Kato GS-4 Daylight,problems already.

[John]

I really hate the use of the word "issue" by people these days.

A problem is not an "issue". A problem is just that!!!! In this case, it is a flaw in the product.

[bsoplinger]

This from BLW's site today:
"Important Note regarding EM 13 DCC Decoder. DO NOT INSTALL EM 13 IN YOUR GS-4 LOCO. Apparently there is an "issue" with this decoder. We have received several reports of it shorting and burning out. Kato is aware of and working on the problem. BLW will post updates as available. In the meantime, please do not install the DCC until further notice."

But that's backwards, right? That it isn't the decoder that's the issue, but the loco? I ask because I just got a EM 13 to put in my Japanese Kato bullet train and I'd hate to have to replace the thing before I even install it  :'(

[UP_Phill]

This from BLW's site today:
"Important Note regarding EM 13 DCC Decoder. DO NOT INSTALL EM 13 IN YOUR GS-4 LOCO. Apparently there is an "issue" with this decoder. We have received several reports of it shorting and burning out. Kato is aware of and working on the problem. BLW will post updates as available. In the meantime, please do not install the DCC until further notice."

But that's backwards, right? That it isn't the decoder that's the issue, but the loco? I ask because I just got a EM 13 to put in my Japanese Kato bullet train and I'd hate to have to replace the thing before I even install it  :'(

I very much doubt that the decoder is the problem. I'd go ahead a fit the em13 to the Bullet. I think that the message posted on BLW is more to warn people that Kato is looking into it.

[up1950s]

The general opinion I have been hearing is to wait till Kato comes up with a fix before putting in a decoder . The bullet train is a different animal .

[UP_Phill]

Kato has this up on their website.

Dear Kato Customer,

While the new N GS4 operates well in DC mode, we understand there is an issue with the use of DCC in the GS4 locomotive.

To prevent damage to the locomotive and decoders, we ask that customers DO NOT install decoders in their locomotives and to NOT operate them on DCC until we announce a correction to this issue in the very near future. 

We apologize for the inconvenience this may cause some of our customers.

We will resolve this issue in a timely and effective manner.

Thank you for your understanding and support.



Best regards,

Staff of Kato USA, Inc.

[CONRAIL FAN]

Yeah i saw that that Blw put thatup on their website, at least kato was honest about it an notified everyone, I just got my set yesturday, and i was not a big big fan out it by the pictures online but it really is a sharp model in person. Did anyone install the LED lighting kits in the cars yet and if so is it a simple task?

[wm3798]

Mmmm, I'm still waiting for Intermountain to provide a B unit that's not backwards... That's going on two years...  Maybe there's a lesson to be learned here...

Lee

[up1950s]

I heard of one guy that had a traction tire come off .

[bobcat]

I heard of one guy that had a traction tire come off .

I think he had a screw loose.

[Nato]

  The Question was asked "Can the Con Cor Pilot Trucks be fixed?" Yes very easly I have five of these puppies including AFT livery. The GN truck side frames are simply carefull snipped where they are held on on each side and discarded. The wheels do not have points on axel ends so they look correct and they will not fall out of the remaining truck. Nate Goodman (Nato). More then one modeler has reported traction tires coming off wrapping around rods.

[up1950s]

Thanks Nate , another loco in the dungeon project I will do some day .

[Nato]

 Well, my KATO GS 4 and matching cars arrived today from BLW. Knock Wood my locomotive runs quietly and smoothly in both directions,no Buzzing at low speed, no Intermitent Shorts, the traction tires have not Fallen Off. This loco looks better than my two Brass GS locos, a first run Endo Nakamura GS 4 and a much later Key GS 3 (with open backed cab).The true test comes this weekend when I run the loco for three days at the 2008 Ogden Hostlers Train show at the Utah State Railroad Museum located it the Ogden Union Depot. Then I will get to see if the passenger cars have coupling issues as have been reported on other groups.                                                                                                           The question was asked could the Con Cor Unskirted locomotive shell be fitted to Kato mech. Answer is probably, Charlie Vlk on the N Scale List at Yehaw gave a complete comparison between the two locomotives and the Con Cor has the same leingth,but the boiler is wider then Kato's.                            The Con Cor discription of War Time locomotives is not totally accurate. Most, but not all SP GS streamlined locos during the war were painted black,but kept the skirts ,it was felt the locomotives especially on coast route and line to Oregon would be less visible from the air by Japanese Planes. The GS 6 wartime locomotives that went to both SP and Western Pacific were built with out skirting and had single headlights. Con Cor used a new conical single light smokebox front on their WP locos, but left the two light front on their SP locomotive thus modeling the Way all GS 4 locos eventually looked with skirting removed after the war. Nate Goodman (Nato).

[Norm P]

In spite of not modeling steam, I looked at one at Hobbytown the other day, and its appearance was sharp, but I think I'll buy some more need-to-haves before I start with the nice-to-haves. Hopefully by then the "issues" (thats for you John  ) will be worked out.

[DocGeoff]

According to my dealer, to which I already returned the GS4, this problem is HUGE! My engine had three of the four problems most people are experiencing.
1. Decoder shorted (before the Kato announcement).
2. Derails on #6 Kato switches every time it encounters one.
3. Traction tire fell off within minutes.

Also difficulty with the passenger cars but fixed them. Two trucks not seated and fell out, and problem with the tender and coupled car backing.

Of the 80+ my dealer sent to advance orders, better than half have had major problems.
Taking his advise I may be waiting for Kato to get it right. Mine is back in CA and I am returning two GS4 destroyed decoders, too. Having a dealer you can trust, who's opinion has proven valuable in the past, and has more than just making money in mind, but actually has worked to establish a relationship with customers, really means a lot when a problem like the GS4 arises.
I am very disappointed in this release. Not like the Kato I love.

[UP_Phill]

I'm in the process of writing a step by step set of instructions for a Tsunami install =>http://therailwire.net/smf/index.php?topic=15096.0. This is a work in progress and more will be added over the next day or so.