Kato GS-4 "Postwar Black"

[Mike Madonna]

Evening all,

The above model (Kato part #126-0308) has been making a strange "sound" when under power (on DC). The loco makes a slight "vibrating" sound when under power in both forward and reverse. If you place two fingers over the boiler (when moving) you can actually feel the vibration. I suspect that the motor is somehow transferring this noise through the shell. I have NOT yet pulled the boiler shell off and did any testing. Wondering if anyone else has experienced this occurrence. The loco does run pretty smooth in both directions. Thanks in advance!

[Dwight in Toronto]

Mike, I’ve never experienced what you describe, but when it comes to GS4 peculiarities, I immediately think of Mr. Duford.  I’m sure he would welcome your enquiry … nightmare0331 (but I suspect that you already know that!).

[peteski]

Why not make it official?  Calling Mr. @nightmare0331
 

[Dwight in Toronto]

Why not make it official?  Calling Mr. @nightmare0331
 

Lol - yes, I thought of that, but decided to leave it up to Mike to make the interweb call-out.
I’m pretty sure that the only people who have had their hands on more GS4’s are the folks who assembled them in Japan!

[nightmare0331]

Oops!  Just saw this thread.

With just those basic symptoms I'd guess the gray worm gear cover wasn't seated all of the way under the front light board.  But that's just a shot in the dark without actually looking at it.

Kelley.
www.dufordmodelworks.com

[Mike Madonna]

Gentleman,

Thanks for the replies. I may have an opportunity to "dig" a bit deeper into this this week....