I bought this engine about 5 years ago. I got home, put it on my "layout" (which was just a piece of plywood and some track), and ran it for about 10 min. I was amazed at the smoothness and quality of it, before this engine, all I've ever owned was the standard bachmann, life-like, eta. But then it hit a piece of bad track that was way too close to the edge, and took a long-hood forward dive to my hardwood floor...:tb-sad: http://i233.photobucket.com/albums/ee106/mac114u/IMGP0120.jpg I tried to repair it with my (very) limited skills at the time, and was extremely successful. It wasn't too long after this that I got into cars and started to put away the trains. Now that I want to put together a small layout and do it right this time, I was wondering if the engine has a future. Kato USA only offers a stripped, undecorated bodyshell. But they also do repairs. Should I send it to them, or just buy a new one? What would be better budget wise?
I hate it when this happens. Send it back to Kato. Give them a chance to do you a favor. If that doesn't work then check out the swap meets. A lot of the guys and gals out there are dumping their non-DCC equipped locomotives. You might get lucky and find one, you can use for parts. Just a thought.
There's a fairly steady flow of Kato Shells on EBAY. I'm not sure what shells fit on what chassis with Kato, but there are a couple of UP AC4400's today. http://shop.ebay.com/?_from=R40&_tr...hell&_sacat=See-All-Categories#item41535699fa If you keep watching I'm sure the shell you want will show up sooner or later.
Try posting a Wanted to Buy here on the Trading board and maybe on the N Scale Yard Sale Yahoo group. You might find someone with an extra shell they want to dump.
