Are first and second gen Kato F unit drive of any value?

[wcfn100]

I've been trying to downsize the amount of stuff I have and one area I am bloated in is Kato F units.  I have maybe 20 older drives, mostly first generation, that I'm not planning on using and was wondering if maybe because of the weight of these drives, people were still using these?

Any thoughts or input is appreciated.

Thanks,

Jason

[ncbqguy]

Even though the low friction dive application on the second version of the split frame drive was a compromise without the frame pickup strips, they worked very well.   The original with die cast to die cast high friction drives, not so much.   
The factory refused to do a suggested simple frame mod to accomplish DCC and had to make a complete retool redesign. 
Oh well….
Charlie Vlk

[u18b]

if you Beardenize them, they run dramatically better.

http://u18b.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/Bearingblock09.pdf

[thomasjmdavis]

I'm still using mine ("revised" units).  I think 12, plus a couple of dummies made of spares picked up on eBay.  A couple have had DZ-123s added.  I need to get more frames milled.

The upside is that they pull as many cars as the prototype- maybe more. 

Not that I am in the market right now for used N scale (I have a full scale auto to buy), but what roadnames are you thinking about parting with?

[randgust]

I have four Kato originals that I'm in the process of retiring (ABBA) and just got four new ones.    My ABBA set is more than capable of pulling anything I need, and the noise levels from the old ones was getting to me.    Not only that, but these are the only Kato units I've ever seen that can actually screech slightly going through a 15" radius curve.   I think the wheel treads are worn a bit flat.  But they still run consistently, pull like mules, etc.

So I'll be swapping shells as my originals had a LOT of work put on them, and the new shells will be transplanted to the new chassis.   Two ATSF A units with yellowbonnet scheme, and two red and silver B units will be put on the old chassis.  If anybody wants a deal on these, PM me.  I'm certainly in no hurry here, other than test running the new ones and verifying the shells swaps work by changing the porthole inserts, that's all I've done.

[superchief]

As a F-Unit collector I have every version that Kato made, the original blue box have been upgraded to the "rev" trucks, the second version "rev" make up over half my fleet, this units are heavy and can pull anything!! The newer DCC friendly are great for passenger units with lighted number board and higher end decoders with more functions for lighting. I have found a stripped unit without the shell is still worth $25.00 for parts and depending on the road name / shell / phase and head lights could be worth $50.00 still. There are no more parts from Kato for these, trucks and motors are all gone, so if one breaks you will need to find a spare unit for parts donor. They must be milled for a decoder and are great pullers. I still look for deals at trains shows for these units.
                                                        Gordon Bliss/ Santa Fe-All the Way

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I was just on eBay the other day and was shocked at the prices that even old stuff was going for.

I know, just because it's offered at that price doesn't mean it's selling at that price, but still.

[Doc Frankenfield]

I am in need of two F-3 Truck sets, and fuel tank covers.... either for A-A or A-B  stet up first gen I think.

[Angus Shops]

Over the last couple years I’ve replaced all of my (smallish fleet of) original units. This was mostly because I didn’t want to face the milling of the frames for DCC installation. Also, all my A’s were all FP7’s, made by stretching the Kato chassis and were really pretty inferior and noisy compared to the later IM versions, and then Kato’s own FP when it became available. So the FP’s were junked (save one decent shell that got a new Kato chassis) and the B’s were consigned at the LHS for modest return.

[wm3798]

I picked up a K1G (to borrow George Irwin's nomenclature) F7 (complete) and it's one of my favorites.  If you let it linger in storage very long you have to shoot some contact cleaner between the trucks and the frames, but other than that it's a champ.  I think it was about $45 last year.
I'd offer to take some off your hands, but I'm presently saving up for deck boards...

Lee

[GhengisKong]

I exclusively run the old units. Mostly for N-trak drags.

[PRB]

Does anyone think there is a market for 1st and 2nd gen Kato F7 units with DCC and sound installed?

[Doc Frankenfield]

I could use one each... wouldn't mind a spare b unit shell either.