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First, this set is exactly what I was hoping and the passenger cars are fantastic.

Upon unboxing everything this afternoon to get it on the track for a test run the front cover fell off the front (2021) engine when removing it from the wrapping and the cover for the rear (2024) engine was partially separated.  The tabs are clearly broken off the cover for the front engine and I fear at least one tab is broken for the rear engine.  Yes, I will be contacting Lionel Service tomorrow since they're less than 15 miles from me.

The reason I am posting is to understand if anyone else is experiencing this problem?  And, if you do, you're not the only one.

And, to repeat I really like the set and I am waiting on the additional cars to arrive.  But, regarding the engine cover to get to the switches, why in the world are they snap in place and not magnetic like all my other Lionel models?  All of the details around that cover and of course the front (2021) engine took me minutes to get the cover off while the rear (2024) engine came off fairly easily.  Please bring back the magnets, especially considering the amount of separately applied details on the roof.

Thanks!

- Jeff

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Last edited by jeffdoo
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I'm waiting on my set from Charles Ro.  If I have the same problem, I will post here.  I live about an hour from Concord.....so I would be taking a drive to Lionel also.   I've done it before and gotten great service.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed.  But, if the problem is due to cheap plastic tabs, I fear more sets will have the problem.

Unacceptable at this price point.  If they cannot replace the covers, return it for a refund.  Again, the only way to get the attention of the manufacturer is for the dealer to eat it.  Then they will influence Lionel, MTH, etc. to get the quality right.  People who make excuses for shoddy quality, mismatched paints, etc. only perpetuate the problem of lack of quality control.  Certain issues are inevitable but again at this price point you have the right to expect more and certainly not have detail parts broken out of the box.

Just a quick update.

Spoke with warranty service and they have issued an RMA and FedEx shipping label.  They no longer permit you to personally drop the item at the warranty facility (or the Lionel Store at Concord Mills).  So I will be packing up just the engines to take them to the FedEx facility in Concord (it's the closest to me).  Crossing my fingers for at least overnight delivery when I deliver it to FedEx tomorrow ....

The next parts are just the process:

  1. Pack every well and only ship what is defective; put the RMA number on the box
  2. Include a letter explaining what is wrong; I will be adding one of the separately applied details that also came off the "front" engine truck and I found in the box
  3. Include a photocopy of the receipt (Proof of an authorized dealer and within the one year period)
  4. Service will take 4-6 weeks  [I am sincerely hoping this is nothing more than the "standard" response!]


I was told they have implemented a new service system and I will receive updates as the RMA is processed.

- Jeff

Mine arrived the same way.

Waiting on an RA

I did not share that I also had the exact same part (your first photo) in the box ("Front" engine) which belongs on one of the trucks.  I added that to the RA with associated picture(s) showing where it goes on the truck.

- Jeff

PS:  Everything was shipped yesterday from the "local" FedEx distribution center;  I didn't realize they close between noon-4pm as it's been years since I went.  Lucky for me they forgot to lock the door (~12:30) and someone answered the phone and then can came out to take the packages, after which security locked the door.  Everyone was really great about the mistake so I'm hoping this is a good sign.....

Edited to add photos of 2024 engine with nose partially separated and the separately applied truck detail which fell off....

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Last edited by jeffdoo

The Charles Ro website still shows availability on 4/4/22.  I haven't received notification that they have shipped my Acela.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that not every set will have these problems.  But, the problems seem to point to inadequate protection in the packaging.  It looks like the engines are in the standard molded styrofoam that Lionel uses for most engines.  Perhaps some foam rubber cushioning should also have been used.

My understanding is that the new Acela uses the exact same nose cone as the original.  I am unaware of problems with the original Acela nose cone.  Did the originals come in more protective packaging?

From looking at various websites (Trainworld, Legacy Station, etc.) it sounds like a lot of Acela sets have arrived at dealers.  Hopefully, some forum members have received defect-free Acelas and will post on the forum.

@VinceL posted:

The Charles Ro website still shows availability on 4/4/22.  I haven't received notification that they have shipped my Acela.  I'm keeping my fingers crossed that not every set will have these problems.  But, the problems seem to point to inadequate protection in the packaging.  It looks like the engines are in the standard molded styrofoam that Lionel uses for most engines.  Perhaps some foam rubber cushioning should also have been used.

My understanding is that the new Acela uses the exact same nose cone as the original.  I am unaware of problems with the original Acela nose cone.  Did the originals come in more protective packaging?

From looking at various websites (Trainworld, Legacy Station, etc.) it sounds like a lot of Acela sets have arrived at dealers.  Hopefully, some forum members have received defect-free Acelas and will post on the forum.

Vince,

There is no suggestion from the packaging of something having even been wrong.  My uneducated guess would be something went very wrong when the engines were placed in the packaging, especially if it was automated.  And, my second uneducated guess would be they were simply broken and packaged anyway.  I'm not a packaging expert but they seems to have plenty of protection and this makes absolutely no sense.

I ordered the expansion pack from Charles Ro and, like you, I haven't received any communication yet but I also observed the 4/4 date and will patiently wait....  I did receive an eMail from Mr Muffins and the pictures included showed a perfect set so they must exist and hopefully that will be most everyone's experience.

- Jeff

The problem is the packaging.

The covers as you can see in the pictures are held on by two tiny pieces of plastic. That's okay if the engines never have to travel where there is a good chance they will be dropped on their nose. There is just enough space where the nose has about an 8th of an inch to move. Drop the box....broken covers.

The engines either need to be made immobile or packaged in a way where the pressure is not on the nose but further up.  A bit of something softer might have prevented it also. But again, the pieces are so small that the weight of the engine on the nose is going to break them easily.

I have offered to my dealer to ask Lionel to simply send two new covers and let me install them myself since if I return the engines there is a high probability UPS will drop it on its nose, and it would not take much of a drop.

Lionel could learn something from 3rd Rail on packaging $2500.00 trains.

My wife is just hoping this will make me give up on buying expensive trains.

Greg

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