Lionel PA programing Problem

That sux, but seems to echo issues of other that have been sent in for the fix.  I hope you can get it fixed or refunded.  Never like sending things back to them, always comes back worse.

That really, utterly does suck. I’ve been following your issues with these models and wondering how this got so messed up between Lionel’s US personnel and the foreign factory.

In your position I’d contact one of the real experts (Alex M or Mike Reagan himself) about sorting this out rather than going through Lionel’s warranty process. I know it will cost extra for that when Lionel should be sorting this out at their expense but do you want this resolved quickly or not?

I have 3rd Rail products too and know their advantages and limitations. The play value of a Legacy engine that runs right is considerable; 3rd Rail products have less such value but are great to look at. For an ALCO diesel I’d be more interested in the play value and so the ones I have are all Legacy.

Yes Hancock52, I am between a rock and hard place.  We both know that legacy is a superior system compared to TMCC1 (sound, 8 speed levels, horn on all units in a lashup, train break for freight) but that does not do me much good if they don't work.  Five months and I sill can't run this set.  Frustrating.  Maybe in the morning I will feel better.  I have gone on record saying these are the best sounding units I have, even superior to the stereo GG1.  Nevertheless, back they go.

Pennsyforever

And Hancock52, I don't want to play 3rd rail short.  They make an excellent product.  My tests have shown their canon drive to be smoother at 1 mph under a full load, prototypical details with correct ride height of engine to trucks, non-duplicative numbering, and heavier weight and consistent prototypical colors.

Pennsyforever 

If your front headlight isn't working you may need to open it up and reattach the power wire to the front board. Mine was disconnected when I got it back. However, if you can't program it at all then perhaps it has even deeper issues.

Sorry about your troubles, I hope you can get it resolved quickly.

Sorry to hear it. I've gone exclusively 3rd Rail after all my problems with Lionel. 

If you're sending it back then anything I say is probably surplus to requirements but here goes:

1.  I have seen a couple of other reports of the headlight not working on return from Lionel but they were simply the result of the wiring not being securely re-attached.

2.  If you cannot program what I understand to be the lead A unit that is more problematic but how is it set up in your CAB2? Lionel is meant to test repaired units pretty extensively and if it worked on their setup but not on yours, the problem might be in your settings. On past form, A-A diesel units should work as one out of the box without having to enter train/lash up settings.

3.  I have an earlier Legacy Alco A-B-A setup (in Southern Pacific livery) with a powered B unit which has proved bulletproof since I first got it. Lionel slightly dumbed-down these engines from the last TMCC edition which had motorized roof fans but the Legacy sound is superior and it seems that the latest issue of Alcos is better yet in terms of sound. 

I hope you get yours fixed one way or another.

P.S. on 3rd Rail: their diesel models are not always free of issues but they are mostly cosmetic, easily remedied and where more serious more often relate to the drive train that produces the exceptional slow speed performance.