Where can you find someone to repair the electronics in Lionel trains? Most hobby shops will not repair the electronics or do not know how to repair the electronics.
Original Post
Replies sorted oldest to newest
Most authorized Lionel service stations (not just hobby shops) can do this. Depending on which type of electronics can vary in cost and length of time needed to fix. Older Lionel products with older electronics from the 70's to the early 90's tend to be easier to fix, but also can be harder to find original parts for if that's what you're after.
Mike Reagan with TrainWorx repair many makes and models. Alex M on the forum also does repairs. Not sure if he does MTH but definitely tackles Lionel TMCC and Legacy engines. Marty Fitzhenry does repairs for Charles Ro so that is an option too. He is factory trained for both Lionel and MTH.
Here's Mike's info via TrainDame's post...
https://ogrforum.ogaugerr.com/topic/engine-repair-2
Alex can be found by searching Alex M on the forum and Marty using his full name.
Mikado 4501 posted:Most authorized Lionel service stations (not just hobby shops) can do this. Depending on which type of electronics can vary in cost and length of time needed to fix. Older Lionel products with older electronics from the 70's to the early 90's tend to be easier to fix, but also can be harder to find original parts for if that's what you're after.
What Thomas says. A competent Lionel Service Station should be able to fix these trains. They can now get all of the circuits used. Check to see if there is one in your area before sending it out. Otherwise you may spend more on shipping than the repair itself.
Go to lionelsupport.com for a list of authorized Service Stations.
Pete
Norton posted:What Thomas says.A competent Lionel Service Station should be able to fix these trains. They can now get all of the circuits used. Check to see if there is one in your area before sending it out. Otherwise you may spend more on shipping than the repair itself.
Go to lionelsupport.com for a list of authorized Service Stations.
Pete
Competent is the issue. Many folks haven't been trained in years through no fault of their own. Those I listed have a great relationship with Lionel or have an insider knowledge of Lionel's electronics. I would say though if you find a good service station, use them I always like to support my LHS and service folks.
Other than the techs at Lionel, no one has had training since 2009. That includes the names mentioned. Some mentioned have never been to Service school. Many not mentioned have. The only way to find out is to first go to your LHS and ask. They will tell you if they are up to task or not.
Pete
I recently had my Lionel Cab Forward 6-38071 take a 3 1/2' fall from my work table to the basement concrete floor. Lights came on when I placed it on the track, but no one was in the
cab. I was sure it would be spending the rest of its time on the shelf. I sent it to Mike Reagan who is absolutely a pleasure to work with. It only took about three weeks to get the engine back and it runs like a charm.
Lessons learned, never leave anything on the work table where there is the slightest chance it will fall off, and do not hesitate to get in touch with Mike.
David
Norton, the last class was in 2011.
It's past time for Lionel to have another class! I wonder if they're hoping all the techs die out and then people will have to simply replace these $2,000 boat anchors. 
Just throw them away and buy new ones, that way you wont run out of space
Just speculation of course, but I think they are too busy in the service dept. for a while for Dean to hold classes.
Chuck Sartor posted:Just speculation of course, but I think they are too busy in the service dept. for a while for Dean to hold classes.
Catch 22. No trained outside techs means more work for Lionel which means less time for training. Short sighted no? There must be circuit diagrams for all of the boards. The least they could do is make them accessable to their Service Stations.
Pete
Their service stations need to be trained before they can get the board diagrams
John, I do not plan on dying out.
Lots has changed since Lionel did do the classes back in Ohio. Lionchief, Bluetooth, Legacy UBER. Yes it is time for them to provide new updates. I've asked Dean at York about new information as well. The best on circuit boards we've gotten is what Bruk put together. I've referenced his work numerous times fixing items.
I also have no plans of dying out Marty!
Jim
Jim Sandman posted:Lots has changed since Lionel did do the classes back in Ohio. Lionchief, Bluetooth, Legacy UBER. Yes it is time for them to provide new updates. I've asked Dean at York about new information as well. The best on circuit boards we've gotten is what Bruk put together. I've referenced his work numerous times fixing items.
I also have no plans of dying out Marty!
Jim
Jim's right, a lot has changed. I'm hoping you guys are around for a very long time.
Marty Fitzhenry posted:John, I do not plan on dying out.
Marty, none of us plan on it! 
I’m surprised they don’t offer some sort of classes online.
There is no Electronic repair. There is troubleshooting to find out which board is bad, you don't fix the board, you swap it out.
Well, that's not really true. I repair many electronic boards, both Lionel and MTH. Obviously, not all can be repaired, it depends on the failure and the parts availability.
Ground hog day all over again huh. Frankly does Lionel even do billable work anymore? I keep hearing from my customers that Lionel won't take it, only warranty. G
Last time I heard, Lionel wasn't taking any non-warranty work.
John, that is true.
