The base is not removable, despite what the box says. Makes no difference to me. However, something is wrong here. Lionel owes the buyers an explanation. This is not good customer relations.
The center window on mine also fell out in transit. Whak kind of adhesive should I use to put it back?
I would just friction fit it back in, in case you need to do some work inside the GCT. If your GCT is like mine, you can gently push it back in and it should stay in place, especially if you are using it decoratively to enhance your layout.
And this is why about 95% of my total purchases if from MTH. Lionel is to high in price and there is no guarantee of it being broken or something else is wrong with it
Sorry, but none of this is important to me. I like the Grand Central Terminal just fine as it is. I did get a good price from Charles Ro. I'm about 70-80% Lionel and avoid MTH locomotives (only) because of (1) desire not to get involved in another control system, (1.5) some bad experiences and (2) just to be contrary to the comments made here 
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My take is every model train producer has quality issues, maybe some more than others. There is something to be said about Lionel who continues to supply us with a steady stream of innovative trains and accessories. If I had a place for this newer version of the GCT, there is nothing posted to this thread that would prevent me from buying it. I think that it is a wonderful accessory and all 2013 will find a home.
