New Product Announcement:

GG1 Locomotive Penn Central & Amtrak - Delivery December 2010

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Locomotive Features:

New Product Announcement: C44-9W's - BNSF Heritage II & Red/Silver
Delivery: December 2010

 Prototype Information:

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

New Product Announcement: GS-4 SP & American Freedom Train
Delivery: November 2010

 Overview - GS-4 Locomotives:

The GS-4 runs on eight massive 80” drivers, 300lbs psi boiler pressure, and puts out a roaring 5,500 horsepower at 55mph, with a maximum speed of 110 mph. The large drivers gave the locomotive a high top speed; the telling mark of a steam engine built for passenger service. The GS-4 was built for the Southern Pacific Railroad by the Lima Locomotive Works and delivered in the early 1940’s for the SP’s premier passenger trains, finding its way to the Daylight series of name trains. One of the more unique specifications for the GS-4 by the SP was its Mars light, a necessity with the large amount of grade crossings and fog present on the West Coast. The Mars light, like ditch lights on modern locomotives, was utilized as a warning for grade crossings that a high speed train was approaching, its shifting light patterns serving as an eye catcher in foggy conditions.

American Freedom Train Information:

The American Freedom Train, toured the country in 1975–1976 to commemorate the United States Bicentennial. This 26-car train was powered by three newly restored steam locomotives. The first to pull the train was former Reading Company 4-8-4 #2101. The second was former Southern Pacific 4449, a large 4-8-4 steam locomotive that is still operating in special excursion service today. The third was former Texas & Pacific 2-10-4 #610, which pulled the train in Texas. Within the train's 10 display cars were over 500 precious treasures of Americana. Included in these diverse artifacts were George Washington's copy of the Constitution, the original Louisiana Purchase, Judy Garland's dress from The Wizard of Oz, Joe Frazier's boxing trunks, Martin Luther King's pulpit and robes, and even a rock from the moon. Over a 21 month period from April 1, 1975 to December 31, 1976 more than 7 million Americans visited the train during its tour of all 48 contiguous states. Millions more stood trackside to see it go by. The train's tour began April 1, 1975, in Wilmington, Delaware. The train then traveled northeast to New England, west through Pennsylvania, Ohio to Michigan, then around Lake Michigan to Illinois and Wisconsin. From the Midwest, the tour continued westward, zigzagging across the plains to Utah and then up to the Pacific Northwest. From Seattle, Washington, the tour then traveled south along the Pacific coast to southern California. The train and crew spent Christmas 1975 in Pomona, California, decorating the locomotive with a large profile of Santa Claus on the front of the smokebox above the front coupler. For 1976, the tour continued from southern California eastward through Arizona, New Mexico and Texas, then turned north to visit Kansas and Missouri before traveling through the Gulf Coast states and then north again to Pennsylvania. The tour continued southeast to New Jersey then south along the Atlantic coast before finally ending December 26, 1976 in Miami, Florida. The last visitor went through the train December 31, 1976.

Model Features:

• Drivers are operated by the side rods for smooth performance
• Locomotive has driver and tender electric pickup
• Directional operating (simulated) Mars light
• Directional operating headlight
• Illuminated number boards as it appeared in 1946
• Kato magnetic knuckle couplers on the front and rear of the locomotive
• Detailed cab interior
• All detail parts installed
• DCC friendly

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  Reservations will close on Friday February 20th 2009.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

Note:  Updated tooling!
Numberboard now in
front of loco

Note:  Updated tooling!
Numberboard now in
front of loco

New Product Announcement: GE ES44AC "GEVO" Locomotives
New Paint Scheme: GE Demonstrator
Delivery:  As noted below

 Prototype Information:

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

New Product Announcement: EMD SD45 Locomotives
Delivery: November 2010

 Prototype Information:

Model Information:

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

New Product Announcement: EMD F40PH Locomotives
Delivery: November 2010

 Prototype Information:

Model Information:

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

New Product Announcement: AC4400CW's - Union Pacific & Canadian Pacific
Delivery: June 2010

Previous production models shown

 Prototype Information:

In 1994, GE delivered the first AC4400CW locomotive, their answer to EMD's successful SD70MAC. Nearly 10 years later, the AC4400CW has become one of the most successful locomotives in the history of North American railroading. The AC4400CW is operated by railroads from East to West and Canada to Mexico. Union Pacific's large fleet of AC4400CW locomotives, with hundreds of locomotives on the roster, is full of variation. Some of UP's locomotives have come through mergers with Southern Pacific and Chicago & North Western. The main spotting feature for the AC4400CW, when compared to the similar C44-9W is the large Inverter Cabinet behind the helper's side of the cab (conductor/brakeman's side).

