We have become aware of an issue with our new WIA car carriers in N gauge.
The bad news is that the models are not as free running as they should be, with many customers reporting that the wagons are ‘draggy.’ We apologise for this; it is due to an assembly error during production.
The good news is that it is simple to correct. There is no glue involved or bodyshell removal needed and the models do not need to be fully disassembled.
The issue affects the intermediate articulated couplers between the five cars that form the set. We do not know exactly how many models are affected, but it seems to be a significant number.
The problem
These articulation points comprise a a vertical metal post in one car, and a C-clip that clips onto this in the adjacent car. Unfortunately, the C-clips have been fitted upside down. They are designed to rest on the lower post support to keep the cars level, but being upside down allow the affected car to drop, so that the lower chassis member can rub against the bogie axle.
The top set in the image below has the C-clip wrongly fitted, and the ‘step’ between adjacent cars can be clearly seen as highlighted by the red arrow. The lower set as its clip properly fitted, and the tops of the cars are level.
The image below shows an incorrectly fitted clip on the left and one correctly positioned on the right. As can be seen, the clip should be slightly below the securing screws, and not level.
The fix
To correct, use a small Phillips screwdriver to undo the screws, then remove the clip, rotate through 180 degrees and refit. It’s that simple.
Now the models can be clipped back together on the track and will be free rolling. This graphic explains the process.
Further help
Any customers who are not confident of making this adjustment for themselves should contact our customer services manager using the email address in the instructions for further support.
Please note this issue only affects the N gauge models, and not the OO versions.