First, Merry Christmas.
I recieved the Lionel Balloon ride and my father-in-law and I are struggling with it. It will go once or twice and then as the light balloon goes down to the platform, it makes a banging noise like it is still trying to pull more string in and the hook is pulled down as far as it can go?
Anyone have experience with this?
BTW, kids were thrilled with the Harry Potter train going around the tree (at 5am)
Inside the gear box assy. there are two micro switches that changes the direction. one of them is out of ajustment or broke. The wires are another possibilty or the circuit board. All the ones that I’ve fixed it was the switches that where te problem.
If it is a microswitch, would it me something I could adjust myself?
Yes, you should be able to. The gear housing cover has to be removed and that exposes the switches, gears and power board. If you apply power to test you will need an extra pair hands to hold the gears in place and you can watch the T-bar as it touches the switch. The switches are mounted one lower left and upper right of the T-bar. You can apply power and use a small screwdriver to press on the switch and see if it changes direction. Test both switches. Hope this helps
I certainly appreciate your help. I took it apart and tested it like you suggested kind of seemed hit or miss with the switches. I tightened one of the screws (the one pointing down) and it seemed to work. I then hooked it up and at first it was too sensitive and then not at all.
I have reached the point of frustration and would like to either exchange it or send it in to be fixed. Not exactly sure if the ebay seller will stand by the product or if Lionel would fix it for free as it is new out of box.
Thanks again for trying to talk me through it.
I understand your frustration. Sometimes, some accessories prove to be more trouble then they are worth. Lionel will only fix your baloon (for free) if it is still under warrenty, and accompanied by proof that you bought it from a dealer in Lionel’s network. I think they (Lionel) call them an “Authorized Dealer”, or service station. More info on this on Lionel.com. If the ebay seller is not, I think you are on your own. See if they will give you a refund.
good luck!
The ebay seller siad he would give me a refund. If that is the case, I will be impressed.
This is why I don’t buy operating accessories.
Jim
I can’t help myself. I have a set up with the swinger, ferris wheel, scrambler and Lionel Aquarium which all work and I really enjoy. I also got the Lionel Carosel for xmas and had an even worse experience then the Balloon ride.
As much as I am an advocate of simplicity - still looking for an ‘affordable’ (LOL) #96 coal elevator for example ( the manual pre-war one ), I love some of these accessories too, they sure are a glory to behold when you get them working. Good luck! I just rehooked up the WW2 aircraft pylon.
Anyone know the product number for the balloon ride? Thanks, Jake
6-24177
Thanks much, Jake