@harmonyards, I have not run across any grave issues yet, doubt I ever will. I buy what I buy and enjoy everything I get. If something breaks, I'll get it fixed. If something comes a little out of whack, I'll see what way it can be fixed and act accordingly with respect to whomever I bought it from.
SLQ32 posted:
harmonyards posted:I’m curious....lately on this forum, I’ve had a lot of curiosity with some of these threads.....so you fellas that are disappointed and dissatisfied with your Hudsons...whatcha gonna do? Are you fellas keepin them or are they going back? Please note, I’m not choosing sides, I’d just like to know if the problems are so grave ( to you guys individually) that it warrants a return/refund..........Pat
There are no sides, In my case i just want a proper working $1,300 product. I was disappointed in the boiler color. I prefer the dark graphite on my Lionel Mohawk. but just this. I am however upset about the horrible way it runs in forward. vibrating increasingly with speed from 1 (on the cab 2 remote) Reverse is absolutely smooth. Of coarse i will have to have to send it back to have it looked at. But i need this?
If there are any, have you tried adding grease to the grease ports in the under carriage?
That runs awful, good grief. I hope my 5418 doesn’t run like that.
Rick, I have not performed any lubrication to the engine. It runs perfectly in reverse. The only mechanical difference between forward and reverse is rotational direction of motor worm gear / reduction gears. Linkages are all forward aft linear motion. Same forward and reverse. Do to armature thrust on the worm gear on the first gear. If the worm gear is not set properly (backlash) on the motor shaft there will be a possibility of binding with clockwise vs counterclockwise rotation. I have seen this with some MTH diesel locomotives. Some people sim the motor. I used a gear puller and a press to set the backlash correctly. But these were used engines.
Electricity it could be a miss alignment of the speed sensor.
I have a hard time accepting, at this price point an engine that doesn’t work properly from the factory. Yeah i can send it back (and pay attentional shipping) to Lionel and have it repaired.
An inconvenience yes should i have to pay shipping? absolutely not.
SLO32, What did Mr. Muffins suggest you do when you called them about this engine?
Lionel should issue a Return Authorization for the repair of this new engine if you are not returning it to Mr. Muffins for a replacement. Hopefully Mr. Muffins still has an engine available. I would not delay in contacting either Mr. Muffins or Lionel. You deserve a good engine. Give them a call soon.
Wishing you success.
Sincerely, John Rowlen
John, I just heard back from Jeff. Unfortunately they are sold out. I need to call Lionel directly.
SLQ32 posted:Rick, I have not performed any lubrication to the engine. It runs perfectly in reverse. The only mechanical difference between forward and reverse is rotational direction of motor worm gear / reduction gears. Linkages are all forward aft linear motion. Same forward and reverse. Do to armature thrust on the worm gear on the first gear. If the worm gear is not set properly (backlash) on the motor shaft there will be a possibility of binding with clockwise vs counterclockwise rotation. I have seen this with some MTH diesel locomotives. Some people sim the motor. I used a gear puller and a press to set the backlash correctly. But these were used engines.
Electricity it could be a miss alignment of the speed sensor.
I have a hard time accepting, at this price point an engine that doesn’t work properly from the factory. Yeah i can send it back (and pay attentional shipping) to Lionel and have it repaired.
An inconvenience yes should i have to pay shipping? absolutely not.
You shouldn't have to pay shipping. I sent back some Polar Express passenger cars. Lionel paid shipping both ways.
Ok thanks Feet, maybe i am wrong in hearing would have to pay shipping. can’t remember. 👴🏼 I will be calling them soon.
SLQ32 posted:John, I just heard back from Jeff. Unfortunately they are sold out. I need to call Lionel directly.
I didn't have time to watch your video yesterday, but just watched it now. That does sound horrible. It sort of sounds like a playing card in bicycle spokes to a degree. Sort of wonder why the change from what is sounding good to that.
Reverse is fine but forward is horrible. I can only make guesses at the cause but I feel it is a misaligned worm gear. It would be the only thing at that rpm causing the vibration at that specific frequency. It increases with speed. I made the video with the bell so you could see and sounds off to hear the vibrations. The throttle was at 22 so i could keep up with it with my phone.
It will be interesting to see what Lionel discovers if i choose to send it back for repair. My other option is to return it. I am on the fence. I have a busy work schedule ahead so i will give it some thought after talking with Lionel.
All you can do is wait, which stinks.
Just got mine, total dissapointment
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Let us know how it runs
Tom21pa - I saw the hatch on the tender misaligned but missed what was wrong with the boiler cover.
SLO32, out of 13 new Lionel engines, I've had to send 5 back to Lionel for fixes under warranty: 4 with non-operating smoke units (drowned or starved by me) and one with an electrical short; all were returned fixed and with no damage; I've had good luck with Lionel support.
