I’m an American N Scale modeler. I absolutely testify that Kato products are utterly mechanically superior to virtually everything else I’ve tried. I’ve purchased heavily used locomotives that sat in dirty garages for years, and immediately ran well, and instantly speed match with brand new similar locos. Truly remarkable. Often less tiny detail, but always enough, and always rugged. I’ve never broken a Kato handrail (which is a miracle compared to other manufacturers). Even the wheel pickup is impeccable. So much better than other makers. I don’t really know how they do it, but they are a marvel as a manufacturer. And the price has always been reasonable compared to poorer offering from other makers. Oh, and I love your channel. 😊👍👍
I've had Kato locomotives in my N Scale fleet over the last 20+ years, yet to find a faulty one. Ranks high alongside my Atlas locomotives, again yet to find one that is faulty since the 90's to current.
I've actually met Mr Kato! He randomly popped into the shop I used to work in when he was over for the Warley show a couple of years ago. I nearly fainted when he handed me his business card!!
I met him too at the toy fair in Nuremberg, he is a cool dude. There was two other guys with him sowing their products. I did not notice him at first and just told the two men that I was impressed with the Nohab AA16 (DSB My) they had launched and I had taken some pictures of it with some of my modifications with a short accompanying text thanking for the fine product and urging them to make it some of our coaches. They decided to take it immediately to the boss who was sitting right behind having his lunch and we exchanged a few words.
Sam, you should visit the Kato Headquarters in Tokyo someday! They have a couple very large N scale layouts of Japanese Prototypes and a huge showroom and shop! It's exceptionally cool! Also Kato Unitrack is amazing stuff, the best "pre bedded" track on the market, bar none
Kate unitrack is quite nice and sturdy, good for temporary layouts, but I prefer tomix fine tracks mainly as they have a lot more selection of switches and what not. Although Kato Japanese emus are quite nice.
I bought my first Kato set last year, it was a four car emerald green Japanese Railways 103 series EMU. I got it for 60 dollars from an online retailer and I couldn’t be more happy with it! It’s got directional headlights and tail lights and runs like a dream!
As a Yankee (aka: American), I've learned a LOT about British trains and terminology from watching your videos. I found it funny (not odd funny but 😆😆😆funny) as the video is titled American N Scale. American N Scale, made by Kato in Japan and reviewed in the UK. Kato is by FAR the best N Scale money can buy.
So Changming N gauge doesn't exist in your view, they have far surpassed Kato in terms of detail and DCC compatibility, and they cost about the same as Kato.
@@azuma892: First, how can I say it doesn't exist when I've never heard of the brand you named. I am just stating my opinion, as Kato is viewed by many in model railroading as the best N Scale one can buy.
Yes it came off wrongly, I'm sorry. I just think Changming is better than Kato in every way, they don't make Japanese, European and American prototypes so very few people know about them. Doctor Hobby on TH-cam made a few videos on their fantastic HO scale models, not much about N sadly. I have some of their N gauge models, the detail is INSANE for the price.
@@azuma892I looked it up. They look like quite good models but the main issue is that I (and probably the other commenter) model prototypical American railroads and this isn’t in our wheelhouse. These models also are not very common in the US, I’d imagine.
The Amtrak viewliners are single floor. The upper windows are for the top bunk bed. They're not space beds 😂 I've never personally been on a viewliner sleeper, but if I'm not mistaken the bottom bunk folds up into seats
Hi Sam, the decoder you showed on screen are for Kato EMU style of equipment, like their Shinkansen and other Japanese passengers train and some European TGV. On that type of loco you would just replace the whole board with a new DCC board, make the conversion very easy. That's true for most N scale loco from most manufacturers, not just Kato. Aside from that awesome review very in-depth as always.
And another thing to note is that their not just Kato branded decoders, ESU etc offer deciders to fit these form factors. Their also easier to install then the 8 or 21 pin decoder sockets.
I run n-scale and have never been disappointed by Kato products. I have the Kato Union Pacific 844 and the Big Boy. They run extremely smooth and the level of detail and control is second to none.
The Viewliner gets it's name presumably from the second row of windows, which were originally for the top bunk in each sleeping compartment to have a view out of the train as well, but the second row of windows stuck around for the Viewliner II Diner cars.
HI Sam! The reason for the drastic differences in prices for this and other Kato sets, is that they come with different features. This set, the intercity, for example, can be had like the one you reviewed, in the base configuration, with the coaches not lit and a DC locomotive, which can be upgraded to dcc with a decoder that replaces the stock board. There is another version that comes with lit coaches and yet another that comes with a DCC equipped locomotive. Great review as always! PS: I would love to see do a review of one of Kato's n scale double track V track packs.
I have both N scale and Ho locomotives from kato, they are the only brand of locos I have owned that ran perfectly straight out of the box and never ever had any issues with, they are spectacular runners with bullet proof reliability to this day, thanks for the video Sam, love the variety in your channel, your a great influence on the hobby.
