As of yet I have not had a problem with Kato #4 points I will be testing the A4 Pacific on them tonight and a J39, and if the 4F is delivered today then that will be tested over the #4 points, I will try and make a small video so you can make your mind up, all my Diesels go over the points OK and never have any problems, I believe it was the poole built loco's that had the problem with there disc cutter wheels.

Quote from: Bealman on January 07, 2015, 09:56:44 AM
I assume they are short radius?

Au contraire,
they are actually quite large radius, about 19inch I think, the same (?) as as the R481 15deg curve piece.

Because some folk have a prob and others (the silent majority? and Kato themselves ?) dont, I am beginning to wonder if the problem is not the need of a notch but more to do with manufacturing/assembly tolerances and how the blade is aligned in each individual point.
The use of a notch simply forcing a mis-aligned blade into correct orientation ?

However, notwithstanding &etc talk all over the interweb about notching one's new points, it needs addressing by Kato, else they are not bothered about loss of sales to those who will not be converted/convinced ?

I have just run a 4F, 4MT, J39 and an A4 Pacific with no problems except for the A4 Pacific front wheels went one way when the rest went the way it should, I ran each loco 20 times over the #4 points and they all were fine 20 out of 20 except the A4 which was 19 out of 20, I am quite pleased with the outcome, oh boy that A4 is noisy. The 4F runs a dream and I am pleased with this 4F Seaside set.

Quote from: Geoff on January 07, 2015, 05:24:30 PM
I have just run a 4F, 4MT, J39 and an A4 Pacific with no problems except for the A4 Pacific front wheels went one way when the rest went the way it should, I ran each loco 20 times over the #4 points and they all were fine 20 out of 20 except the A4 which was 19 out of 20, I am quite pleased with the outcome, oh boy that A4 is noisy. The 4F runs a dream and I am pleased with this 4F Seaside set.

My Dapol A4, when I first got it, would dump the bogie on corners. Fixed it by readjusting the angle of the bogie which was slightly off straight. I think its a fairly frequent problem with this loco. Oh and my A4 is noisy too but it runs fine.

Quote from: austinbob on January 07, 2015, 05:29:07 PM

Quote from: Geoff on January 07, 2015, 05:24:30 PM
I have just run a 4F, 4MT, J39 and an A4 Pacific with no problems except for the A4 Pacific front wheels went one way when the rest went the way it should, I ran each loco 20 times over the #4 points and they all were fine 20 out of 20 except the A4 which was 19 out of 20, I am quite pleased with the outcome, oh boy that A4 is noisy. The 4F runs a dream and I am pleased with this 4F Seaside set.

My Dapol A4, when I first got it, would dump the bogie on corners. Fixed it by readjusting the angle of the bogie which was slightly off straight. I think its a fairly frequent problem with this loco. Oh and my A4 is noisy too but it runs fine.

Ah right Bob thanks for the warning about the front bogie I will adjust it if it does it again.

I am still waiting for my 4F later this year but did get a new Duchess last month. I only use Kato no.4 points (17 of them) and don't see what the problem is with these points. So far have had no problem with the Duchess. I don't expect any problem with the 4F as the ones I have had problems with usually involve the bogies and pony trucks, not the driving wheels. Problems are usually cured by checking back to backs as it is usually the loco that is the problem or minor fettling of track levels as some joints can be susceptible to expansion problems which can cause a slight twist if the track is not free to adjust itself. Never had any problem with the diesels.

Ron

                                      "What are you calling the radious one curves Chris? "
They are the ones that came with the set, says on the leaflet inside radius 1. I left it running round the track to run the loco in, to be fair the track was not flat, the track wiring plugs where both the same so the need for one wire under the track. I am waiting for a chip from Hattons, hopefully tomorrow, then I can try it on my layout. On my layout I am using Peco code 55 and the curves are not sharp apart from on a high level section I have so I am not expecting any problems the loco is a superb little model. It will be interesting to see how it pulls loads compared to my old 4F.

Quote from: Lankyman on January 07, 2015, 09:21:10 PM
I am still waiting for my 4F later this year but did get a new Duchess last month. I only use Kato no.4 points (17 of them) and don't see what the problem is with these points.

Hi Ron,
The issue seems to be limited to older models with pizza cutter wheels. Later stuff appears to be OK.

Just tried my new 4F tonight, after I had installed a Lenz chip. It runs lovely and smooth with excellent slow speed running, when you stop it slow's gently with the Lenz chip. Only problem it can not pull has well as my old Jinty, that easily pulls three coaches up a incline, the 4F could not manage two. I was going to try my old 4F but that is refusing to move and needs looking at. I am having problems with expansion again in my loft layout after being warm in summer so I need to sort that out now.

Quote from: lil chris on January 09, 2015, 10:58:49 PM
Only problem it can not pull has well as my old Jinty, that easily pulls three coaches up a incline, the 4F could not manage two.

Oh dear, sorry to hear that, these new 4Fs are getting a mixed bag of pulling reports

Any use going back to DCing it; just in case it is a problem ( compatibility ? dunno why, any port in a storm? ) with the chip ?