Whether it is automobiles, bridges, buildings or electronic equipment, every once in awhile a product is made that is prone to leave a lemon taste on a person's taste buds. Several of our customers have asked me to share some of the unique items we have encountered. If you have a "bitter taste" on a Lionel product that has been "sweeten" to satisfaction, drop us an email. If we can confirm your documentation, we'll add it to this page.
After all, history does repeat itself, but we can learn from our mistakes?
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Model # 6-14102
Product: # 175, Rocket Launcher
Date: 2002
Reference: 2001 Volume 2, Pg 45
Oops: Shown in 2001 Volume 2 catalog, Lionel re-issused the # 175 Rocket Launcher. The original # 175 made its debut back in 1959. If you have a # 6-14102, take a very close look at the product and either the catalog or manual. The two platforms that encompass the rocket are probably upside down. Notice the diagonal support bars in the photo are running upwards, while on the tower, they are on the bottom side. If you look at the platform, you will see the molded part number on the top side. It has been reported that these platforms are glued in place, so unsnapping them is not an option. This error was reported to Lionel. Did it do any good? Continue on, by reading the "Oops" for the # 6-14237. History is going to repeat itself... Thanks to B Schmeek.
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Model # 6-14198
Product: CW-80
Date: 2003 Volume 2
Reference:
Oops: Great Transformer! Offers two set of outputs, track and accessory. One would think that the two negative post are "Common" or connected internally together, simplifying wiring of a track activated accessory. Wrong! There not... The positive posts are common.
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Model # 6-14237
Product: # 175, Rocket Launcher
Date: 2007
Reference: 2007 Volume 1, Pg 187
Oops: First shown in 2006 Volume 1 catalog, Lionel re-issused the postwar # 175 Rocket Launcher. The last time this operating accessory was manufactured was 2001. Read the "Oops for the # 6-14102. Did they learn from their mistake? No! The # 6-14237 also has the two rocket platfoms glued on upside down. Are there any structural engineers that speak Chinese that would like to contact Lionel?
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Model # 6-39441
Product: Red Flatcar with Large Rocket (I know ~ Wrong Photo)
Date: 2007
Reference: 2007 Volume 2, Pg 54 & 177
Oops: Shown in 2006 Volume 1 catalog, Lionel re-issused the 6-31754, # 2545WS N&W Space-Freight Set. This set had its orgins back in 1959. This set included a red flat car, bearing the number 6175 and is cradling a rocket which can be used by the # 175 Rocket Launcer. If you have this operating accessory, you know that the supplied rocket has a foam tip and a metal band just underneath the nose tip. This metal band is used by the operating gantry crane to place the rocket on the launch pad. The problem is that the rocket supplied with the train set does not have the metal band and foam tip. Go figure....
For 2008, Lionel will issued a second Rocket Flatcar, # 6-39457. (See Photo) Will this Black Flatcar with Rocket have the right nose job? How about the tie down straps? B Schmeelk.
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Model # 6-18005
Product: NYC "5340" 700E Scaled Hudson w/Display Case
Date: 1990
Reference:
Oops: In 1937, Lionel issued their famous "5344" 700E Scaled Hudson. This engine is "The Prize" of any collector. Over the years, Lionel made several Hudson engines, but not the 700E. Finally in 1990, they re-issued the Scale Hudson with all the whistles and bell of the 1937 model and incorporated their new sound system called "RailSounds". With the passing of time, factory moves and ownership changes, several interesting stories surfaced on how Lionel was retooling to make this steam engine. When it was all done, the "5340" was beautiful, with one major manufacturer error. The steam chest guide rods were installed upside down. The tapered end of the rods were installed on the inside. The tapered ends should be on the outside. With the taper on the inside and running the engine, the opportunity of the crossheads falling out and binding is a reality.
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Model # 6-18303
Product: GG1 Loco
Date: 1989
Reference:
Oops: Engine was made off shore. Shell screws are # 5-48 (US Thread Pitch). All others screws are metric.
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Model # 6-18314
Product: Lionel Century Club Golden Anniversary GG1 Loco
Date: 1989
Reference:
Oops: In the late 90's, to help celebrate their 100th anniversary, Lionel offered five premium engines under a program called "Century Club". One of these engines was the Pennsy 5-Strip GG1 with RailSounds. Engine was shipped with a 9v battery installed. Not a good idea for those who leave their engine in a box or place it on a shelf. With time, those batteries might leak... Thanks to G Patsch.
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Model # 6-29854
Product: # 3510 Satellite Launching Car (Postwar Remake)
Date: 2007 Volume 1
Reference: 3509 & 3519, Satellite and 3410 & 3419, Helicopter
Oops: Cars were manufactured with the wrong launching spool. The launching (winding) spool has a longer neck on it to accomodate the satellite body, as compared to its cousin, the Helicoper Launching Car. Thus, the satellite launches poorly.
Missing from the satellite are the solar reflector panels graphics on each wing. Will Lionel resolve this? Time will tell.
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