This is your first time with a model that I actually own. I have this exact p42 set, and I plan on getting another to be able to make the Crescent, a train I used to ride all the time to get to Atlanta. A friend of mine managed to find a Japanese c62 used at a model shop near me, and I'm eternally jealous of her.
A little bit more info about the genesis diesels: they were conceived to be a replacement for Amtrak's F40PH express engines. And as of right now, all genesis diesels are in the process of being retired and replaced by the Siemens ALC-42.
As someone who rode on an Amtrak train multiple times, I’m really impressed with the model’s attention to detail and its beautiful performance. I’ve not own one of these as I only run HO scale model trains, but I would love to try this set of models featuring that loco and the first two coaches I rode on many times! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! This looks like one of the best looking model trains that Japan has ever produced in their own N-scale line!
I've been collecting Japanese N scale for the last 30 years and I can tell you it's been like this all that time. I have hundreds of items of Kato and some TOMIX, and it's all FANTASTIC, most of it runns better than what is in this video !!! I left british N scale in the early 90's because of one visiting Kato loco to my layout.
I am a uk based USA outline modeller found out about kato and tomytec/Tomix (track) over 15 years ago, they are simply great track,locos and rolling stock.
In case not already said... A Viewliner has Bedrooms and Roomettes. A basic Viewliner room,though called a Roomette, is essentially a modern version of the traditional Pullman Section with a toilet added; a traditional Roomette was sold for single occupancy and included a toilet and a washbasin. Each car has two Bedrooms with the remaining accommodation being the Roomettes. Their single level design, as opposed to the two-level Superliners, reflects the clearance restrictions on eastern railways.
Kato have an excellent reputation in N gauge. One of my most prized possessions is my Kato Eurostar, which is over 20 years old now and runs as well as this set! I have also met Mr Kato himself, a very nice gentleman who is appearing at more and more model shows in the U.K. Incidentally if you want to visit the International N gauge show one year, that’s a great taste of N gauge. Ref the digital situation, Kato was not keen on DCC for a while. None of their chassis were designed with it in mind so the proprietary chips are an afterthought. Just to say apart from the Eurostar, the only U.K. based train the do is the IEP 5 car sets. They are shortly releasing the 9 car sets as well. Best
I'm really happy to see how much of a great first impression Katos' products have given you Sam! They're definitely my favorite manufacturer in this scale, and I think they've hit that really good sweet spot between detail and price. I have several Japanese and American Steam locos from them, and, like their diesels, they run amazingly, and even for the ones that are 10+ years old now, I just have to run them in again and they run as if they're brand new! I whole-heartedly reccomend trying out their American FEF-3 and Japanese C62 locomotives (they also just recently released a Big Boy if you're looking for that one in N-scale) DCC is a bit of a mixed bag in N-scale as the size constraints is one factor, as well as it having limited success in the Japan market, but overall the decoders all adopt that "drop-in chip" style/shape for most locos in N-scale. Love the channel Sam, these in-depth reviews are always a fun watch at the end of my day :)
Prior to the AmFleet II there was the amfleet I coach. Amfleet I can be identified by their having their side doors on both ends of the car rather than just one end like the amfleet II.
Hi Sam, With the decoders its a drop in decoder so you just replace the existing PCB with a decoder that fits the model (most US manufacturers of decoders have a really nice selection too for decoders)
About 3-4 years ago I took the Amtrak from my hometown to Chicago to stay with my cousin for a college visit. It was my first time on a train alone and isn’t a shuttle. I loved it and I currently attend that college I visited
I am a Brit and have been living the USA for 46 years. I have a number of Atlas/Kato HO locomotives that are superb, 2 RS3, 1 RS1 and a RS11. They run great and can be M/u and all keep the same speed. AT a display we hooked up 3 diesels and successfully pulled a train of 156 HO cars.
The Viewliner is not double-decker, the reason why Amtrak needs the Viewliner sleeping cars is because the tunnels into New York City are to low for their Bilevel Superliner cars, requiring them to use single-level cars in the north-east. Also the sleeping car is different because it's a Viewliner, and not an Amfleet.
Great to see you branch out into N. I’ve got the LNER and GWR Azumas which are terrific. There’s also the freelance 0-4-0 electric with pantographs which is a really fun loco. I have found some problems with the track though, particularly the crossovers which have tended to derail grafar locos like the class 37. Other members of the N Gauge Society have reported similar issues. That said, getting a whole Azuma train, controller and circuit of track for around £200 is incredible value.