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

New Product Announcement: SD80MAC's CSX & Norfolk Southern
Delivery: June 2010

Previous production models shown

 Prototype Information:

The EMD SD80MAC is a 6000 horsepower (4.5 MW) C-C diesel-electric locomotive produced by General Motors Electro-Motive Division. It is one of the largest single-engined locomotives produced by that company, surpassed only by the dual-engined DD series. The SD80MACs feature radial steering trucks and an isolated cab which was mounted on shock absorbers to lessen vibrations in the cab. All SD80MACs use AC traction motor technology. They are all hood units fitted with safety cabs. The SD80MAC, like the SD90MAC, SD70ACe, and SD70M-2, has a wide radiator section, nearly the entire width of the locomotive, which along with their size makes them easy to spot.

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

New Product Announcement: Unitram Light Rail Vehicles and Set
Reservation Deadline: Thursday February 4, 2010 - - March Delivery

 Prototype Information:

A new transit system called Light Rail is employed more and more in cities in USA and Europe for its eco-friendliness. In Japan as well, the first LRT (Light Rail Transit) began operation in 2006 in Toyama. While the railroads have been made to match with the speed of trains, LRT is rather made with the concept of matching it with people's speed and convenience, making the distance between stops short and the floor low.

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  Your reservation must be received by Thursday February 4, 2010.

New Product Announcement: SD70ACe Locomotives
UP - C&NW (Re-Run)
UP - MKT (Re-Run)
Delivery:  As noted below

 Prototype Information:

The SD70ACe is similar to the SD70MAC; however, it has been updated to meet the latest EPA regulations for road locomotives. Several other changes were included as well. The radiator on the locomotive is nearly as wide as the cab, and looks similar to the radiator on the SD80 and SD90 series of locomotives. The nose has been modified, producing a much more angular nose than previous models. The cables and brake lines have been routed beneath the walkways, allowing for easy access by maintenance workers. SD70ACe models are rated at 4,300 horsepower. As of 2005, 185 examples of this model locomotive have been produced. Purchasers include BNSF Railway, CSX Transportation, Ferromex, Kansas City Southern Railway, Montana RailLink, CVG Ferrominera Orinoco and Union Pacific Railroad. This locomotive model is also being produced for export. In 2004, BHP Billiton of Australia ordered 14 SD70ACe/lc locomotives for use in iron ore hauling; the "lc" in the model designation stands for "low clearance" as these locomotives are designed to negotiate the tight clearances under the mine equipment. BHP has also ordered an additional 10 SD70ACe/lcs, these will have a newly designed isolated cab. On 29 August 2007, EDI Rail announced that BHP Billiton has placed an additional order for 13 SD70ACe/lcs locomotives, due for delivery in early 2009. Six unique UP "Heritage" paint schemes on SD70ACe locos (such as 1989 and 1995) came to life in Horicon, Wisconsin. In October 2005, UP 4141 was renumbered from UP 8423, and was re-painted in a Air Force One style white/blue and silver paint scheme commemorating the nation's 41st President, George H. W. Bush. Numbers: BNSF 9130-9329 (delivery underway) 9330-9399, CSXT 4831-4850, FXE 4000-4019, KCS 3997-3999 (ex EMD demonstrators), 4000-4029, 4030-4059, 4060-4129, MRL 4300-4315, UP 1982, 1983, 1988, 1989, 1995, 1995 (Heritage Fleet), 4141 (Bush unit), 8309-8423, 8424-8523, 8524-8623 (Actually 8521-8620 because 8521-8523 carried their #'s for the 3rd time).

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

New Product Announcement: Tractor with Container Chassis
with 40' Evergreen Container
40' K-Line Containers
Delivery: March 2010

Model Features:

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

Reminder!  Our minimum shippable order is $20.00 so please place your reservations accordingly!

