Kato usa.

[Anonymous]

I sent KATO usa an e-mail today for an idea for a HO model that id like to see,The Question I have is how lone has Kato been around? Why are they so slow at making Models? Back to what I was saying. My idea was an HO EMD SD60M.
If you as a Modeler like KATO,What would you like to see KATO make in both Scales in HO & N Model wise?
AnyThing!

[Anonymous]

Kato has been around since 1986.

LLP2K already makes an SD60M and I wouldn't be surprised if Athearn did sometime in the future. In HO and N it would be nice to see Kato make the SD70ACe and 'GEVO' series locomotives. And since Kato will be coming out with the SD70M soon, I think it would be sutable for them to produce and SD70 or even an SD75M/I.

[bogp40]

I would like to see Kato do a GP-40-2. I feel that the Kato drive is still one of the best (diesel) drives out there. It does seem like they are running at a snails pace in their production, look at Broadway Limited, it seems that something new comes out every other month. Stewart popping out the Baldwin switchers, Atlas and P2K running neck and neck. Come on Kato- get with it!
Bob

[Anonymous]

I would love KATO to make a SD75M or an SD75I In BNSF Pumpkin because the Athearns arn't as good as they use too.
I will never buy an Athearn again.

[Anonymous]

I would like to see Kato do a GP50 and GP40x
Ch

[Anonymous]

I would love to see a GP39-2 and SD39. Well I would, i'm a biased as i'm SF mad lol

[Anonymous]

Here is a letter I fire off to Kato not to long ago: Feb, 1996

Many of the earlier engines produced by your remain to be the best runing engines among my collection of n scale models trains. In my 15 years of collecting n scale trains, I have come to the conclusion that it would be a long awaited delight if your company decided to come out with modern version of engines such as Dash 8-40CW, C44-W, SD70MAC, SD75M.

This new idea would not only be easy on other n scalers, but it would also be rather lucrative advantage to your company. If this type of conversion is possible, I would appreciate it if you would let me know.

Reply: March, 96
Thank you for your recent letter expressing an interest in modern n scale locomotive model. We are fully aware that the n-scale market is asking for a modern locomoytive, and we are considering different models to fill this gap. Naturally, because we willsoon be releasing the HO scale C44-9W, Please understand, however, that no definite decisions been made or timetable set. Please " stay tune".

Once again , thank you for your letter, as well as for your support of Kato models. We wish you much success and enjoyment with your model railroading.

So there it takes time but we can be heard.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by psngrtrn

I would like to see Kato do a GP50 and GP40x
Ch

Actually, Kato has made a GP50 back in the late 80's. It was their second locomotive; the first being their GP38-2.

[Anonymous]

I would absolutely LOVE to see KATO produce their Amtrak Phase 5 P42DC/Genesis/AMD-103 in HO scale and also the Superliner cars in HO to match. I have Kato models and they are very fine running indeed. There's nothing wrong with Athearns Ready-To-Roll Phase5 P42DC/Genesis/AMD-103, but there's always room for improvement.

And maybe some Norfolk Southern Dash 9-40C's, the standard cab ones that are unique to them.

Now if we can get DeLuxe Innovations to make HO scale stuff too. [:D]

[wt259]

In HO, the GP40X, GP50, and the P42, in the appropriate Amtrak phases.

[ndbprr]

What you don't understand is the Japanese mentality of the company. The culture does not allow for mistakes or rash decisions. Kato has a limited run philosophy in which their previous offerings maintain a cult like following and generally increase in value with time. They are the masters of the limited run and like most Japanes think they are the masters of what they do and don't really want outside influence to ru***heir decision making. Good luck!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by ndbprr

What you don't understand is the Japanese mentality of the company. The culture does not allow for mistakes or rash decisions. Kato has a limited run philosophy in which their previous offerings maintain a cult like following and generally increase in value with time. They are the masters of the limited run and like most Japanes think they are the masters of what they do and don't really want outside influence to ru***heir decision making. Good luck!

Thats very true. They did make one mistake though. The fuel tank size on the MILW, SOO and EMD Leasing SD40-2s. They should have had 3200 gallon tanks, not 4000 gallon. Their fixing that in the SD38-2s though.

[Anonymous]

Guilford350, N scale doesn't count in my book-only HO scale
Ch

[Anonymous]

I used a Kato mechanism and trucks as an undercarrage/power unit for a 'loose interpretation' of a McKeen car on my On3 layout. The trucks were actually wide gauged [ or is it guaged] with ease the from HO to actual .75 inches for On3. It runs like a top. I still need to fini***he Mckeen , as it is only a frame for the body on the cahssis. I need to figure out how to make the porthole windows framed and glazed in the styrene I have for the car sides. I REALLY should try harder to get it done in the next year or two. Kato makes fine mechanisms.

[Anonymous]

Well, I would love to see another production of a SD40-2 in BN, as well as the production of a SD45 in BN and the production of some GP50s, and more SD40-2s[:D], all in BN.
Reed

[Anonymous]

I wi***hey would do a high hood Alco HH660 [:P]

[Anonymous]

It would be realy hard to get North American models since populairty of North American Prototypes is very minimal comared to JR and other Japanese models in Japan. They really only produce for Japan and if they think a product will sell, then they export. If it were a subway or JR commeter line they will make it becaus people in Japan buy those models. I would like to see a 700 series Hikari rail Star. But they wont make it. They make the nozumi "express" scheme, but they wont Paint the rail star scheme because they beleive pepole in Japan will not buy i. But alot of people outside of Japan want it. So its really whats hot in magazines over there and if they can make a buck
Good Luck

[argilla01]

Very good that RR company. I'm driving a garden RR in 1/29 Aristocraft
RS-3 diesel and a lot of frigirator cars from Santa Fe RR
A micado steam engine 4-6-2 and some heavy weight cars RPO sleeper etc....
what else type cars do they carried on tracks ???? ore cars ?? hoppers ??? containers??? tankcars ????

[Anonymous]

I'd like to see Unitrack in Z scale. I emailed Kato from their U. S. web page but it bounced.

[Anonymous]

I am a big fan of Norfolk Southern and I would like to see the following locomotives produced by Kato in HO Scale:

D9-40CW, ES40DC and another run of the SD40-2.

These locomotives would be a fine addition to my collection. [:D]

David [:)]

[skerber]

I also am a big NS fan and would enjoy seeing any modern power produced by Kato. I have also emailed them in the past asking if they were going to produce the Amtrak Phase 5 P42 in HO scale.

Steve

[Anonymous]

I don't know who it was who has come out with this Model but,some Modeling co. has already come out with a BRASS EMD SD70ACe in HO already! wow!
Did you see the Price of that thing? Holy cow!

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by BNSF railfan.

I don't know who it was who has come out with this Model but,some Modeling co. has already come out with a BRASS EMD SD70ACe in HO already! wow!
Did you see the Price of that thing? Holy cow!

That would be Overland - http://www.overlandmodels.com/models/HO_CSXSD70ACe_650m.jpg - listed at $930.

[Anonymous]

QUOTE: Originally posted by Guilford350

QUOTE: Originally posted by BNSF railfan.

I don't know who it was who has come out with this Model but,some Modeling co. has already come out with a BRASS EMD SD70ACe in HO already! wow!
Did you see the Price of that thing? Holy cow!

That would be Overland - http://www.overlandmodels.com/models/HO_CSXSD70ACe_650m.jpg - listed at $930.

[:O]!......Can you say,Sticker shocked by the Price!([:0])!

[Anonymous]

That is one UGLY Locomotive!