Kato products are superb and, rightly, revered among N scale (gauge) enthusiasts. They have offered two British prototypes: in the mid-1990s they produced the then-new Class 373 Eurostar and more recently they have the new Hitachi Class 800 bi-modes on offer in 5-car GWR and LNER liveries, with 9-car variants due this year. The great thing about Kato is that, in general, their trains come in complete packs so you have a train-in-a-box and don't need to fish around for additional coaches to make it complete. Mr Hiroshi Kato is the president and he tends to visit some of the larger UK shows; he was at Model Rail Scotland last weekend and often attends The International N Gauge Show in September.
Hope you enjoyed checking out Kato and Amtrak, Sam! I'm a big Amtrak fan myself, and I got several of Kato's products as gifts many years ago, so it means a lot that you're reviewing them here. I'd highly recommend checking out the bi-level Superliner cars and especially the iconic F40PH locomotive in the equally iconic Phase III livery!
If you take a look at a 1970 Minitrix class 27 or Warship diesel, they had virtually the same motor and gear set up as late 1990s Bachmann diesels, or later Hornby ones, with motors in the centre (no flywheels), two universal joints connecting to two gear towers to wheels; all wheels driven and pick-ups....Do a review on one or both. They were and are (even at a crawl) Brilliant. All this with 3-pole motors too!!!!
I think this is the first time you've reviewed a model whose prototype I not only know I've seen in person, but have ridden behind. In the close-up shots the silver paint has a shiny, metallic flake kind of appearance. In person it's a much flatter gray color. Kato know this because the HO scale version has a flatter finish. Looks like at any distance that effect isn't noticeable, though, so it's not a big deal. Speaking of the HO scale version, I have one and I recommend you get it too. I don't want to give much away but it has a very interesting mechanism and a lot of weight.
Ahh awesome!! Yes that's true - it does look quite a bit different on the close ups - not really like that in person at all! Thanks for watching - Sam :)
The Viewliner and Superliner cars are produced with stainless steel... Stainless steels holds up well in the North American harsh winters and don't rust like steel does... Even the older Budd cars VIA uses is produced with stainless steel... Europeans may complain about our silver shiny livery, but that isn't flat paint like on the steel locomotives today...
My first experience with model trains was with N scale. I was 7 years old. The layout was a replica of the Erie Railroad mainline going through Salamanca, NY. Circa 1948. A splendidly done layout with tons of detail. The model town looked just as Salamanca did, pre-flood. The layout was owned by my godfather, and when he saw how much I liked model trains, he got me more involved: taking me to train shows, and showing me his weathering techniques. Eventually, he added me to his layout, literally: a small model version of me, sitting on a bench by the tracks, eating a texas hot dog from Wellsville.
I have a Kato japanese 8620 class steam locomotive in N scale and it is one of the most beautiful models in my collection, and that's including my substantial amount of HO scale models. I wish I could attach photos here.
The Viewliner car contains what Amtrak calls "Roomettes". Not only you sleep in them but you can sit in a seat and what the scenery or whatever. They are mostly used for Amtrak's long distance trains. They are expensive though. They can range from $500 to $1,000 or £400 -£800 depending on the service. N scale is a great choice. You can simulate realistic long trains like what you see on prototype roads. I really enjoyed this review. I love when you show off US trains.
I traveled in one on the empire builder route, taking a 2 day stop in glacier national park. The first leg was great and the room was amazing, second leg seemed to be a car that hadn't been rennovated or updated since it was built. The experience was worse and I was annoyed there was no telling wether your car would be a rennovated or non rennovated one.
A very impressive model! The quality of the metallic paintwork is extraordinary, and the manufacturer has used such a tiny grain size for the silver flakes that it's hard to believe that the exterior is not clad with real alloy. I have seen a few other products from Kato, and can confirm that their Quality Control is second to none. I think your foray into N Scale will be very successful, and bring you even more international viewers. Compliments to Jack for lending these Tiny Trains to you, and it will be great to see more! Perhaps you can find the space to put together a landscaped layout, because many people I have met at Shows are fascinated by what can be achieved in a fairly small space in N Scale, especially if you incorporate multi-levels, bridges, viaducts, tunnels and an Alp or two. As you said recently, it is amazing that Hornby went for TT instead of N Scale for their new products, and they may still decide to rethink that choice, if they can bear to swallow their pride and write off the investment in TT.
An Australian here, I usually model UK but have been starting to move over to N-gauge due to smaller size (easier to store), better prices etc. I first bought some Kato models (D51 with coach set and C57 with coaches, both are steam engines) as I had seen a friend with his Kato models running better than my OO / HO models. Every single Kato model I have bought has run rings around other brands, Tomix aren't too bad but Kato is definently the best for performance and price. I then grabbed a Dapol Evening Star and it had nothing but issues, had to replace the model, same thing with a DMU so I am currently off Dapol. The Graham Farish models have so far been good, but at the price of 1 GF Pacific I can get 3 or 4 Kato D51 / C62's etc which run vastly superior. UK manufacturers really need to start putting in the effort in making their models to a good standard. Literally the only issue I have had with buying Kato so far is that I can't stand the subpar models of UK brands anymore. I am considering grabbing some European N gauge though.
