New Kato running poorly...

[Kent]

I got a Kato SD90MAC about a month and a half ago, didn't really use it as I was getting ready to move. I just finished my extension of my main line (now about 100') and started to run the SD90MAC.

But it not running all the well, the lights flickers and and studdles and when it hit the 11" turn it comes to a dead stop.

I'd expect a loco needing a good cleaning to act this way, but not a new Kato. I'm going to take it apart for cleaning tomorrow. Any ideas on this??

[Kent]

I got a Kato SD90MAC about a month and a half ago, didn't really use it as I was getting ready to move. I just finished my extension of my main line (now about 100') and started to run the SD90MAC.

But it not running all the well, the lights flickers and and studdles and when it hit the 11" turn it comes to a dead stop.

I'd expect a loco needing a good cleaning to act this way, but not a new Kato. I'm going to take it apart for cleaning tomorrow. Any ideas on this??

[AltonFan]

I once had to exchange a Kato locomotive because it wouldn't run properly. Sometimes even Kato produces a lemon.

[AltonFan]

I once had to exchange a Kato locomotive because it wouldn't run properly. Sometimes even Kato produces a lemon.

[Kent]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AltonFan

I once had to exchange a Kato locomotive because it wouldn't run properly. Sometimes even Kato produces a lemon.

I'll email Kato about it and see what they say. I have it for a while and bought it mail order. I don't really want to deal with the place again after all the bad stuff I've heard about them. Bad enough I had my credit card number changed.

[Kent]

QUOTE: Originally posted by AltonFan

I once had to exchange a Kato locomotive because it wouldn't run properly. Sometimes even Kato produces a lemon.

I'll email Kato about it and see what they say. I have it for a while and bought it mail order. I don't really want to deal with the place again after all the bad stuff I've heard about them. Bad enough I had my credit card number changed.

[Anonymous]

Maybe you should post this on the thread about online v local hobby shop.

[Anonymous]

Maybe you should post this on the thread about online v local hobby shop.

[cacole]

A couple of things to check before sending the locomotive back: Make sure your track is clean. The flickering light is indicative of dirty track. Clean the locomotive wheels, too. Even though it is new, the wheels could have corroded before you bought it if it was stored in a humid location. Where the locomotive completely stalls, make sure the track has power. Sudden stalling could be caused by a poor electrical connection to the track. If these items check out OK, then you definitely have a bad loco, even though that would be unusual for Kato.

[cacole]

A couple of things to check before sending the locomotive back: Make sure your track is clean. The flickering light is indicative of dirty track. Clean the locomotive wheels, too. Even though it is new, the wheels could have corroded before you bought it if it was stored in a humid location. Where the locomotive completely stalls, make sure the track has power. Sudden stalling could be caused by a poor electrical connection to the track. If these items check out OK, then you definitely have a bad loco, even though that would be unusual for Kato.

[Anonymous]

I would email Kato and send a link to this thread ( the MR forum). You'll get a good response is my guess.

[Anonymous]

I would email Kato and send a link to this thread ( the MR forum). You'll get a good response is my guess.

[Martin4]

A few years ago I had a similar problem with a Proto 2000 loco : the source of it was one of the wires that was not properly soldered to the truck and lost contact when the truck went into a curve. Check it out.

Martin
Québec City

[Martin4]

A few years ago I had a similar problem with a Proto 2000 loco : the source of it was one of the wires that was not properly soldered to the truck and lost contact when the truck went into a curve. Check it out.

Martin
Québec City