8/3/2020

Eventually, whether after hundreds of hours of dutiful operation or an unplanned excursion over the edge of a layout (did your engineer and brakeman jump clear to safety?), your KATO locomotive model(s) will need to be serviced or repaired.

At that time, we encourage the modeler to first consider doing the repair at home, further developing modeling skills. Another option would be to inquire with your local hobby dealer. Your local hobby dealer should be able to perform the required service or repair in a prompt and professional fashion, or recommend a capable repair business or technician.

In the event that repair services are not available locally, consumers can send their KATO product(s) [locomotive and rolling stock models only] to Kato USA for repair. All repairs will be "repair and return" - replacements will not be offered unless the product is deemed to have a manufacturing defect and is considered "unrepairable" by our repair technician and is within Kato's manufacturing warranty period.

1. Before sending your repair, please contact us by e-mail to repair@katousa.com. If you are unable to contact us by e-mail you can also do so by telephone by calling 847-781-9500 - Extension 101. When doing so, we will ask you to submit the following information-
   1. The model number (3#-#### for HO engines, 1##-#### for N scale engines or car sets) of the engine or car you wish to be serviced.
   2. A brief description of the issue you are experiencing, and whether you are making a request for Warranty service or for Standard repair service (please see our warranty page for details on what can be considered for Warranty service).
   3. Your complete name, mailing address, and phone number information.
2. Once we have received your repair request, we will submit to you a Return Authorization (RA) number and instructions on what to send in to us with your repair. Kato USA reserves the right to refuse repairs submitted without a valid RA number.

1. Send KATO product(s) only to KATO USA, Attn: Repairs, 100 Remington Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173 USA
2. Please mark your RA number somewhere on the outside of the box - this will make the process of checking in your repair much quicker and allow us to get your repair finished and sent back to you more quickly!
3. We recommend that modelers utilize a delivery means by which your parcel can be INSURED (in the event of damage) and "TRACKED" (in the event of the parcel being lost). Examples of such means would be United Parcel Service, Federal Express and Insured Mail. Naturally, other shipping means are also available.
   1. We are unable to directly acknowledge delivery of your parcel to us. Please do not expect to receive a postcard or telephone call notifying you that your parcel has been received.
   2. Please be sure to properly and completely pack your product(s). Please cushion the item(s) adequately using foam "peanuts", bubble wrap or newspaper. Most N and HO scale locomotives include translucent rubber "blocks" that fit under the fuel tank or in front of the nose and above the tender for steam locomotives - these will prevent the locomotive from shifting inside the case and being damaged in transit. Kato USA is not responsible for damage caused to models during shipping. Additionally, UPS will not pay for damaged handrails or detail parts.
   3. Be sure to include the paperwork submitted that we request you to send with it (typically your Repair Authorization order and a dated sales receipt in the case of Warranty Repair requests.
4. Our "turn-around time" is largely dependent on the volume of work in-house at the time of arrival. Naturally, our workload is considerably less in the summer & early fall than in the winter and early spring. Please feel free to contact us to inquire about the current status of your repair or for estimates of how long it will take to fix, but understand that this will be an estimate only. All repairs are handled on a "first come, first served" basis.
5. Foreign prototype models generally require a longer repair time, as parts are usually supplied from Japan. Your patience is appreciated.

1. Items that are sent in for repair that are not qualified for warrantee service will have a service charge based on the following chart (applicable to both N & HO items):

1. Repairs that are sent in for either DCC or Sound installed locomotives will ONLY be repaired if they were installed by Kato USA. Kato USA will not accept repairs for after-market DCC or Sound installations.
2. For all non-warranty repairs, an invoice for repair will be issued upon completion of the repair and payment is expected upon completion. The invoice will be mailed to you either by USPS or by e-mail (if you have provided an e-mail address).
3. Products that are returned to us that ARE within Kato's manufacturing warranty period and are presented with a valid manufacturing defect (see our Warranty info), will be repaired at no cost to the sender.
   1. A copy of a receipt from a hobby retailer or wholesaler MUST be sent along with the product to be considered for Warranty repair.
4. Foreign prototype models generally require a longer repair time, as parts are usually supplied from Japan. If returning one to Kato USA for repair, as mentioned above, prior authorization must be given. Parts for the product are solely dependent on our factory in Japan. In the event that we are unable to source parts to repair your engine, it will be returned to you at no cost.

1. For both warranty and non-warranty repairs, the modeler is responsible for all charges and packaging responsibility in mailing items to Kato USA
2. Items being shipped to Kato USA for repair MUST be sent in their original packaging, or shipped with packing material such that no shipping damage will occur in transit to Kato USA.
3. Any product incurs damage during transit to Kato USA will NOT be covered by Kato USA.
4. Product that is received by Kato USA with shipping damages that have a claim of a warranty repair will NOT be considered a warranty repair and charges will apply.
5. For paid repairs, the customer will be responsible for paying exact shipping charges for the return of their item.
6. For warranty repairs, Kato will pay the cost of return shipping.

1. While it is unfortunate, Kato USA reserves the right to refuse any product returned to us for repair in the following cases:
1. If the item is submitted without a valid RA number or Kato has not been contacted prior to receiving the product
2. If the item is received not "as described" in the written description of the malfunction.
3. If the item has been damaged beyond economical repair
2. Refused products will be returned to you without repair at no cost to you.

Note that by submitting any product to Kato USA for repair, both warranty and non-warranty, you agree to pay any charges that Kato USA issues for such repair. These terms and conditions are subject to change at any time without notice.

Thank you for your cooperation and understanding, as well as your support of KATO Precision Railroad Models and UNITRACK products.