So glad you finally tried, in my opinion, the best model train producer. It's nice that I already own the thing you're reviewing! For the price differences - Kato does make this exact Amtrak set as a full on starter set with power pack and transformer - so that might be the price differences you saw. They also make a pack of just the coaches, so it's a bit confusing which is which at a glance online. I have, and recommend both Kato's D51 (Japanese steam engine) in n scale and Small England 0-4-0 in 009 scale (HO scale for N scale track). Both are the same quality you saw today! My only problem with Kato is I wish they made more steamers!
I have several Kato n scale trains. They're the best I've ever had. You should try their track too. As far as lighting goes, if not equipped Kato makes lighting kits for coaches and cabooses , easy to install as most the cars already have the pickups in the trucks. Check out the Burlington Zephyr set. I don't recall my engines being that noisy tho.
Great review! I think it would be interesting to see you also review the HO version of Kato's P42. It has a drive design with dual coreless motors in the trucks and weighs a ton with all the weight inside.
You should build (or buy an assembled) Hobbytown kit Sam. They make a special centrifugal clutch, that when combined with their already semi-coasting drive, makes a loco that can be free-wheel pushed, crawls and accelerates with zero cogging, and will coast for what feels like a mile. I may also make a demonstration chassis for you that has a clutch and a working reverser/valve gear arrangement. You would love it!
Kato equals quality, lots of lessons in the build in what should be in so many other model train manufacturers. Their track system is also very interesting to tinker with. The old argument related to made in China Vs Japan is simple. Yes sure sometimes something made in China is ok, but sadly so many times it's substandard for the priced. Wow why am I thinking of Hornby right now. Japan has a lot of pride in their design and manufacturing, it can be seen in so many of their made in Japan products.
Hello I’m Japanese model train fan I usually loves N gauge model train. KATO’s steam train is massive great model, Quality is great and works very perfect, greatest steam model train in the world.
I have a few of Kato's Japanese steam locos, and they're all amazing. If you're interested, I recommend looking at their C-12 2-6-2 tank engine. Kato is re-releasing it at the end of this month (March 2024) and it's a superb little machine that would go perfectly with the Kato brake van you have. Also they tend to sell out quickly and the prices on initial release are FAR lower than they fetch second hand (I paid nearly double for mine because I missed the initial release last time, but still don't think it was too bad a value for what I got, lol) I have a lot of other Kato locos and rolling stock as well; Japanese, North American, and European freight and passenger prototypes, and have been very happy with all of it, so anything you can get your hands on by them should surely be a treat :3
Glad to see Kato getting some representation here, their quality and prices are unmatched in the hobby, even into HO scale (even if HO stock isn't very easy to get a hold of outside of Japan).
Regarding KATO's HO offerings for the North American market, I've had a very positive experience with them. Though bought off of the secondhand market, their locomotives are wonderfully detailed and quite reliable. I recently picked up an SD80MAC that was mint in box and was sitting on someone's shelf for some time, and it ran perfectly the moment I applied power to it. Their "Unitrack" embedded roadbed track line is also considered second to none for its type, and there's even clubs here (N-Trak) that do modular layout sections using it.
All of their passenger cars can be lit post purchase. They sell the lights to add later. I have a bunch of their Japanese freight cars, locos, etc and honestly the biggest shock to me was when I bought the Japanese equivalent to a caboose and out of the box it had working end marking lights! I paid only like $15.00 at the time. Fast forward to last month rapido released really nice cabooses with working lights... but you have to take it apart and put a battery in it... and its $50.00... and both of mine didnt work out the box. If Kato decided to make NA cabooses again and put in their lights that work off of the track power its over. And I pray that they do.
Kato being the #1 pick for N scale like always, I have their Big Boy & F3 and honestly only got Kato products aside from a few they don't have like the PRR T1 just because they haven't made it yet. Definitely recommend Kato through and through along with how durable they are as I had actually dropped my Big Boy and nothing broke aside from one detail part that I simply glued back on but the motors and all still worked smoother than even my old HO stuff.
Did you know the narrow guage Peco “small England” locomotives are made in collaboration with Kato? Which means Kato makes 00-9 models too! I’ve got two of them, and I can’t promise I won’t get more at some point, especially seeing as they are releasing one in a southern livery
Feeling exasperated, I sat down and watched this video after a Peco PL-11 point motor stopped working on my layout. After testing all the connections, I took the thing off the layout and prised it apart. I found a bad solder joint to the coil, and now I have got the difficult job of soldering it back! When you build a layout as a retirement project, you find your eyesight does not improve, and you struggle with things at a small scale. Oh well, you can watch N gauge trains running around can't you? I know I could not do any work on them! Kato do an N gauge Eurostar, so you might like to review that. Thanks for uploading.