Reminder!  Our minimum shippable order is $20.00 so please place your reservations accordingly!

Reminder!  Our minimum shippable order is $20.00 so please place your reservations accordingly!

New Product Announcement: Gunderson MAXI-IV TTX w/ EMP Containers
Delivery: April 2010

Prototype Information for the Gunderson MAXI-IV:

Intermodal container service is one of the most popular types of freight service on rails today. The Maxi-IV car is the mainstay of the U.S. domestic double-stack car fleet. Providing an optimum balance between tare weight and capacity, the Gunderson MAXI-IV is a 3-unit articulated double-stack car that can handle containers from 20-foot to 53-foot long in the well and containers 40-foot to 57-foot in the top, or double-stacked, position. As of a result of its versatility and sturdy construction, the MAXI-IV is now the mainstay of the U.S. domestic double-stack fleet. The popularity of this car on North American rails is underscored by its popularity with model railroaders today!

Model Features:

Additional Model Features:

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

Note:  CN Containers shown are from previous production and not included.  This offering includes 6 Green EMP Containers.

Note:  CN Containers shown are from previous production and not included.  This offering includes 6 Green EMP Containers.

New Product Announcement: BethGon Coalporters - Union Pacific
Delivery: April 2010

 Prototype Information:

Model Information:

• Removable coal load

• Shock absorber construction for excellent tracking

• Interior bracing detail for prototypical appearence

• Complements Kato loco models such as the SD40-2, C44-9W, SD70 MAC & AC4400CW

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

New Product Announcement: SD70M Locomotives
Norfolk Southern
Delivery: March 2010

 Prototype Information:

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  Reservations will close on Monday March 23rd 2009.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

New Product Announcement: P42 Locomotive Amtrak Phase V
Delivery: June 2007

 Prototype Information:

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

New Product Announcement: "California Zephyr" Passenger Train (New Run!)
with New Names & Numbers
Revised Tooling on the F3's - No Dynamic Brakes - New Passenger Pilots
PA-1's in the Gold/Silver/Black Paint Scheme!
Delivery:  February 2010 (March 2010 for PA-1's)

The California Zephyr is one of the most famous and widely recognized transcontinental trains in the history of North American railroading. Kato will recreate and offer the complete original consist of eleven cars that initiated the service on March 20th, 1949. Said to be "a pretty train from any angle" the CZ was jointly operated by three railroads. The Chicago Burlington & Quincy handled the train between Chicago and Denver. The Denver & Rio Grande Western operated the middle portion of the route, between Denver and Salt Lake City, and the Western Pacific carried the train between Salt Lake City and San Francisco. Each of these railroads contributed specifically lettered cars for the make-up of the train. Because of its silver stainless-steel body, all of the cars of the CZ were given a name characteristic to the western territory it traversed with a "silver" preface. EMD F3 locomotives from all three railroads, as well as by AlCo PA and PB locomotives on the D&RGW, supplied the power for the CZ. The CB&Q operated their F3’s in an A-B-A lash-up. Kato will offer this as a complete 11 car train which will feature extensive new tooling to better match CZ prototype on Kato's well received passenger cars. With newly tooled cars, this set recreates the first-year consist of the CZ with eight different car types. The exact specification of car type and car name for each of the cars in the set is below. Each car will feature a silver corrugated-side body, accurate CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR lettering, blackened metal wheels and Kato semi-automatic knuckle couplers. The Observation car will feature lighted tail lights, marker lights, tail sign. The interior of each of the cars can be dramatically lighted with optional lighting kits. Because of the recognition and history of the California Zephyr, this unprecedented set is sure to be coveted by railfans, rail enthusiasts and railroad historians around the world, not to mention the hobbyists modeling the CB&Q, D&RGW and WP. As an added bonus, this 11-car set will include enough N scale Unitrack at no additional cost for a first-class presentation of the set on a desk or shelf when not in operation on a layout. Important: rd #'s shown below are from Original set ... new set will have new names/numbers on all cars.

