Athern kit problem

[Anonymous]

I recently built an Athern 40' tankcar kit and had a couple of problems with the assembly(some tinkering resolved these although not common practice). The car is in service and works fine. The main issue is this-I wrote to Athern and informed them of the problems I had. I bought the kit in early July and have yet to hear from them.I have built a number of Athern kits in the past and never had any problems. I would appear to me that they do not consider these problems to be an issue for them. It would have been nice if I could have gotten some sort of reply from them.Anyway,life goes and the car works. Bob

[Anonymous]

The late,great Irv Athearn would have not ignored your letter, however, time being what is is now, maybe you should have emailed them with you concerns. Best regards /Mike

[Anonymous]

Bob
I've had a few problems with Athern tank cars and a few box cars too. The main problem I've had is that the trucks are too loose on the underframe even with the screws right up tight and result in the car wobbling horribly.

I've found that reaming the centre of the truck slightly and fitting a piece of 5/32" Evergreen styrene tube as a bush resolves the problem.

This seems to be a common problem with Athern "blue box" cars, as several other members of my local club have had similar problems. Its a shame Athern don't want to address the problem as otherwise the cars are good value. I hope they reply to you soon.

James (Hampshire, England)

[dknelson]

There are a few long-standing design problems with some of the Athearn cars. The B&O hoppers for example are derailment prone due to a design feature that seems very difficult to address. I think at some point Athearn just shrugs the problems off -- especially now that they are going more into higher end stuff (but I wonder if it is the old line that still pays the bills)

[Anonymous]

Got a spirit of Miami SD70 CSX a part was missing.I e mailed them they e mailed me back to let me know my part was on its way.LONG LIVE ATHEARN the best and the best never lets you down.....

[Anonymous]

Just curious, what kind of problems did you have?
I have built many Athearn kits ofer the years, and occasionaly hit a snag, but not often.
Let me know, perhaps I can share a few "tricks" with you.
Todd C.

[Anonymous]

Hi there,

Any time I have had a question, problem or concern, Athearn has taken great pains to insure I have the best possible answer. They have helped me numerous times on various things, and have never let me down.

Did you email them or send a letter? With email, I get a response within 48 hours. I always get a response. Atlas is the same. I have always got great service from Atlas, and they also have never let me down. Keep trying.

-Wolv33

[Anonymous]

Thanks to all for their input. Sorry it took so
long to reply.Just got back on the net. I have
not heard from Athern and will try the e-mail
approach and see what happens. If I get a reply
I'll let you guys know what they said.
Thanks-Bob

[Anonymous]

I think it is interesting to note
that Athearn has helped me within
days when I wrote to them because
a kit was missing a part. They sent
a replacement right away.
Peter

[BRAKIE]

I have built Athearn cars for years and have had very little problems...I did buy a GP38-2 that had the wrong handrail packet,I contacted Athearn and told them about the problem and with in 7 days I had the correct handrail packet.Athearn has always been a up front company to deal with...

[Anonymous]

I think Athern is a great company as well and they
make fine products. I did as suggested in one reply
e-mail them with the problems I had with the kit
but never heard from them. It's no real big deal. I
was able to solve the problems,assemble the kit and
use it on my layout. I just wanted to let them know
what had happened. Bob