This N gauge train pack from Kato is very nice and the price is pretty good which anyone can afford it Sam. Plus, please answer me when I ask certain questions.
Kato do not usually recommend lubrication. Your friend has misplaced the instructions. I've built Japanese and Swiss layouts in the past and never had a duff Kato.
You should give Kato and Tomix Japanese N gauge models a try. I have a really good performing model of the JR Kyushu Seven Stars in Kyushu. It runs really well, and it's much quieter than the P42. It's made by Kato Japan.
i have the silver streak zephyr from kato best little train good runner 5 pole motor ive put lights in mine simple drop in beautiful train good runner excellent crawler youd love the silver streak
With N scale highly detailed models with many hand fitted parts aren't as necessary as with HO or OO scale models... Frankly I prefer N scale because of not having delicate hand fitted parts that fall off easily onto my layout's tracks...
@@ronclark9724 I do certainly agree. I love the incredibly high end models made by Scaletrains and such, but Kato is the brand I collect most in terms of N scale.
I have multiple Kato locos, a JNR DD51 Diesel, a JRF EH 500 dual electric, a Duwag tram and multiple EMU's. Every single one of these still run beautifully. The best one of them being the Japanese EH 500 dual electric freight locomotive. It runs so nicely even over the terrible trackwork of mine and can pull 12 tanker cars up a unreasonably steep gradient. For most of their Japanese stuff they include a detail pack with handrails and also locomotive running numbers to fit yourself. This way you can decide which running number you want. I run Kato track and a controller as well and while the track isn't the most popular here in Switzerland, it's incredibly easy, having a gravel bed with clips and electronic points are as simple as plug and play with no wiring skills required. Their controller is inspired by a Japanese EMU and is incredibly fun to use. I recommend you try it one day. Kato locomotives run as good as Fleischmann, a German manufacturer, but being about 30% cheaper. I serviced a few myself and they are a treat. Highly recommend some of their Japanese locos. I really wanna see what you think about them 😁 greetings from Switzerland. Oh and BTW, I left the superchat donation last week and you can simply call me Jeanne. Its a French name and my nickname is a reference to my favourite anime game.
I have a Kato Big Boy and it is fantastic please do a review of it if you want to be impressed, I have over 100 American freight cars and twenty five American passenger cars it it pulls them all, I had to set up a large temporary layout to test it, but it worked and it by runs so quietly.
Try reviewing the Kato steam engines. Kato by far makes the best n scale steam engines and I can imagine how a Kato Flying Scotsman would fly off of the shelves in the UK.
The close ups you did is exactly why I can't do N-scale, my eyes don't have a built in zoom feature, and most of those details are largely lost with me.
Hi Sam, I have the same set. I think Kato's storage system with the bookcase format (it comes with the expansion set!) is such a good format to store your models. The formation guide is also pretty informative for users too. Also, Im pretty sure its pronounced "Kah-to".
Thanks for reviewing another US prototype, Sam! I have a Kato HO EMD NW2 switcher (purchased many years ago) and it runs very smoothly and is quite heavy for its size. Kato is well known over here for their excellent mechanisms, which you have now experienced for yourself. Cheers from Wisconsin!
I was watching a video from someone who electroplated a 3D printing project he was working on. I mentioned it because that's what I thought they did to these models. What if they did tho? Add some weight, give it a nice finish too.
I have a number of Kato N scale locomotives. They are very easy DCC installs and as you've seen, very high-quality mechanisms. Run at scale speeds, they are also among the most quiet runners I have. By and large they are the best combination of value and quality in the N scale market. DCC in N scale is only gradually achieving something like an 18pin type standard.
Kato is just phenomenal in performance. Yes they are designed, and manufactured by Kato in Japan. Every locomotive is run in at the factory. I like companies who design and manufacture. Dapol, Kato. Others like scale trains are completely engineered designed and manufactured in China. Kato does not have all the minute details was others, but they look great, run forever. The version loco you are testing is like my N700 Shinkansen. I fit the DCC in the power car, as well as lighting in all the coaches which is also DCC controlled. Works great. Kato is my preferred locomotive by far. Broadway Limited Imports also have very nicely detailed locos, they are designed in the USA, manufactured in Korea and painted in China. They use their own Paragon 4 Sound and decoder. They are a good product. Scale Trains look the best. They seem to perform, and use ESU decoders. But, they are really a Chinese loco, and I just don't have trust in the quality. Scale trains has already suffered some embarrassing QC issues. That business model is just not for me. KATO does have some limited HO offerings in the American locomotive style.
I am not an American railfan but I am pretty sure the livery on the P42 is Amtrack's phase V livery and not phase VI. Regardless, it is an awesome model
If you're looking for Kato steam to review, they're all good. If you want something cheaper then the Japanese prototypes are a good choice (also slightly different scale, 1:150 as Japanese steam is all narrow gauge) you can get a D51 2-8-2 for around $100-150, and Japanese steam is really unique looking (looks like a mix of American, British, and German styling). If you want to pay a little more the Kato UP FEF can be had for about $200-250 and is an absolutely stunning model to look at.
