New Intermountain F7 A & B units

[Railhead]

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[NYC1956]

Definitely contact InterMountain. Their customer support is great for things like this.
They will send you replacement parts quickly - it is an easy repair.

I had a similar problem with my F3s (same part as on the F7s).
Sometimes the coupler mounting screws are installed so tight at the factory that the mount is weakened or distorted causing problems like this later.

[up1950s]

I got 2 sets of UP ABBA's . What I find as a eye sore is the wavy Stainless Steel grills , otherwise I am pleased . I find it puzzling that QC let that pass muster , and further find it puzzling that all 8 units are wavy . Oh well , at least they fixed the shells . 

[Mark5]

I bought mine in store, and was able to avoid the wave.

[brokemoto]

I have purchased three of the four Baltimore and Ohio numbers and have yet to find any wavy grilles.

[Erik W]

Judging from what's happened to the metal roofwalks I've put on rolling stock with temperature and humidity variation, I'd say they probably left the factory and /or IMRC straight.  Now, I just opened the box of one of the D&RGW F7s I bought a while back and had one broken stirrup, a grab iron, and the end diaphragm fall out.  Two of the stirrups are bent at a 45-degree angle lengthwise.  All fixable though.  I never liked the packaging on these.  But that's another thread . . .

Erik

[wm3798]

While I like the details on my F-7's, and didn't experience the "fallout" the way you did, Erik, I've always had concerns about the fragility of factory add-ons.  They add to the cost, and when they show up broken or missing, it causes the purchaser dispepsia, especially if he's the type that can't "do" for himself to fix it.

I'd much rather be able to buy the basic model, and get detail parts and install them myself.  But again, I do reaaaallyy like my F-7's...

Lee

[inkaneer]

After reading about the problems with the IM F 7's I think I will keep my Kato's.  For once I am glad that IM thinks of Pennsy as a fourth tier RR.   Saved me some money. 

[wm3798]

Keep your Katos... Just don't expect to get any more for another decade.
Lee