then I fit the black pieces in place and fit it in the styrofoam- it is a very tight fit and it helps if you have another pair of hands.
Larry,
Check with your dealer, or other large dealers who may have a VL GG1 in stock.
Shurely one of them could open one up and take a picture of the GG1 in its factory packing for you.
Failing that option a road trip to NC wouldn't be out of the question.
Let us know how the packing project goes.
Richard
PS: are you going to the Nashville TCA show this Saturday ?
Our Casey Jones TCA show will be October 7th.
l
