My Kato GS-4 Issue uncovered - Really big screw up by Kato

Well, if you saw my posts on the swap meet about pulling the GS-4's, I have a partial answer.

On one of the locomotives, the trailing truck was installed upside-down.

It came from the factory that way. So much for QA at Kato.

This info is courtesy of a friend checking out the locomotives yesterday.

 

I find that awfully hard to believe...

 

Maybe we're traveling back in time a bit....

http://www.trainboard.com/highball/index.php?threads/kato-gs-4-tragedy-and-woe.46167/

 

Time to ditch poka-yoke and implement baka-yoke?

 

I have 3 of the SP locomotive and the trailing truck of one comes out from time to time. It is easy to re-install, but.....
Seems it could have been designed to be more secure. ????

 

My AFT unit runs in reverse, but NOT in forward!
It actually free wheels if pushed forward. Drivers
lock up solid though, when pushed in reverse.
Was almost tempted to inquire about a GS, as a
possible part source to try getting mine to run again!
No idea what happened.

 

One of mine did that too! Looks like I got stuck with all sorts of lemons.

And for NorsemanJack - Back then Kato refused to honor the warranty and demanded $100-$150 just to look investigate the problems. A big reason why Kato no more for me.

 

My GS-4 has ran like clockwork from day one. Sorry to hear that others are having problems. These are delicate, complicated devices.

Also interesting to note; the link to the earlier thread suggested "no more steam" from Kato for 10 years, yet here we are just six years later and we have the FEF. Just a lesson to tuck into the collective memory.

 

My AFT runs goofy after I did a decoder install. But not sure if its just dirty wheels/track or just the unit itself.

 

All three of mine run great. I do have one that likes to throw traction tires occasionally but otherwise they all run well. I have two first runs and an AFT. I had a chance to buy a 4453 in daylight for a steal and passed. Now finding one in that road number is nearly impossible.

The AFT underwent a paint job however, now she is all black sans tender lettering, number 4456.

 

That was one of my DOA units.

 

It's called sarcasm...

 

Ah yes, how could I miss that????????

 

The gray worm gear cover under the light board in the boiler popped out of place.

Take the cab/boiler assembly off, pull straight up on the light board, and you'll see a gray clip.

Press it back into place and you should be golden.

Enjoy!

Kelley.
www.dufordmodelworks.com