Interesting with a bad smell

[CBQ Fan]

I had purchased one the kits Kato sold for the CZ observation.  Built it and put it on the tracks to run around with my new MT cars.  Not a lot of voltage and the circuit board went up in smoke.  Car body looks fine but the undercarriage is now a tad uneven.  Only a rivet counter would notice.  Still, no rear lights now and no replacement parts available from Kato.  Bummer.  Sent them an email and we will see what they have to say.  I have been buying Kato since the GP38-2 and this is the first issue I have ever had.  Good record.  More bummed about not being able to buy the parts to fix it than anything.  Anyone else run into this?


 

[christoph]

I had a similar "incident" with the Kato Braodway Limited observation.
The circuit became so hot that it burned a hole in the undercarriage, and that warped so much that the car derailed.

My German dealer told me to email Kato U.S.A. for replacement parts, which I received without further questions.  The observation is back in service, but I am cautious now.

I asked on Trainboard but it seemed that only one guy had had a similar problem.

[CBQ Fan]

I sent them a nice email explaing what happened.  I am hoping they can find the replacement parts even though they are showing out of stock online.  With the latest release still in stock I would think they may have some parts set aside for warranty.  Maybe just by another full set and sell off the cars!  Oh well, one issue in 20 years, I can't complain!

[Rossford Yard]

That description fits a few model railroaders to a tee! ;D