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Post by trainman9 on Sept 2, 2024 13:07:10 GMT
It seems to me that the biggest issue lately is having your modern engines repaired. The problem seems to be not only a lack of repair facilities but a lack of parts. In the Philadelphia area we’ve lost the only Lionel Service Station capable of repairing these engines within a hundred miles. That individual, Bob Karas, passed away several years ago. He did all the warranty repairs for several train stores but his biggest issue was a lack of parts.
I think this extends not just to Lionel but also the other manufacturers MTH and Atlas. Does anyone know if Atlas is doing their own repairs, I know MTH is not.
Thoughts?
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Post by Sir James on Sept 2, 2024 13:14:09 GMT
Yes we lost our repairman too. I see todays prices and no parts for repairs, yet people keep on buying.
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Post by healey36 on Sept 2, 2024 13:27:07 GMT
The guy I’ve used to sort out stuff I can’t turns 81 in a month...
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Post by ron045 on Sept 2, 2024 13:35:33 GMT
Nicholas Smith is listed on the Lionel website as a service center in the Philadelphia area. Is that an option for you?
The TrainDoctor in NJ would be a haul at 80 miles, but he does go to the Allentown train show and does repairs on site. If he can't do it there, he will take the item back to his shop, repair it and mail it back.
With service and repairs dwindling, it's time for us to start to learn how to do this stuff ourselves. I have found that almost any repair needed has a tutorial on YouTube.
I'm not an auto mechanic, but I've fixed my car, my lawn tractor and my camper. I'm, not a plumber, but I've installed my hot water heater. YouTube has saved my bacon countless times with showing me how to repair stuff including my model trains.
Try it... You may find you enjoy it and do it more often.
Just over 5 years ago, I would have never thought about painting an engine or upgrading electronics. Now, I don't even give it a second thought.
Have Fun!
Ron
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Post by trainman9 on Sept 2, 2024 13:51:20 GMT
Bob Karas did all the Lionel modern product repairs, warranty and non warranty, for Nicholas Smith and Hennings in PA and Trains and Things and a few other shops in NJ. There is another Authorized Service Station in Central NJ but he will not do any repairs on modern product only pre and post war.
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Post by superwarp1 on Sept 2, 2024 15:38:35 GMT
I hate to do it but there’s a few repair guys on the other forum. Might want to contact them as they accept shipped repairs
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Post by harmonyards on Sept 3, 2024 0:36:31 GMT
I work for MTH in the parts division. They do in-house warranty repairs, but do not take on out of warranty repairs. As far as repairs, many talented techs are available for hire in the out of warranty arena ……..I’m one of them, When I finally retire from the day job, ( not one word Gary! ) I plan on throwing my hat in the ring for in and out general repairs. Right now, I have to focus on the mountain of custom locomotive work in the queue…….
Pat
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Post by superwarp1 on Sept 3, 2024 11:08:01 GMT
I work for MTH in the parts division. They do in-house warranty repairs, but do not take on out of warranty repairs. As far as repairs, many talented techs are available for hire in the out of warranty arena ……..I’m one of them, When I finally retire from the day job, ( not one word Gary! ) I plan on throwing my hat in the ring for in and out general repairs. Right now, I have to focus on the mountain of custom locomotive work in the queue……. Pat You think I'm going to let this go? You are sadly mistaken.  You can't retire until you do a cam phaser job on my truck. 
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Post by trainman9 on Sept 3, 2024 12:14:46 GMT
I’m not interested in shipping anything. Hopefully someone will get certified in the Philly area. Don’t even mention the guy doing repairs at Allentown. Bob Karas once showed me a repair he was doing after that guy got a hold of this engine. If you want an engine fixed properly don’t use him.
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Post by harmonyards on Sept 4, 2024 0:10:22 GMT
I work for MTH in the parts division. They do in-house warranty repairs, but do not take on out of warranty repairs. As far as repairs, many talented techs are available for hire in the out of warranty arena ……..I’m one of them, When I finally retire from the day job, ( not one word Gary! ) I plan on throwing my hat in the ring for in and out general repairs. Right now, I have to focus on the mountain of custom locomotive work in the queue……. Pat You think I'm going to let this go? You are sadly mistaken. You can't retire until you do a cam phaser job on my truck. You’d better start making your way down here tonight! …..I’m on the countdown!……I can’t wait to hang up the wrenches for good! ……😁
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You can't retire until you do a cam phaser job on my truck. 