Have any of you run the new versions? I have found that they are VERY picky on track work. they have the low flange trucks which have been used on several of the later Kato locos but seem to find every spot which is not perfect on the rail. After some 3 hours of playing with trackwork I changed the lead trucks wheels to some from an older SD-40. This helped on one loco but not as well on the second. The new wheelsets run great on everything else I have anywhere on the layout, none of the curves derail anything else with the same wheelsets. The flanges and tread width is larger on the old wheels, more forgiving I thought, but one loco still will pick spots and go on the ground. I know the shell is redone also and the only other thing I can see is the cab steps getting a little tight to the swing hangers on the trucks. Bob.
I've never had a derailment with Kato E-8's and PA's, or any other problem with them. But I have not bought any except the first release. This is the first report of problems with newer ones that I have seen. I have had the problem with steps hanging on the truck swing hangers that Bob Horn describes. But only with F3's and none of them derailed. They only were lifted off the track enough to lose power. Sanding a bit off the bottoms of the steps always cured the problem. Ben
I have owned Kato E units of all three vintages (the original runs in BN, the 2000ish run in CB&Q and the latest PRR release). All have performed flawlessly on my layout. Also, I don't think the shell has been completely redone. I did a side by side comparison under magnification of the current PRR release with the eight year old CB&Q release. I believe it is the same basic mold, but they've modified it to allow for non-dynamic brake variations as well as the lighted number boards. Otherwise, they are identical down to the last dimple, rivet, etc.
One thing to keep in mind, there are over 12 other E-8's that operate on my layout, all older, with no problems so that sort of takes track work out of the equation. Bob.
Bob, given that, the newer one should be no different but I have no suggestion other than to return it to your dealer. If that is not possible send it to KatoUSA along with a note describing the problem and the fact that your 12 others are problem free. They will make it right, hopefully. Ben
Kato fine scale wheels I was interested to read this thread. I have had a Kato E8 Southern Pacific Daylight since 1996 and more recently a Pennsy E8. Both dream locos. However I recently bought a Kato AC4400 and it did everything that has been described above. It has found out every fault in my trackwork, so I recently sold it on Trade Me on condition that the purchaser has Code 55 N Scale track. A happy Trainboard member has purchased it. Meanwhile I have bought an older Kato Mikado from a mate and it is going well.:thumbs_up:
This is only some useless information regarding E units that this thread stimulated. First, I have still in stock (except one) every E unit made by the manufacturers, including Kato, PCM, Rivarossi, Rivarossi/Kato, RR/Roco, and LifeLike. Never had any problems with any except the PCM because I have a dc layout, and power issues with the old Rivarossi's. Never had any track problem, so it may be one of those locos on a case by case nature as to its performance. Question. I have the first Kato E8 which has the yellow LED and is a little noisy, and the second production with the blue LED and very quiet, are the new PRR E's the same as the second run? Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman
Good question. Now that loco history is no longer a part of the KatoUSA website I have lost track. The first E8 release in 1993 included NYC, Amtrak, Milw, UP, VIA and undec. There was a run released in 1994 which may have been part of the same release and included PRR, more UP, BN, B&O, SP, and undec. Some of these were designated as freight and single/dual headlights varied. The Santa Fe E8, the first that I bought, was a later release but I don't remember the headlight color except that it hurt my eyes to look at it headon. Beyond this I have no knowledge of release numbers or dates. But we digress. Ben
The Precision Craft Model E7/E8/PA units are pretty sure footed, smooth running, and are good pullers. The street price has dropped to level that's more comparable to the Kato prices.
I wasn't aware the PCM E8/PA units had hit the streets. None of which helps Bob Horn with his Kato E8 problem. Ben
PCM E8/PA units They haven't. They aren't due until next year. Current forecast is February for the E8 and 2nd run E7; April for the PAs. Want to bet those dates won't slip again?
Ken: PCM came out with E-7's. The E-8's have been pushed further out into the future or "Never Never Land".
For what is worth, the PCM E-7 willn pull the 14 car Broadway train without breaking a sweat. Do you want to know what I did to make the Kato locos stay on track? Bob.
kATO E8 PROBLEM Anybody having problems with the new Kato E8's derailing especially on curves. My curves are at least 19" so this should not happen. Everything else i own and that includes the Y3, big boy and challenger run with no problem. Seems to happen only in a couple spots so this has me stumped. The wheels seem to be in gauge. Any thoughts? Dave
Yes I have Dave. Mine were very picky, we all know that the Kato E-8 and PA are the best for finding flaws in a layout. But, there are over a dozen older E-8's that operate on my layout with no problems, minium radius, 11". The new locos have the low flange narrow tread wheels. After trying to fix perfectly good track I replaced the wheel sets on the lead trucks with wheelsets from an older SD-40. Problem solved. no more picking. I have not tried any other combinations of wheels yet as I am happy. Most of the Kato 6 axle units are spot on on gauge but due to the length of the wheel base need to be tight on the center axle. Bob
I also had a post which I never completed on the same subject about 4 weeks ago. To much to do and not enough days. Bob.
I have a pair of the PRR E9's, and they have operated flawlessly. I have 25" minimum curves. Just another data point.... Hope you figure out what is happening with yours.
