kato f40ph or kato f3a/b

SteveN-trainz May 12, 2018

  1. SteveN-trainz

    SteveN-trainz TrainBoard Member

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    so my sdp40f came in broken so time to get a new one and return it now do i get a kato f40ph or f3a/b what would be better for the longterm i dont plan on dcc
     
  2. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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    The era you model would be a factor because the two models are decades apart. The F-3, 7s and 9s ran with the later GP7 and 9s and even the GP18, and GP20s. They also would have been found with the last of steam.
     
  3. SteveN-trainz

    SteveN-trainz TrainBoard Member

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    well im just starting model trains so i have a simple loop so i rlly dont care about thoose details
     
  4. cfquinlan

    cfquinlan TrainBoard Member

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    I would get which ever one you like best. My personal favorite is the F40. The SDP40Fs are great too, it sounds like you just got a one-off defective unit.
     
  5. SteveN-trainz

    SteveN-trainz TrainBoard Member

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    I got 3 defective units in a row lol im done with thoose
     
  6. DCESharkman

    DCESharkman TrainBoard Member

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    The F3's are never a bad idea nor are the F40PH, it all depends on which you like best
     
  7. brokemoto

    brokemoto TrainBoard Member

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    I would buy the Fs simply because those other things are far too modern for me.
     
  8. Ike the BN Freak

    Ike the BN Freak TrainBoard Member

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    What was defective with the 3 you got?
     
    Hardcoaler likes this.
  9. SteveN-trainz

    SteveN-trainz TrainBoard Member

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    i got replacemet after replacement so 2 replacements all came either couplers broken or non functioing so i im buying a dif loco
     
  10. Eagle2

    Eagle2 Staff Member TrainBoard Supporter

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    One other factor might be what road name you want, especially if you're not looking to paint and decal yourself. I'd also suggest you look at replacing the couplers on the one you've got if that's all that's wrong. I've done plenty of installs and it is a fairly easy process.
     
  11. bremner

    bremner Staff Member

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    AMTRAK didn't use F3's, they used a lot of E8's and FP7's. what era are you modeling and what region? The first generation diesels were replaced by the SDP40F, and they were replaced by the F40PH.
     
  12. Ike the BN Freak

    Ike the BN Freak TrainBoard Member

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    I wouldn't say busted couplers are a defective item worthy of sending something back, esp with replacements being so readily available and not very difficult to replace
     
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  13. urodoji

    urodoji TrainBoard Member

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    Arrived with busted couplers? Twice in a row?
     
  14. John Moore

    John Moore TrainBoard Supporter

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    Normally every Kato locomotive I have bought has been extremely well packed at the factory and it is unusual to have anything amiss in fact I have never had any issues except for Katos coupler which can occasionally come apart. I solved those issues with a simple replacement with a MT coupler front and rear. Most of them took the MT1015/16 which can be bought ready assembled or as a 10 pack that you have to assemble. Were these bought from a reputable dealer or were they bought used?
     
    Hardcoaler likes this.
  15. NorsemanJack

    NorsemanJack TrainBoard Member

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    Where are you buying these items??
     
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  16. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    I've bought Katos and Atlases new and used and neither have any issues at all. Used ones I've bought off of eBay and at trains shows.
     
  17. SteveN-trainz

    SteveN-trainz TrainBoard Member

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    late reply i got em from amazon brand new from kato usa
     
  18. NorsemanJack

    NorsemanJack TrainBoard Member

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    Amazon currently shows only third party sellers. Which one of these did you buy from?
     
  19. MK

    MK TrainBoard Member

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    I don't think Kato USA sells direct on Amazon. They have their own web store. I suspect it's a third party. The product/item will say "By Kato USA" because, well, Kato makes it. But it doesn't necessarily mean it's being sold by them.

    Check your invoice/receipt.
     
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  20. NorsemanJack

    NorsemanJack TrainBoard Member

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    Exactly. Let's not tarnish the names Kato or Amazon because some third party might be selling junk. Those are two fine companies that I value very much.
     

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