Lionel Backshop accessory: Does anyone know?

[Anonymous]

Hi all, quick question about the Lionel Backshop accessory from a few years back. I see these for sale from time to time noting "brank new" or "does not have the upgraded board" installed. Heard there was a problem but don't know the specifics & would like to purchase one. Do they work at all without the upgraded board? Did the problem effect some or all of the action? I remember reading that Lionel at one point disowned the product as far as repairs go, but are any repair folks out there able to upgrade one today if someone brought one in to them? Thanks for the help and apperciate your time. Sekon56

[lmsjim]

I got this comment from an official quote from Lionel a couple of years ago that pretty well describes the problems.

"Some of these pieces do not operate properly.  It has to do with the tolerances built into the electronic specifications.  In some cases, the drag from the overhead door or the machinery will cause the electronics to behave erratically.  We wanted to build a safety feature into the door so that if it came down on a locomotive it would reverse instead of burning out the motor and/or damaging the piece.  It was a good idea - we just set the tolerance too tight.  We will be designing and building a replacement board that will be supplied to you free of charge.

Some units also have a problem with the Molex® connector on the wiring harness.   In some cases, the wire inside the connector was not stripped back far enough.   Just moving the wire may solve the problem in the short term, but we will also provide a new wire harnesses with the replacement boards.  Again, these will be free of charge.

Due to a design oversight, the smoke unit does not currently operate in conventional mode.  This will be corrected with the new board.  Remember, however, that you have to turn the throttle in order to create smoke in the Command mode.  And when putting in smoke fluid, the diagram in the instruction sheet was accidentally reversed.   It goes in the other hole.

The instructions for the wiring connector on the bottom of the Backshop are correct.   In this case, however, the markings on the piece are in error.  Go by the instruction sheet.

Unfortunately, the design and production of a new board will take some time and we don't expect to have these available until approximately May 1.  If you want the new board and wire harness, please call Customer Service at 810-949-4100.  And if you aren't comfortable putting them in yourself, we'll be happy to make the repairs for you.   Again, just call Customer Service and they'll arrange it.

We do have a number of orders for this item that have not been shipped.  We are going to hold these orders until the new boards and the harnesses arrive and can be installed by our technicians.  We're sorry for the delay, but we believe this is the right course of action.

A few people have been critical of the thickness of the tinplate.  To be honest, it was specified at .014 inches, but came in at .010 inches.  I'm not going to worry about who was at fault.  I just want to make sure it doesn't happen in the future.   The biggest problem with the variance is that it makes the piece more vulnerable to damage in shipment and some of the edges can be sharp.  Visually, however, I believe that it's a beautiful piece and when you put it on your layout you will be proud to own it.  We are not, therefore, going to issue a general recall.  If you have a damaged piece, however, we will of course accept your return."

I have one but have not set it up. The main issue is you cannot get the upgrade boards any more. They appraently did not produce enough for all the Backshops sold. I did manage to get one but I won't even describe what I had to do to get one. If you can find one already upgraded you are much better off.

 Good Luck,

Jim

[Anonymous]

Thanks for the great info, Jim. That's exactly what I was looking for but couldn't find!

[laz 57]

I have seen a few at YORK on sale.  GRYZBOWSKIs had 2 of them , one in parts and the other all together, but sold as is.  To me before I saw them was all fired up to buy one.  When saw the real product thought oh man what a bad piece.  The walls are made of the thinnest sheet metal and just didn't look good.  Also was advise not to mess with them if it did not have the upgraded boards.

laz57

[cheech]

Hi Sekon56

I have one. It is OK. It takes a large footprint and doesn't do much.  These are very expensive, compared with the features/reliability of other acccessories. The board comes fried or, because the wiring diagram is incorrect, you fry it when you set it up. It isn't one of Lionel's sterling moments. A person with knowledge of PC boards can fix it, but it does take time and testing to get it to work.

Another thing to think of....if you do buy one, shipping is a Nightmare!...it is oversize for most companies and the freight/insurance will add $50 to the price.

My advice. forgo it. Get the steam/clean/grind accessory. A lot more flexibility in footprint and a lot more features/functions. Actually a great accesory. 

If the Engine house effect is what you are looking for, buy an IHC or Korber or Atlas two stall and put some sound effects and lights in it...voilla, lionel's backshop.

ralph