RickM46 posted:Tom21pa - I saw the hatch on the tender misaligned but missed what was wrong with the boiler cover.
SLO32, out of 13 new Lionel engines, I've had to send 5 back to Lionel for fixes under warranty: 4 with non-operating smoke units (drowned or starved by me) and one with an electrical short; all were returned fixed and with no damage; I've had good luck with Lionel support.
Thank you!! Makes me feel a bit more relaxed about sending it back?
Muffins is out of his special order of the J3A; I've moved on to either the 5413 or 5452; haven't made up my mind but like the marker lights and dark boiler.
SLO32; I made sure I triple boxed them with packing for the trip; they have always sent them back to me the same way; the first 4 were shipped back 5 business days after they arrived there; my last one earlier this year took 15 business days - something about Moguls?
RickM46 posted:Tom21pa - I saw the hatch on the tender misaligned but missed what was wrong with the boiler cover.
SLO32, out of 13 new Lionel engines, I've had to send 5 back to Lionel for fixes under warranty: 4 with non-operating smoke units (drowned or starved by me) and one with an electrical short; all were returned fixed and with no damage; I've had good luck with Lionel support.
When I opened the box, the smoke box door was open, like it was flopping open & closed the whole shipping time, so the paint is worn off the smoke box front at the bottom, door doesn't seem to latch to the magnet very well. It's not to noticeable, but I did see it on the other posters photo too.
SLQ32 posted:Let us know how it runs
Has that same playing card in the spokes sound.
tom21pa posted:SLQ32 posted:Let us know how it runs
Has that same playing card in the spokes sound.
Have any other folks experienced this with theirs? I was about to pull the trigger on a pre-order; maybe I will wait and see. Maybe this can be fixed easily by the owner??
tom21pa posted:SLQ32 posted:Let us know how it runs
Has that same playing card in the spokes sound.
For me it’s not just the sound. mine is stuttering in forward like the old tmcc w/cruise sometimes did. As remember this was a speed sensor calibration to fix.
Reverse is smooth as silk and quite!! just hear the sound of wheels on fastrack .
SLQ32 posted:tom21pa posted:SLQ32 posted:Let us know how it runs
Has that same playing card in the spokes sound.
For me it’s not just the sound. mine is stuttering in forward like the old tmcc w/cruise sometimes did. As remember this was a speed sensor calibration to fix.
Reverse is smooth as silk and quite!! just hear the sound of wheels on fastrack .
I emailed mr muffins with photos, I'm not keeping a damaged locomotive that I paid 1349$ for. I'll take a refund and only buy items I can see before I buy.
I emailed Jeff. He will accept a return however i will be paying for shipping or contact Lionel for repair. So i need to think it over. I would give the same pictures to Lionel and see if they will make good.
I am curious how the folks who got Pats trains special order are making out.
RICKM46,
My Lionel 1921810 New York Central Hudson #5415 from Mr. Muffins arrived in Perfect condition. It now has over two hours of run time over three days.
There are no front boiler flaws, the motion after oiling with Labelle #107 oil is smooth both forward and back, the smoke stack and whistle smoke is abundant, and the tender smoke works well. I also installed one of Gunrunner John's YLB Rechargeable batteries in the tender to help the sound system over my Atlas O #5 Switches and Double Cross-over.
I feel bad about SLO32s Hudson difficulties, but mine is perfect. Those OGR members who have seen my previous posts know that I have not been this fortunate in the past. I have received a lemon or two, but this Lionel Hudson is a winner.
The graphite front boiler is the same color as my Challenger #3985 that recently arrived from Pat's Trains. The Hudson medium graphite has just a little shine to it. It is not silver like the Niagara. (See my photo of the Hudson, Challenger and Niagara side by side.)
My advice is to grab the engines while you can. They run very well in my case; therefore, they all should be able to be made to run smoothly.
Sincerely, John Rowlen
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John Rowlen posted:RICKM46,
My Lionel 1921810 New York Central Hudson #5415 from Mr. Muffins arrived in Perfect condition. It now has over two hours of run time over three days.
There are no front boiler flaws, the motion after oiling with Labelle #107 oil is smooth both forward and back, the smoke stack and whistle smoke is abundant, and the tender smoke works well. I also installed one of Gunrunner John's YLB Rechargeable batteries in the tender to help the sound system over my Atlas O #5 Switches and Double Cross-over.
I feel bad about SLO32s Hudson difficulties, but mine is perfect. Those OGR members who have seen my previous posts know that I have not been this fortunate in the past. I have received a lemon or two, but this Lionel Hudson is a winner.
The graphite front boiler is the same color as my Challenger #3985 that recently arrived from Pat's Trains. The Hudson medium graphite has just a little shine to it.
From what I know about NYC steam locomotives, that smokebox (boiler front) should be MUCH darker than that UP Challenger posed next to it in your photos.
It is not silver like the Niagara. (See my photo of the Hudson, Challenger and Niagara side by side.)