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

See above for
car names/numbers

New Product Announcement: Santa Fe "Super Chief" Passenger Train
with New Names & Numbers on the 8 Car Set!
Delivery:  October 2009

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

See above for
car names/numbers

See above for
car names/numbers

New Product Announcement: Santa Fe "El Capitan" Passenger Train
Delivery:  November 2009

Reservations for the Bundle deal are still open
Only a limited number of reservations remain available
Reservations for individual items have now closed

Prototype Information:

Relive some great moments in history in miniature with KATO's "El Capitan" which was usually pulled by an F7 A+B+B+A combination with the model's time period during the last half of the 1950's.  The "El Capitan" offered coach travel between Chicago and Los Angeles using hi-level coaches, a diner and lounge.  It usually had 10 cars but during the summer it increased to 12 cars.  KATO has selected the most popular time period of 1956-1958 when this train was operated and promoted and advertised by the Santa Fe railroad as it's premier all-coach train between Chicago and Los Angeles with a transition car and step down cars and operating tail lights and a drumhead on the rear of one of the 68 seat coach cars.  In January 1958 the "El Capitan" and "Super Chief" were consolidated but during the high traffic periods of Christmas and the summer months the "El Capitan" ran separate from the "Super Chief".  You now have the opportunity to operate this "El Capitan" along with the "Super Chief" with all the correct cars.  This train can also be operated with 5 locomotives as F7 A+A+B+B+A.

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

(1) Baggage
(1) Baggage-Dormitory
(2) Step Down Coaches
(4) Hi-Level 72 Seat Coaches
(1) 80 Seat Diner
(1) Lounge

(1) Storage/Mail Car
(1) Coach

New Product Announcement:  NW2 Locomotives Milwaukee Road
Delivery February 2009

 Prototype Information:

EMD’s NW2 switcher’s lifetime was nearly cut short just three years after its introduction, with the establishment of the War Production Board in 1942, which dictated that EMD was to halt all production of switching locomotives, manufacturing only road diesels during the years of 1942 to 1945. However, such was the popularity of this end cab switching locomotive that after the restriction was lifted, the NW2 sprung back as many railroads placed orders for this little 1000hp powerhouse; today these locomotives can still be found enjoying continued service in rail yards.

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Discount:  Preorder Discount 25% off M.S.R.P.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

New Product Announcement: SD70MAC Locomotive - BNSF (New Image)
Delivery: April/May 2009

Prototype Photos shown

 Prototype Information:

The General Motors Locomotive Group (GMLG) Electro-Motive Division (EMD) SD70MAC is one of the most common locomotives plying the rails today. Originally introduced in late 1993 with an order for the Burlington Northern, the production now totals over 900 units, exceeding the combined production of the SD80MAC and SD90MAC locomotives by over 300 units. Designed to be a solid locomotive to upgrade the Burlington Northern fleet, the SD70MAC has its origins in the SD60MAC design demonstrated on the BN. At this time, the SD70MAC, in all of its versions, has been operated by six different railroads in a total of eight different paint schemes. The railroads that operate this locomotive span from East to West and from Mexico to Alaska! The locomotives are used to haul all kinds of freight, and even passenger trains (Alaska Railroad). For comparison, the SD80MAC has been operated in three paint schemes and the SD90MAC has been operated by three railroads in four paint schemes.

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  Reservations will close on Tuesday January 27th 2009.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

New Product Announcement: F7 A & B Locos - Great Northern
Delivery: June 2007

 Prototype Information:

The EMD F7 was a 1,500 horsepower B-B Diesel-electric locomotive produced between February, 1949 and December, 1953 by General Motors' Electro-Motive Division. It succeeded the F3 model in GM-EMD's F-unit sequence, and was replaced in turn by the F9. Final assembly was at GM-EMD's La Grange, Illinois plant. Although originally promoted as a freight-hauling unit by EMD, the F7 was also used in passenger service hauling such trains as the Santa Fe's El Capitan. A total of 2,366 cab-equipped lead A-units and 1,483 cab-less booster or B-units were built. The F7 was the fourth model in GM-EMD's highly successful F-unit series of cab unit locomotives, and was, prior to the introduction of the EMD SD40-2 freight unit, the best selling Diesel-electric locomotive of all time. Many F7s remained in service for decades, as railroads found them economical to operate and maintain. However the locomotive was not very popular with the yard crews who operated them in switching service because they were difficult to mount and dismount, and it was also nearly impossible for the engineer to see hand signals from his ground crew without leaning way outside the window. As most of these engines were bought and operated before two-way radio became standard on most American railroads, this was a major point of contention. In later years, with the advent of the "GP" type "road switchers", Fs were primarily used in "through freight" and "unit train" service where there was very little or no switching to be done on line of road. The F7 can be considered the zenith of the cab unit freight Diesel, as it was ubiquitous on North American railroads until the 1970s (longer in Canada). The F7 design has become entrenched in the popular imagination due to it having been the motive power of some of the most famous trains in North American railroad history. The F7 replaced the F3, differing primarily in internal equipment (mostly electrical) and some external features. The F7 was eventually succeeded by the more powerful but mechanically similar F9

