Help with Lionel customer service

[statistician]

Hi,
My #14517 (2343C remake - powered B unit) arrived the other day with illegible numbering on one side and with black end ladders that do not match the existing ABA. It is under warranty, so I called customer service and mentioned that the unit appearing in the 2001 catalog with silver ladders had clear graphics. Their response was "products are subject to vary" and therefore the warranty did not apply to this situation. I can get my money back from the hobby shop where I bought it, but this was his last one and the engine is hard to find still new. Reluctantly, I'll have to take the refund from my dealer as Lionel will not fix this problem.

Has anyone else had problems with visual quality control? If so, how was it resolved? Thanks!

[overall]

If the numbering is really "illegible" then I would think that would be a warranty claim. It may vary from the catalog but you should be able to read it I would think.

George

[statistician]

I can read the 2343C numbering, however it is very fuzzy/blurred on one side (very noticeable). Just was expecting a little more for $350.00 I guess... thanks Bryan

[dwiemer]

Bryan,
It is possible that it was a double stamp. In some circles, that would be a factory error and a quasi rarity (not a listed rarity that would increase value), just a interesting defect. If it is something that won't bother you too much, you may want to keep it. If, on the otherhand, it is troublesome, by all means, take it back.
Good Luck,
Dennis