My advice is to grab the engines while you can. They run very well in my case; therefore, they all should be able to be made to run smoothly.
Sincerely, John Rowlen
SLQ32 posted:tom21pa posted:SLQ32 posted:Let us know how it runs
Has that same playing card in the spokes sound.
For me it’s not just the sound. mine is stuttering in forward like the old tmcc w/cruise sometimes did. As remember this was a speed sensor calibration to fix.
Reverse is smooth as silk and quite!! just hear the sound of wheels on fastrack .
Watch Mr. Muffins video closely, especially when the loco goes forward.
Vibration starts at 1:08 and appears worse at 1:20. Its seems to vibrate, then smooth out, vibrate then smooth out like one side of the gear mesh is worse:
Or does it just need some break in time? I dunno.
John I agree and i am very happy for you. I know the feeling. My MTH challenger was new ran perfectly out of the box same with anything from 3rd rail, especially my Lionel Legacy Burlington Zephyr!! Puts a smile on my face (inner child 😁) This was the train i grew up with. My father’s American Flyer aluminum Zephyr i have now displaying it only after he passed 2 years ago. I am thinking i will keep her, get her fixed up. No different than the real ones! They all had there own personalities. (same as my 3 boys)
RICKO, 🤣 This could be mine! same 5415.
HOT WATER, You are correct as others have also commented that it should be darker, but it is not silver. Lionel has paint color issues between the China factory and the designers in North Carolina. This is unfortunate and annoying.
We though have the capability to remedy the color by repainting, weathering, leaving the engine as is, or not purchasing the engines. We should NOT have to do this, but at age 69, I will probably be long dead before Lionel gets these paint issues solved.
I am fortunate to have another Hudson on its way to me. It is darker, some say all black. As a print shop owner, matching colors was always top priority, and able to be done. I don't understand why color is a major challenge.
Whenever I offer constructive criticism I get criticized as being negative. Lionel has had six years of my input and many emails to TALK TO US. What else can we do if we are going to enjoy this hobby?
Sincerely, John Rowlen
P.S. I had the tender rear marker lights turned off when I made this video, The lights work.
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RickO, I played the MM video and could not tell anything in forward motion just looking at the loco; looked smooth; then I focused on the bell; the bell vibrated the same as SLO32's. Maybe Slo and Tom can put some run time on theirs and see if the vibration persists - but, I admit, this is purely selfish on my part. The whistle is talking to me.
John Roland, thanks for your comments.
I agree. I was informed by a member of the ALCO Museum NYC ordered “black graphite” (almost black) from the Schenectady plant. This may have changed during a scheduled overhaul. so you will get conflicting shades however, Lionel got the liter graphite COLOR correct on the Irie Pacific so why can’t they stick with it! In addition, locomotives, especially in passenger service, were being washed constantly before entering the engine house after a days work. They were the advertisement and ambassadors for the NYC railroad.
Must see (if you haven’t already) especially around 7:00
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Put mine up on rollers today. It does not run smooth and vibrates. At low speed it runs fine in both directions. Put it on a 6' section of track and it's smooth but I could not run it fast enough to see if vibration was gone. I was running without Legacy. It is not reversing properly, backup light comes on but she doesn't move until I reverse it again. Anyone notice the brake shoes are not painted? Mine aren't. I think I might return it and that stinks.
SLQ32 posted:And correct font!
Not this
By 1946 they all had the plainer font.
Yes i realized this after i posted and corrected myself thank you
I like water scoop overflow effects, you know, at startup.
This morning I took some time to message Alex M for his opinion on the noise coming from SLQ32's engine. This is what Alex opinion is:
"Hi Dave
The sound it’s making is spinning much faster than the wheels and side rods. So listening to the video it sounds to me like it could be a possible loose Encoder ring (pictured below ) and it could be rubbing against the Velocity/speed sensor board (pictured below ). The Encoder ring if slightly loose can hit the velocity reader and make noise.
Alex"
Don't know if this would be a easy fix for anyone to do, or if this is a send back issue as I have no clue on how that all comes together.
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Thank you Dave. Good possibility. But it not just the sound it’s a stutter as well. And only in forward. reverse is perfect.
Thank you for your assistance
SLQ32 posted:Thank you Dave. Good possibility. But it not just the sound it’s a stutter as well. And only in forward. reverse is perfect.
Thank you for your assistance
This could very well be cause of both the sound and speed variations. If so its an easy fix if you have the correct size allen wrench.
Pete
Norton posted:SLQ32 posted:Thank you Dave. Good possibility. But it not just the sound it’s a stutter as well. And only in forward. reverse is perfect.
Thank you for your assistance
This could very well be cause of both the sound and speed variations. If so its an easy fix if you have the correct size allen wrench.
Pete
Thanks yeah this not a problem. I just don’t want to void the warranty if i remove the shell.