Virtually every model by Kato and Tomix is like this, they rely heavily on plastic molded details, which admittedly doesn't look too bad at this scale. They usually run very well with exceptional slow speed performance. I've lost interest in Japanese N gauge for a while now, British OO is just so much more interesting... You are to blame of course.
That really shows how flywheels are supposed to work. And it seems better than 00/ho lococ with flywheels. Q, is there room for you to add a couple more straight bits of track to the N gauge track?
I’m so happy you actually reviewed a Kato product for once, I own the same P42DC but with running number 47 which ironically was wrecked a few years back. I own the Santa Fe f units and both superliners and freight cars and they are all so well made and run so well. I highly suggest trying out the emd f7 units they produce those things are really nicely made
That's more of a limitation of how they're used than of the locomotive itself. They can go quite fast in the right conditions, it's just disappointingly rare for those conditions to exist.
While yes they are still in use right now, they won't be for too much longer, as they're in the process of being retired and replaced by the new Siemens Charger locomotives.
The P42 decoder is made by digitrax the one you saw is not the one for the P42 (this is from a person who owns a P42 with DCC) 2 of these P42s can pull over 50+ cars (We ran outta cars for it to pull)
In US N Scale, the DCC board usually replaces the lighting board. Not too fiddly an exchange but does need kapton tape. And those Kato couplings - they are designed to uncouple if you push the carriages or loco and carriage together. Can cause surprises if you get a sudden voltage drop
That's an impressive test, but the one thing I take away from this is just how ugly modern American diesel units are compared to the stylish beauties of the 1950s.
I've travelled on the Lakeshore Limited (shown as one of the trains on the back of the box) between Rochester and New York Penn Station. I travelled coach (economy) class, but it was still a comfortable, quiet ride with plenty of space and a super helpful conductor. The stations were clean, well-maintained (Penn Station's architecture is awesome). Their online booking process was also very straightforward. Americans obviously love their cars and internal flights, but in comparison with our broken railways here Amtrak, which is a quasi-public corporation with all the stock owned by the government, seems to be profitable and offers what you would expect from a well-run railway. Great that this model reflects that quality.
The appearance of profitability is mostly an illusion, since the vast majority of passenger rail services did and still do run at a loss going all the way back into their "golden era". Amtrak itself came within striking range of breaking even on day-to-day operations costs just before the pandemic and is currently working to recover that lost ground.
Kato have also made numerous HO scale US diesels, first under the Atlas brand and then as the phenomenal drive system of the Stewart range of EMD F units from FT to F7. After this success they started their own range of US diesels sold from Kato USA. Some of the one i have are multiple of their SD40 , SD45 and the newer ACW4400 ( i think). If i saw an Atlas loco had a Kato drive, i made a point of buying several as I do with Stewart F units. One Atlas Alco was so close to a New South Wales 40 class diesel that an Australian shop had a large order made in close to NSWGR Tuscan Red so that real modellers had a great base to modify and detail it up as a 40 class. Really made a lot of Australian modellers even more fed up with Lima drive systems and the Hornby similar ones. Even steering people to even second hand Kato based locomotives have them converted away from the poor running expensive stuff they had or were thinking of buying. The lack of extreme detail is a plus when not falling off. The detail is soon forgotten when they experience how Kato units perform.
I’m an American N Scale modeler. I absolutely testify that Kato products are utterly mechanically superior to virtually everything else I’ve tried. I’ve purchased heavily used locomotives that sat in dirty garages for years, and immediately ran well, and instantly speed match with brand new similar locos. Truly remarkable.
Often less tiny detail, but always enough, and always rugged. I’ve never broken a Kato handrail (which is a miracle compared to other manufacturers). Even the wheel pickup is impeccable. So much better than other makers. I don’t really know how they do it, but they are a marvel as a manufacturer. And the price has always been reasonable compared to poorer offering from other makers.
Oh, and I love your channel. 😊👍👍
I have to agree with you.
Yeah the only better runners I have are brass locomotives made in Korea.
My Kato N scale locomotives never disappoint...
I've had Kato locomotives in my N Scale fleet over the last 20+ years, yet to find a faulty one. Ranks high alongside my Atlas locomotives, again yet to find one that is faulty since the 90's to current.
I've actually met Mr Kato! He randomly popped into the shop I used to work in when he was over for the Warley show a couple of years ago. I nearly fainted when he handed me his business card!!
