Just got a Kato E5 for my Zephyr consist. However, on testing it on my layout [Kato Unitrack with 11" radius curves] the front truck keeps jumping. Is this engine just not capable of handling this radius or is there something else I should be looking at? My other Kato engines [including a PA1] all run very smoothly on my layout.
Sounds like something is wrong. Does it do it on both right hand and left hand curves or only one direction. One of the axles may have a wheel set out of gauge or there may be a bur on a wheel flange. Check to see if the metal inserts are properly seated in the truck side frames.
Yeah, something is not right. Kato states almost all of their locos can run on 9-3/4. Whether they will look right nor not is another question but that is not your problem here. Is it always on the same location? Swap some pieces of Unitrack around and see if the problem follows the track(s).
I would concentrate on the loco then. Run it REALLY slow as you get near the problem areas and watch the wheels. The Kato locos can run really really slow so you can many times pinpoint what's going on.
I have 2 Kato E5a's. Hold the locomotives by the trucks and turn them sideways...looking down at from above. See that both trucks rotate outside the body the same amount. The shell may be catching on the front truck. The ladders could possibly be bent in a small amount which would also impede the front truck from turning enough. JMO
with this jumping are you getting a clicking noise? If so, there may be a piece of debris caught in the gearcase. Also, check to make sure the sideframe/bottom cover plate is properly completely snapped down on the gear tower. This sounds like something isn't seated right. Kelley. www.dufordmodelworks.com
it could be those lil gears inside the trucks ive had some of them now made right and they gave me all kinds of problems. i took the trucks apart and found the small gears had burs (bad burs) so i had ordered a new set of trucks and replaced those gears . problem solved. kato has a problem with them itty bitty gears not made right factory screw up...... I extra truck can give you 3 or 4 of them gears instead of buy one dern gear....
I seem to recall there was an issue with the front truck on the E5s not having as much swing as it should have due to contact with something, but I don't remember what for sure........seems like it was a step or skirt or something.
I had the Kato E5 ( actually the Zephyr set ) and it ran on my Atlas track 11" and 9 3/4 inch flawlessly. Another member now own's it
Well, took the beastie to my Hobby Shop yesterday. Tried it on their 2 layouts and would not track on those either. The seller is taking it back.
I do t think I would have given up on such a beautiful locomotive so quickly. Pop the shell off and see if it still does it, then also look at the way the trucks move around the frame to see that they are not getting hung up on the contact strips or anything like that. Mine runs flawlessly, but some of my P42s have had issues with the truck hanging up on the brass contact strip inside. Both the E5 and P42s have a very similar mech inside.
Yup, shell was removed here and at the shop. Still wouldn't cooperate. Sad, but i will get an E Unit for my Zephyr eventually.
