Kato GG-1

[carmelmodelrr]

I have two GG-1's, both maroon.  One is #4813, the other is #4876.  I believe the 4813 is the earlier release.  My 4813 runs beautifully--never have a problem.  The 4876, however, de-rails occasionally.  I understand that track is usually the cause of de-railments, but remember that the 4813 and all of my many other locos do not derail--ever.  I really looked at the wheels of the two GG-1's this evening and while I do not have measuring devices that are so precise, visually the wheels on the later #4876 seem to be slightly narrower and perhaps have a slightly shorter flange than the wheels on the earlier 4813.  Can anyone verify this?  Or am I hallucinating?

Thanks, folks.

Dick Wroblewski

[MichaelWinicki]

I don't have a GG-1, but I can tell you that many of the new loco's that I get, no matter the manufacturer, are too narrow, and need to be re-gauged.

Definitely get yourself a NMRA gauge. 

For several years I had one, which I usually left out in the layout room... Well recently I picked up another that I keep right here at my desk for in-house adjustments. 

Bottom line is that the NMRA gauge is worth it's weight in gold. 

Kato's come through with a more narrow wheel tread, which can exasperate a too-narrow gauge problem.

[mmagliaro]

+1 on the NMRA gauge.

 I don't know how you've survived without it.  Almost every engine comes out of the box too narrow, and even the turnouts often have gauge problems.  If I didn't have that NMRA plate and correct
everything to match it, I don't think I could get a single steam loco to make it around my layout.

[bobdobbs]

http://www.katousa.com/N/GG1/maintenance.html

[strummer]

http://www.katousa.com/N/GG1/maintenance.html

Dunno if this actually addresses the issue at hand, but it's still a very helpful website.

Mark in Oregon

[Fliegerin]

I have two GG-1's, both maroon.  One is #4813, the other is #4876.  I believe the 4813 is the earlier release.  My 4813 runs beautifully--never have a problem.  The 4876, however, de-rails occasionally.  I understand that track is usually the cause of de-railments, but remember that the 4813 and all of my many other locos do not derail--ever.  I really looked at the wheels of the two GG-1's this evening and while I do not have measuring devices that are so precise, visually the wheels on the later #4876 seem to be slightly narrower and perhaps have a slightly shorter flange than the wheels on the earlier 4813.  Can anyone verify this?  Or am I hallucinating?

Thanks, folks.

Dick Wroblewski

That is possible, Kato seems to have switched to lower profile flanges.  Would definitely check wheel gauges, most of mine were found to be too narrow on both engines and rolling stock.  Hope this helps!