Model Information:

• DCC friendly mechanism that will allow drop-in decoder installation.

• Details as per prototype

• Lighted numberboards

• Smooth Kato mechanism

• Fully automatic magnetic knuckle couplers.

Discount:  Preorder Discount 25% off M.S.R.P.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

KATO Minimum Advertised Price (MAP) policy in effect:  All authorized KATO dealers now must advertise new products at the suggested list price however this does not change our discount pricing policy.  To see our discount price simply add the products to your shopping cart.  You can always empty the shopping cart if you are not ready to order or reserve at this time.

New Product Announcement: E8/9 Locomotives Southern Pacific
Delivery: October 2008

Previous production run photo shown

New Product Announcement: PA/PB-1 Locomotives Southern Pacific
Delivery: October 2008

Previous production run photo shown

New Product Announcement: SD40-2 Locomotive BNSF ("Swoosh" Logo)
Delivery: May 2008

Prototype photo shown

New Product Announcement: E8/9 & Smoothside Cars
Delivery: February/March 2008

Prototype photo shown

 Prototype Information:

Model Information:

• Body mounted KATO magnetic knuckle couplers

• Illuminated preprinted numberboards

• Powerful five pole motor with all wheel electrical pickup and blackened wheels

• DCC friendly

Discount:  Preorder Discount 20% off M.S.R.P.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

Baggage
Coach
Diner
Dome

Note: Photo shows
previous release
set which is
similar

RPO
Dome
Sleeper
Observation

Note: Photo shows
previous release
set which is
similar

New Product Announcement: P42 Locomotive Via Rail
Delivery: June 2007

 Prototype Information:

Discount:  Preorder Discount 25% off M.S.R.P.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

New Product Announcement: F3 A & B Locos - SP Black Widow
Delivery: June 2007

 Prototype Information:

The F-Unit is probably the most recognized diesel locomotive in North American history. It was found on railroads from East to West and North to South. Eastern railroads favored a "Single Headlight" version of the F3, while Western railroads favored a "Dual Headlight" version. F3 locomotives were used in both freight and passenger service. For passenger service, it was necessary for the locomotives to have a Steam Generator to provide heat and electricity in the passenger cars. In later years, many F3 locomotives originally intended for passenger services were downgraded to freight duty. The Union Pacific started accepting delivery of Electro-Motive F3 locomotives in 1947. Intended for passenger service, an early delivery was numbered in the 900 series and entered in UP's locomotive classification scheme as FP-3 locomotives. In the early 1950s, the 900 series locomotives were renumbered into the 1451 number series. Displaced by more powerful E8 locomotives, several F-Units received freight pilots as they continued performing dual roles for Union Pacific. Many F3s were ultimately rebuilt to F9 specifications. 

Discount:  Preorder Discount 25% off M.S.R.P.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.

New Product Announcement: 2-8-2 Heavy Mikado
Delivery: April 2007

 Prototype Information:

The 2-8-2 was one of the more common configurations in the first half of the 20th century before dieselization. Nearly 2,200 of this type were constructed by ALCO, Lima and Baldwin based on designs of the USRA between 1917 and 1944. Of all of the USRA designs, the Mikado proved to be the most popular.

Discount:  Preorder Discount 25% off M.S.R.P.

Note:  This is a limited offering.  We will take reservations until our allocations are sold out.  Please reserve as soon as possible to avoid disappointment.  Any units left for stock will be sold at a higher price than shown below so reserve yours in advanced to get our best price and best selection.