I had posted previously a question re headlight on same. In that post I raved about the F3A recently purchased. [:D]
Subsequent to that post I purchased an additional F3A and a F3B via mail order. Both units run smooth and quiet just like the original purchase. [:D] However, [:(] each has a truck where one wheel does not sit squarely on railhead. This skewing of truck relative to railhead causes units to derail where no other layout loco does (Genesis, P1K, P2K, Stewart, BLI) and where original IMRC F3A rave purchase also doesn’t derail.
I have poked and proded trying to find where the hangup or interference is-can’t find what the problem is. [?] Anyone on forum run into this problem? If so, what did you determine the problem to be? Is it readily fixable without hassle of sending unit back for replacement(possible same problem with replacement)?
You might make sure the gears inside the truck are all seated properly and meshed together. I ran into a similar problem with an N-scale IMRC FT that I had to disassemble to replace the headlight LED. In the process, the truck came apart and when I reassembled it, the gears didn’t sit down properly. That caused one of the axles to be on a slight angle, producing a problem similar to what you are describing. If I remember, just jiggling the wheel in question caused the axle to sit in place, the gears to mesh, and she’s been fine every since.
If Mark’s solution doesn’t work, exchanging a defective unit with InterMountain is not really a hassle. Give them a call at 1-800-472-2530 and explain your problem. Most often if they have a replacement in stock they will ship it as soon as your defective unit comes in. Otherwise they can repair it for you.
Send it via the Post Office, Priority Mail. You will get a delivery confirmation and a tracking number and should be back up and running again in a few weeks at the most.
Thanks for info. [tup] [tup] [tup] I had heard that Intermountain was very good about product support. [:D]
If gear/axle tweak doesn’t do it I’ll give them a call.
Like I said in prior post except for this these F units are terrific.
Jerry,
Absolutely. They started their USPS journey yesterday to InterMountain. People there gave off very good vibes about addressing problem. Will let the forum know. IMRC did say it would a few weeks before turnaround is complete.
Meantime I’m watching the two IMRC F-3A’s I have walk up my version of Saluda grade. Keep loading on cars and they keep walking the walk!! [:D]
Received F-3B unit from InterMountain Railway Company today. Took unit to layout and eyeballed whether all wheels were sitting square on the railheads. Looks good. Next run it over the two spots where the prior unit managed to derail itself. Little history here, all my loco units have no problem at these spots-including Athearn Genesis, Stewart, Atlas, BLI, Proto 2K and two Intermountain F-3A units. Well, test completed and I’ve got a real runner here. Intermountain I salute you. [bow]
When I sent F-3B unit to IMRC I explained that I also had two A units which had the same road numbers(Why? It’s a long story and not very interesting) and asked if I would be able to purchase a replacement body with a different road number. Letter accompanying B unit today advised that if I returned one of the A bodies to them they would replace it with a different number. Sounds very, very good to me. Will be posting a very securely packaged F-3A body to IMRC on Monday.
This has been an excellent experience. InterMountain backs their product and has dealt with my unit’s problem directly and graciously. I am very impressed with their customer service. The two F-3A units run smoothly, quietly and definitely are strong pullers. The body detail and paint are right on. On top of all this the
Jon, I am proud to be an InterMountain dealer. Their customer service has always been first rate and your experience is typical of the level of service they provide to their customers.
You are obviously a very discerning businessman. [tup]
“The Railway Company” of Longmont, CO seems to this satisfied customer to set a high bar for itself and makes every effort possible to attain that standard. Good people.
[^][^][^] [:D] [tup] [:)] [bow][bow][bow] I think that about covers it!
Again, thanks for your advice and counsel. Forum members who signed in with recommendations [tup] you are [8D]. Thanks. [:D]
From what I heard a few years ago, InterMountain is owned by model railroaders. The principal name I remember as being associated with them was Marty McGuirk, who was an editor/writer for Model Railroader magazine at the time. I have never heard an unfavorable comment about IM.
I’ve never had a problem with any IMRR products. My only contact with their customer service was an obscure question about the build or service dates on a particular line of freight cars I was looking at. Sending a pre-sales question via email is often iffy. Most companies either do not respond or do not get around to responding until long after the question is asked. I completely understand that, since they are dealing with a number of other things, including problems from paying customers. To my surprise, IMRR responded with more info than I asked for in a matter of about 2 hours. While the info cost them that sale (I model 1958 and the cars in question were built or serviced after that), they got many more sales to me afterwards because of it.
Received F-3B unit from InterMountain Railway Company today. Took unit to layout and eyeballed whether all wheels were sitting square on the railheads. Looks good. Next run it over the two spots where the prior unit managed to derail itself. Little history here, all my loco units have no problem at these spots-including Athearn Genesis, Stewart, Atlas, BLI, Proto 2K and two Intermountain F-3A units. Well, test completed and I’ve got a real runner here. Intermountain I salute you. [bow]
When I sent F-3B unit to IMRC I explained that I also had two A units which had the same road numbers(Why? It’s a long story and not very interesting) and asked if I would be able to purchase a replacement body with a different road number. Letter accompanying B unit today advised that if I returned one of the A bodies to them they would replace it with a different number. Sounds very, very good to me. Will be posting a very securely packaged F-3A body to IMRC on Monday.
This has been an excellent experience. InterMountain backs their product and has dealt with my unit’s problem directly and graciously. I am very impressed with their customer service. The two F-3A units run smoothly, quietly and definitely are strong pullers. T