FVM Hiawatha Loco need help!

[CBQ Fan]

Ok, got my loco today.  Put it on the track (DC) and turn up the throttle.  Headlight comes on but nothing.  Won't move, won't budge.  Any suggestions or ideas??

[Kisatchie]

Hmm... send it back...?

[peteski]

See https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=30997.msg342402#msg342402  I just posted in the other thread where you asked this question.

[CBQ Fan]

Thanks Peteski, I saw your response.  I was afraid it would get lost in that topic so I posted a new one!   

[peteski]

Thanks Peteski, I saw your response.  I was afraid it would get lost in that topic so I posted a new one!   

I agree - good idea.

[GN63]

Give Matt an email note, My GP60M had one truck that wasn't picking up power, after looking at the usual suspects, I couldn't see why it wasn't - I sent a Email to Matt at FVM and he responded within a couple of hours, asking which number I had.  The replacement was in my mailbox within three days - he just asked to have me send the bad unit back - great and quick service - you might try that. = Byron

[CBQ Fan]

Give Matt an email note, My GP60M had one truck that wasn't picking up power, after looking at the usual suspects, I couldn't see why it wasn't - I sent a Email to Matt at FVM and he responded within a couple of hours, asking which number I had.  The replacement was in my mailbox within three days - he just asked to have me send the bad unit back - great and quick service - you might try that. = Byron

If my GP-60's missing parts arrive tomorrow as promised I may have to check into that.  So he sent you a whole new engine and then you returned the bad one?

[GN63]

Yes, he sent me a new engine, and it worked just fine (and looks great) - I just wrote a note to the address on the FVM site, as I said he responded back withing a couple of hours (it was on a Saturday no less) and I got the new unit on the next Tuesday - it was great, I mailed back the bad unit (I think I was out a total of 3 and a half bucks for shipping) and that was that - I have probably a half dozen FVM units, including the Hiawatha 4-4-2, and never had a problem before now.  Like I said, give him a note - nothing lost in doing that. - Byron

[peteski]

I can also vouch for Matt's great customer service: He sent me several parts for the Hiawatha 4-4-0 when I asked to buy some for experimenting with my model.

While at it, ask him about the shortage of the 33" MT-compatible wheels.   

[CBQ Fan]

Well, I sent him an email.  So we will see what happens.  Having never owned a FVM loco before I have had issues with 2 out of the 3 I have purchased in the past 10 or so days, Ugh!!!

[CBQ Fan]

Matt is sending me a replacement unit. Geep number board arrived in the mail, installed it and have them pulling my El Cap just for fun!

[Pennsy]

I'm so glad the rest of you have been getting great service from Matt. My experience is exactly the opposite.

An accident on our clubs N-Trak layout last year melted the rear truck on my tender of the first run engines. Before that it ran great. After repeated contacts and replies I have not received a new rear tender truck even after wanting to pay for a replacement.

So my great engine sits in it's case not pulling the great looking cars

Jim

[peteski]

I'm so glad the rest of you have been getting great service from Matt. My experience is exactly the opposite.

An accident on our clubs N-Trak layout last year melted the rear truck on my tender of the first run engines. Before that it ran great. After repeated contacts and replies I have not received a new rear tender truck even after wanting to pay for a replacement.

So my great engine sits in it's case not pulling the great looking cars

Jim

Did you get any replies from Matt, or the emails seemed to be ignored?  I ask because there were couple of instances when my email to FVM went unanswered until I re-sent the email.  I don't know what happened but once I was able to a reply from Matt, he was very accommodating.

[CBQ Fan]

I got prompt responses to all my emails and I got the replacement loco today.  All I can say is holly crap, what a nice loco!!!!  I hope this is the first of many steam locos!!!  I am very impressed!!!

[peteski]

I got prompt responses to all my emails and I got the replacement loco today.  All I can say is holly crap, what a nice loco!!!!  I hope this is the first of many steam locos!!!  I am very impressed!!!

Yeah, it is a beautiful model and it runs (and pulls) quite well. Especially after I was through with it!    But even out-of-the-box, it is a good locomotive.