Kato to me is the one manfucterer together with Tomix that understands the hobby, affordable prices, high quality and detail
I met him too at the toy fair in Nuremberg, he is a cool dude. There was two other guys with him sowing their products. I did not notice him at first and just told the two men that I was impressed with the Nohab AA16 (DSB My) they had launched and I had taken some pictures of it with some of my modifications with a short accompanying text thanking for the fine product and urging them to make it some of our coaches. They decided to take it immediately to the boss who was sitting right behind having his lunch and we exchanged a few words.
That's so AWESOME, WOW!
Sam, you should visit the Kato Headquarters in Tokyo someday! They have a couple very large N scale layouts of Japanese Prototypes and a huge showroom and shop! It's exceptionally cool!
Also Kato Unitrack is amazing stuff, the best "pre bedded" track on the market, bar none
It is a great facility where you can also rent time to run your own trains on their extensive layouts. Very memorable experience!
Kate unitrack is quite nice and sturdy, good for temporary layouts, but I prefer tomix fine tracks mainly as they have a lot more selection of switches and what not. Although Kato Japanese emus are quite nice.
I bought my first Kato set last year, it was a four car emerald green Japanese Railways 103 series EMU. I got it for 60 dollars from an online retailer and I couldn’t be more happy with it! It’s got directional headlights and tail lights and runs like a dream!
103 series are a gem--quite literally!
As a Yankee (aka: American), I've learned a LOT about British trains and terminology from watching your videos. I found it funny (not odd funny but 😆😆😆funny) as the video is titled American N Scale. American N Scale, made by Kato in Japan and reviewed in the UK. Kato is by FAR the best N Scale money can buy.
So Changming N gauge doesn't exist in your view, they have far surpassed Kato in terms of detail and DCC compatibility, and they cost about the same as Kato.
Not trying to cause arguments lol, that came off as quite mean sounding. 😅
@@azuma892: First, how can I say it doesn't exist when I've never heard of the brand you named. I am just stating my opinion, as Kato is viewed by many in model railroading as the best N Scale one can buy.
Yes it came off wrongly, I'm sorry. I just think Changming is better than Kato in every way, they don't make Japanese, European and American prototypes so very few people know about them. Doctor Hobby on TH-cam made a few videos on their fantastic HO scale models, not much about N sadly. I have some of their N gauge models, the detail is INSANE for the price.
@@azuma892I looked it up. They look like quite good models but the main issue is that I (and probably the other commenter) model prototypical American railroads and this isn’t in our wheelhouse. These models also are not very common in the US, I’d imagine.
The Amtrak viewliners are single floor. The upper windows are for the top bunk bed. They're not space beds 😂
I've never personally been on a viewliner sleeper, but if I'm not mistaken the bottom bunk folds up into seats
That is correct.
Two seats facing each other in a roomette, and a single couch for two or three in the bedroom...
Hi Sam, the decoder you showed on screen are for Kato EMU style of equipment, like their Shinkansen and other Japanese passengers train and some European TGV. On that type of loco you would just replace the whole board with a new DCC board, make the conversion very easy. That's true for most N scale loco from most manufacturers, not just Kato. Aside from that awesome review very in-depth as always.
And another thing to note is that their not just Kato branded decoders, ESU etc offer deciders to fit these form factors. Their also easier to install then the 8 or 21 pin decoder sockets.
I run n-scale and have never been disappointed by Kato products. I have the Kato Union Pacific 844 and the Big Boy. They run extremely smooth and the level of detail and control is second to none.
Kato is the best. Japanese craftsmanship at its finest.
Wow
It’s not hard to see why Kato is so prestigious in the model railroading hobby. This N Scale train pack is absolutely phenomenal
The Viewliner gets it's name presumably from the second row of windows, which were originally for the top bunk in each sleeping compartment to have a view out of the train as well, but the second row of windows stuck around for the Viewliner II Diner cars.
HI Sam!
The reason for the drastic differences in prices for this and other Kato sets, is that they come with different features. This set, the intercity, for example, can be had like the one you reviewed, in the base configuration, with the coaches not lit and a DC locomotive, which can be upgraded to dcc with a decoder that replaces the stock board. There is another version that comes with lit coaches and yet another that comes with a DCC equipped locomotive.
Great review as always!
PS: I would love to see do a review of one of Kato's n scale double track V track packs.
The Digitrax DN163K0A DCC decoder is an easy drop-in fit, completely replacing the large board.
I have both N scale and Ho locomotives from kato, they are the only brand of locos I have owned that ran perfectly straight out of the box and never ever had any issues with, they are spectacular runners with bullet proof reliability to this day, thanks for the video Sam, love the variety in your channel, your a great influence on the hobby.
This is your first time with a model that I actually own. I have this exact p42 set, and I plan on getting another to be able to make the Crescent, a train I used to ride all the time to get to Atlanta.
A friend of mine managed to find a Japanese c62 used at a model shop near me, and I'm eternally jealous of her.
A little bit more info about the genesis diesels: they were conceived to be a replacement for Amtrak's F40PH express engines. And as of right now, all genesis diesels are in the process of being retired and replaced by the Siemens ALC-42.
