Correct me if I am wrong but didn't Kato do a BN F7 rd#724? I noticed IM is doing the same rd# or at least that is what the art work in the May-June NSR shows. Why oh why with at least 95 F7A's on BN's roster did IM have to do the same one? http://archive.trainpix.com/BN/EMDORIG/F7A/INDEX.HTM Kevin D Mumaw
Hello, Don't be too harsh with IM. Atlas seems to like to make different runs of the same type of engine with the same number in different paint or lettering schemes. Examples would include NP RS-11s and UP SD7s. Mark
No, I have not written IM, I just noticed this tonight and it bothered me, I do not own a Kato BN F7 anymore (boy I wish I had it back), but I just wanted others to be aware of this so they did not end up with the same number twice without realizing it. Kevin D Mumaw
Professional or not, writing directly to a manfacturer rarely gives the issue the attention it needs. When one posts his frustration on the internet, and everyone chimes in, it becomes a public issue and the issue gets lots of attention with results. I got a Kato BN F3 set (703A & 706B)a year ago from a LHS at a blow out price. It seems they were everywhere and dealers couldn't move them. [ April 15, 2006, 03:59 PM: Message edited by: J Long ]
I did write IM a E-mail last night explaining the situation, If I hear back I will let you know. Kevin D Mumaw
I got a response from IM, they were very quick. Kevin I forwarded your e-mail to our product development department and the following is their response: “The BN rostered many different versions of F7’s and #724 fit the first version we are doing. We will also do different numbers on other versions later including paint variations as well as single headlights and with or without winterization hatches. This particular number just happened to have enough photographic proof that it matched our first offering.” Thank you for your interest in InterMountain Railway Company. Jerry Harkness Customer Service Representative Well so there you have it. Kevin D Mumaw
It's always good to get a promt responce from the manufacture. Frankly I'm more likely to write again knowing my note will at least be read.
That is a good response from Intermountain. I find it reassuring that they are using "photographic proof" as part of the equation.
I think you'll find those results are becuase someone bothered to write the manufacturer after reading it in a post. Like it or not, but posting an issue on an internet forum(s) and then having x amount of people complain about it in various manners will still produce less results than just writing to the manufacturer and explaining the issue to them. I can tell you from experience it's far easier to reply to an e-mail than pore over forum posts. It's not very time efficient for me to spend hours a day perusing various forums looking or posts to answer about issues, comments, etc, where-as an e-mail outling an issue, comment, etc is. While some manufacturers may not listen regardless, far more will be receptive to an open, professional approach and usually give a response in a timely manner, as IM did here.
