Way back when (the early days) I reserved an Intermountain AC 12 at Feather River Trains.Ok! Good so far. Two weeks ago Con Cor contacted me as a long time customer (since 1969) said they were parterning with IM did I want o order an AC12. Well the price was right only $2.00 more than Chucks' at FRT so I ordered locomotive number two. I came home this afternoon and found first that my friendly postman had left a large package in my garage (he is kind enough to drive down my long rural-like driveway to leave these). Boy was the box hammered,almost ripped open. This didn't look good as it was my AC 12 from FRT. Also waiting at my door was a smaller slender looking package from FED EX (Con Cor in Tuscon). my first thought did Con Cor get different packaging from IM ,but after opening both packages up I found the same size IM box in each. Intermountain must have used the same manufacturer as Athearn in China who did their large steam locos. Boxes are the same size,even the plastic sleeves and liners protecting the locos look the same. I carefully removed the first locomotive the one from FRT (fearing the worst) set it on my yellow main line track after removing an Athearn Challemger. Slowly cranked up the power and it came to life. A bit noisy (have to lube it), but smooth running both forward and backward. Time to test locomotive number two. Wow ! Detailed cab interrior with painted gauges,nice micro fine flexible steam delivery pipes. Set it on the track and slowly cranked up the power. Front light and number boards light up,but no movement, reverse direction,backup light on tender and number boards are lighted,but no movement. I removed the locomotive from the track and that is when I noticed that a pin was missing from the crosshead linkage on the left side rear engine set.The drive rod was suddenly hanging down at the end that should be pinned (rivited ) in place. It was at this time that the drop down plate between the loco and the tender decided to fall out,in looking at the delicate pegs and loops that hold it in place I decided not to try and force it back in place. I carefully placed locomotive number 2 back in its packing sleeve and box.The Instruction sheet says the wrantee is good for the life of the locomotive as long as it was still owned by the original purchaser.Tomorrow it is phone the IM toll free number,see if I get anyone on a Saturday or wait till Monday. Explain that my loco came from Con Cor and hopefully get authorazation to send it back to IM either for rapair or replacement.I know if I contaced Con Cor that is what they would want me to do. Go figure, the loco shipped in the good packing is damaged,the one banged around is good. If this loco was tested by IM (I wonder) it fell apart in transit,but there was no loose rivet (pin) in the box. Nate Goodman (Nato).
