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First, thanks to Lionel service who replaced sections of newly purchased Fastrack whose center pins broke after it's first use. (BTW, been using FT for years and this is the first time I've had center pins break.)

Second - always, always, always keep receipts/records of purchases - never know when you'll need them, as in my case. Purchased them new from an "authorized dealer" who shall remain nameless (at the advice of Alan Arnold - thanks). Was actually shocked at this dealer's response to my inquiry about trying to replace faulty merchandise. Needless to say, after having spent literally thousands of $ over the years, I will never be a customer of theirs again because of this.

Lesson - review your receipt for returns policy, know the company's and the manufacturer's warranty conditions. You'd think that being an authorized dealer for Lionel, that you would honor Lionel's warranty. NOT necessarily the case.

Again, thank you Lionel service.  caveat emptor

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Lionel's warranty is not a replacement by the retailer  - it is repair through a authorized servicing dealer, or by their Service Department in Concord NC. 

(I expect) that Lionel does not want to place a non-authorized, untrained middleman (retailers) allowed to accept returns of "defective" merchandise in the mix.  So- that is likely the reason your hobby dealer could not help. 

Yet, the number of authorized service centers in the country seems to be dwindling through retirements and store closings.  Does Lionel still conduct dealer service training??  Maybe with all the technology it is too hard to train people in the field adequately.  I have seen no reference to it since the (Mike) "Reagan Years".

Last edited by Mike Wyatt
OC Patrick posted:

1 year, per their website - excluding light bulbs, led's, misuse/abuse, normal wear & tear, commercial use.

Do I assume correctly that Lionel wants you to return the defective track to them on your dime?   I once had a defective-on-arrival operating rolling stock piece I bought from a major Lionel mail order dealer.  They wanted me to pay to sent it back.   I forget what the piece was... but I remember that it would have cost quite a portion of the item's cost for me to pack it & ship it! 

RadioRon posted:
OC Patrick posted:

1 year, per their website - excluding light bulbs, led's, misuse/abuse, normal wear & tear, commercial use.

Do I assume correctly that Lionel wants you to return the defective track to them on your dime?   I once had a defective-on-arrival operating rolling stock piece I bought from a major Lionel mail order dealer.  They wanted me to pay to sent it back.   I forget what the piece was... but I remember that it would have cost quite a portion of the item's cost for me to pack it & ship it! 

...they did not ask for shipping, nor to return the defective track. Was informed by e-mail that the defective tracks would be shipped. I guess it depends on the product and/or weight/size to return.

Mike Wyatt posted:

Lionel's warranty is not a replacement by the retailer  - it is repair through a authorized servicing dealer, or by their Service Department in Concord NC. 

(I expect) that Lionel does not want to place a non-authorized, untrained middleman (retailers) allowed to accept returns of "defective" merchandise in the mix.  So- that is likely the reason your hobby dealer could not help. 

Yet, the number of authorized service centers in the country seems to be dwindling through retirements and store closings.  Does Lionel still conduct dealer service training??  Maybe with all the technology it is too hard to train people in the field adequately.  I have seen no reference to it since the (Mike) "Reagan Years".

I once had an accessory from purchased from another authorized dealer. It was also not working as it should. Shipped to them direct at my cost - they checked it out, fixed and returned to me at their cost. I guess it depends on who you bought the item from.

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