Questions about used 2003 Lionel Alco S-2 Switcher

[Seaboard]

I purchased used a Lionel Alco S-2 switcher from a dealer (2003 catalogue). It has Command and Odyssey. I can return it in the next day or two if not satisfied. It runs great in conventional mode (I don't have TMCC yet). The cruise is awesome. It is missing three parts: a rail on the back wall of the cab; the smoke stack insert (neither part is available from Lionel), and the front hatch that hides the volume control I think is supposed to have hinges. They aren't there. Otherwise, it looks very good.

Questions about this engine:

- Is it likely I could find a source for these missing parts?
- In conventional mode, are the horn and bell sounds supposed to be fairly random?
- Changing the throttle position sometimes activates the horn or bell. Is this normal?
- The horn button on my C-80 doesn't always trigger the horn, especially in cruise mode. Is this appropriate?

I understand the sounds from a TMCC run in "conventional" mode are somewhat random, but I don't know how random is appropriate.

What would be a "fair price" for this unit? New MSRP was $379.

Your thoughts are appreciated.

[phillyreading]

Have you tried the S-2 switcher on another kind of transformer?  Try cleaning the wheels and center roller pickup wheel and track as this should cut down on ramdon whistle or horn going off.  I have a Lionel tender that when the track gets too dirty it starts sounding the whistle on it's own, so I have to keep the track rather clean.

For missing parts try Madison Hardware, I think they are listed in CTT magazine.

Lee F.