Wow ! Kato GG 1 is here

[3rdrail]

NIce GG1, Katos models alway impressed me now i want one, but the funds need to be saved for the atlas c40-8s, i thought that they are supposed to be released this month as well

No, they've been delayed until November 2008, according to the Shipping Schedule on the Atlas website.

[up1950s]

Got my G today , all I can say is gee she looks perfect .

[Dave V]

Got my GG1 today too..  She's a real beauty.

However, after only two derailment-plagued trips around my layout she threw a traction tire.

I'm debating sending it back or attmpting non-invasive repairs myself.  I think the derailment problem is due to the same contact/leaf spring issue mentioned earlier.  I noticed one of my contacts was off too.  Easy fix. 

EDIT:

Alles in ordnung...  I was able to fix both the traction tire the contact-induced derailments easily.  Derailments gone.

Looking forward to hauling both strings of Tuscan sleepers and hot-shot freights with my new G.

EDIT 2:

Had my traingasm running that sleek G ahead of a B60b, some P85brs, a diner, 10-6 Pullman, and the Mountain View, all in fashionable Tuscan.

You Conrail guys are in danger of losing me back to the SPFs!!!

[CONRAIL FAN]

NIce now i know someone might sneak a gg1 into a penn central coat, or maybe a pc coat with a CR badge on it

[Bob Bufkin]

Dave - what type of diner are you using on your train?

[Dave V]

Dave - what type of diner are you using on your train?

If you promise not to tell the other SPFs, I'm using a standard ConCor diner in Pennsy paint...  Temporarily, I promise!!!

[ryourstone]

Noticed another problem on a third GG1... One of the center drivers didn't have the slight movement that it should. An axle wasn't in the brass cup, instead the cup was jammed between wheel and sideframe below the axle. Had to completely disassemble to get the truck out and taken apart to get that axle in it's socket.

So that's 3 out of 4 GG1s with different assembly problems. This isn't like Kato, what's the deal here? This is probably one of the best designed and executed N scale locos ever, not to mention one of the best choices of prototype. I hate to see it get tainted by all these stupid assembly problems.

[Dave V]

Assembly problems aside, I'm just in awe at this model.

The DGLE is dead-on, almost undistinguishable from black except in sunlight.  The "lettering buff" is similarly outstanding.  The crisp, tiny, yet legible lettering all over the loco, along with the red striping around the window, is just incredible.

Kudos also to Kato for not using pure black for the plastic sideframes; their use of a dark grimy gray-black not only photographs better, but is much more representative of what the loco would look like after its first road trip out of the paint shop.

Although I haven't yet converted mine to DCC (and so am running it w/ Digitrax on "00"), she seems very powerful and responsive.  I have my doubts about Kato's claim that she can do 9 3/4" S-curves; she looks barely comfortable on my 15" radius.  However, all around this is a wonderful creation.

Thanks, Kato!!!

[gunner]

I got notification that my GG1 shipped yesterday.  If I see any of the QC issues mentioned above, I will let Kato know directly. 

That we can share fixes to defects in assembly quickly is a boon to the modeler, but if communicated to the manufacturer in the same time frame gives them insight into the effective quality that they are getting from their sub contractors and employees.  This works in everybodies favor.  We get better products and the manufacturer gets insight on just how well their contractors/employees are performing.  The contractor or company employee who screws the pooch gets some much needed attention.

Bob

[victor miranda]

Dave,
the GG1 looks real strange in a tight curve, I admit....
but It will clear the 9.75 inch radius.

victor

[wm3798]

I got notification that my GG1 shipped yesterday.  If I see any of the QC issues mentioned above, I will let Kato know directly. 

That we can share fixes to defects in assembly quickly is a boon to the modeler, but if communicated to the manufacturer in the same time frame gives them insight into the effective quality that they are getting from their sub contractors and employees.  This works in everybodies favor.  We get better products and the manufacturer gets insight on just how well their contractors/employees are performing.  The contractor or company employee who screws the pooch gets some much needed attention.

Bob

Yes, it's important for Kato to know about any shortcomings so they can correct them for the next run, which will probably be in about 20 years.... ;D

Surviving without a GG-1 (so far)
Lee

[Ed Kapuscinski]

Do these have the dense foam inserts, or the crappy plastic ones in the cases?

I really miss the foam ones.

[up1950s]

Do these have the dense foam inserts, or the crappy plastic ones in the cases?

I really miss the foam ones.

Foam Ed .

[gunner]

Picked mine up at the PO Box this morning.

I'm pleased to report that it appears in perfect shape.  I've got some work to do before running it on the layout.

Bob

[inkaneer]

Well I finally got toput my GG1 on the track and try it out.  I set up a small oval of Kato Unitrack on my dining room table.    The overhang on the sharp curves only looks bad but for some reason the unit kept derailing and it was always the second set of drive wheels.  This occurred in both directions.  I even turned the engine around and still the second set of drive wheels derailed to the inside of the oval.  I quick exam did not reveal anything obvious. I'm using Unitrack curves of just over 12 inch radius, don't know what the size is in millimeters.  Any suggestions?