>From Charlie at Kato.
Terry
--------- Forwarded message ----------
From: "Charlie Vlk" <charlie@k...>
To: <n_scale@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Thu, 18 Apr 2002 16:20:23 -0500
Subject: [n_scale] Information on Coupler Upgrade Program for Corrugated
Cars
Message-ID: <000001c1e71e$dacd3040$034a7541@i...>
Listees:
The following information has been posted on the Kato USA Website
www.katousa.com under NEWSFLASH! regarding the Coupler Upgrade Program
for
Corrugated Cars. Please note that this is a Dealer Program, not direct,
and
the first kits have been received by many dealers already. Dealers may
request additional sets of parts. Dealers not covered in the original
program can request to be included by calling our office:
Coupler Upgrade Campaign
for Corrugated Cars
1.1 Overview of the campaign
1.2 What you will receive
1.3 Obtaining replacement couplers through a hobby shop
1.4 Other details of the campaign
1.5 Conclusion
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1.1 Overview of campaign
Since releasing our N scale Corrugated Passenger Car Sets (item
#106-1501~106-1901) in November 2000, we have received some reports of
unsatisfactory reliability of the cars to stay coupled together while in
operation. In the past, we have provided identical replacements of the
original factory-installed couplers. These secondary couplers proved to
provide a remedy in some, but not all, instances.
Thus, for a six-month period beginning March 22, 2002, we will provide a
new
type of knuckle coupler as a replacement to hobbyists who request them.
This
new coupler is essentially the same coupler as used with our recent RDC
and
Cupola Caboose models, albeit without the magnetic uncoupling capability.
These replacement couplers will be available primarily through local
hobby
shops. There is no charge from Kato USA to the hobbyist or assisting
retail
shop for the replacement couplers. The couplers will be provided
unassembled
(with instructions) and are available in black only. These new couplers
are
being provided only for the Corrugated Passenger Car Sets mentioned
above.
1.2 What you will receive
Hobbyists requesting the replacement couplers will receive UNASSEMBLED
knuckle couplers in sufficient quantity to replace any unreliable
factory-installed couplers on their corrugated passenger car models. Each
coupler will consist of four individual pieces -- a guard arm section, a
knuckle section, a truck mount conversion plate and a coil spring.
Printed
instructions of how to assemble the pieces and install on the model truck
will also be supplied.
Be advised that some of the replacement coupler pieces, particularly the
guard arm section and coil spring, are quite small and will require
meticulous care and attention for proper assembly and installation to the
model.
1.3 Obtaining replacement couplers through a hobby shop
Please obtain the replacement couplers from your local hobby shop, using
the
following steps:
First determine how many replacement couplers you need by testing the
reliability of the factory-installed couplers on your models through
actual
use and operation.
TELEPHONE your local hobby shop to see if your dealer has replacement
couplers available and in sufficient quantity. If your dealer does not
have
a sufficient supply on-hand for immediate pick-up, you should request
that
he contact KATO to acquire the necessary supply and arrange a later date
for
your visit to get your replacements. Requests from dealers will be sent
to
the store within one week.
{PLEASE NOTE: while we have done our best to communicate with the retail
dealers through direct contact, our web site, trade publications and
other
means, it is possible that your shop is still unfamiliar with this
campaign.
If this is the case, please ask your dealer to contact the KATO USA
office
(Dealer Services @ 847-781-9500, ext. 209) so that they can fully assist
you.}
Once it is determined your retailer has the necessary replacement
couplers
on-hand, please visit the shop to pick them up. There should be no charge
to
you by the retailer for the replacement couplers.
Upon receiving your replacements, you may decide assistance is necessary
for
the proper assembly and installation of the couplers. We encourage you to
inquire with the dealer to see if this service can be provided to you by
the
store or another outside service-provider. {Any charge for this service
is
left to the discretion of the individual shop operator/service-provider.}
1.4 Other details of the campaign
Proof of purchase is not normally required when requesting replacement
couplers. However, you may be asked to validate your quantity by the
dealer
and/or KATO if you are requesting an unusually large number of couplers.
If
this occurs, you can authenticate your request with a legitimate store
receipt or by actually presenting the models in question for visible
confirmation.
It is NOT necessary for you to return the original couplers to KATO after
replacement.
If you wish for KATO USA to install the replacement couplers for you,
please
send your models to KATO USA, Attn: Repairs & Service, 100 Remington
Road,
Schaumburg, IL, 60173 USA. Please be advised there is an $8.00 service
charge per 4-car set (subject to change without notice) and $5.00 return
shipping & handling charge for this service. Please be sure to properly
insure and pack your models (preferably in the clear plastic jewel box
with
molded tray) when sending, as we are not responsible for any damage or
loss
that may occur in transit.
Replacement couplers are available at no charge for only six months
(March
22, 2002 through September 30, 2002). Although it is possible that our
supply of replacement couplers may be temporarily depleted at any time
during this period, all requests received from hobby shops will be
fulfilled.
1.5 Conclusion
Once again, please obtain your replacement couplers through your hobby
dealer. Given the number of corrugated passenger car sets we put out into
the worldwide marketplace, we anticipate being able to work more
efficiently
and effectively with a smaller population of retail hobby shops than we
could with the modeling public at large. Your understanding and
cooperation
is much appreciated.
Charlie
Kato USA R&D
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