😊also made by kato
As someone who rode on an Amtrak train multiple times, I’m really impressed with the model’s attention to detail and its beautiful performance. I’ve not own one of these as I only run HO scale model trains, but I would love to try this set of models featuring that loco and the first two coaches I rode on many times! Thanks for sharing your thoughts! This looks like one of the best looking model trains that Japan has ever produced in their own N-scale line!
I've been collecting Japanese N scale for the last 30 years and I can tell you it's been like this all that time. I have hundreds of items of Kato and some TOMIX, and it's all FANTASTIC, most of it runns better than what is in this video !!! I left british N scale in the early 90's because of one visiting Kato loco to my layout.
I have two Kato Shinkansens a 100 series and a 200 series plus an EF65. They are the best trains I own quite expensive but definitely worth the price
I am a uk based USA outline modeller found out about kato and tomytec/Tomix (track) over 15 years ago, they are simply great track,locos and rolling stock.
In case not already said...
A Viewliner has Bedrooms and Roomettes.
A basic Viewliner room,though called a Roomette, is essentially a modern version of the traditional Pullman Section with a toilet added; a traditional Roomette was sold for single occupancy and included a toilet and a washbasin. Each car has two Bedrooms with the remaining accommodation being the Roomettes.
Their single level design, as opposed to the two-level Superliners, reflects the clearance restrictions on eastern railways.
Specifically the Hudson River tunnels leading into Penn Station in New York City... No bi-level Superliner trains go to Penn Station...
Kato have an excellent reputation in N gauge. One of my most prized possessions is my Kato Eurostar, which is over 20 years old now and runs as well as this set!
I have also met Mr Kato himself, a very nice gentleman who is appearing at more and more model shows in the U.K. Incidentally if you want to visit the International N gauge show one year, that’s a great taste of N gauge.
Ref the digital situation, Kato was not keen on DCC for a while. None of their chassis were designed with it in mind so the proprietary chips are an afterthought.
Just to say apart from the Eurostar, the only U.K. based train the do is the IEP 5 car sets. They are shortly releasing the 9 car sets as well.
Best
I'm really happy to see how much of a great first impression Katos' products have given you Sam! They're definitely my favorite manufacturer in this scale, and I think they've hit that really good sweet spot between detail and price.
I have several Japanese and American Steam locos from them, and, like their diesels, they run amazingly, and even for the ones that are 10+ years old now, I just have to run them in again and they run as if they're brand new! I whole-heartedly reccomend trying out their American FEF-3 and Japanese C62 locomotives (they also just recently released a Big Boy if you're looking for that one in N-scale)
DCC is a bit of a mixed bag in N-scale as the size constraints is one factor, as well as it having limited success in the Japan market, but overall the decoders all adopt that "drop-in chip" style/shape for most locos in N-scale.
Love the channel Sam, these in-depth reviews are always a fun watch at the end of my day :)
Since it's Amtrak, it needs to keep crashing for accuracy.
Also arrive incredibly behind schedule
@@NextEevolution yes
Crashing is Norfolk Southern. Amtrak just destroys vehicles left on railroad crossings.
@@MachRacer4you mean CSX
@@gamerfan8445 tell that to Ohio. Norfolk Southern had a thing for derailing there last year.
Kato is just plain awesome! It's extremely easy to make complete and accurate passenger train consists with them!
Prior to the AmFleet II there was the amfleet I coach. Amfleet I can be identified by their having their side doors on both ends of the car rather than just one end like the amfleet II.
Hi Sam,
With the decoders its a drop in decoder so you just replace the existing PCB with a decoder that fits the model (most US manufacturers of decoders have a really nice selection too for decoders)
About 3-4 years ago I took the Amtrak from my hometown to Chicago to stay with my cousin for a college visit. It was my first time on a train alone and isn’t a shuttle. I loved it and I currently attend that college I visited
I am a Brit and have been living the USA for 46 years. I have a number of Atlas/Kato HO locomotives that are superb, 2 RS3, 1 RS1 and a RS11. They run great and can be M/u and all keep the same speed. AT a display we hooked up 3 diesels and successfully pulled a train of 156 HO cars.
The Viewliner is not double-decker, the reason why Amtrak needs the Viewliner sleeping cars is because the tunnels into New York City are to low for their Bilevel Superliner cars, requiring them to use single-level cars in the north-east. Also the sleeping car is different because it's a Viewliner, and not an Amfleet.
Great to see you branch out into N. I’ve got the LNER and GWR Azumas which are terrific. There’s also the freelance 0-4-0 electric with pantographs which is a really fun loco. I have found some problems with the track though, particularly the crossovers which have tended to derail grafar locos like the class 37. Other members of the N Gauge Society have reported similar issues. That said, getting a whole Azuma train, controller and circuit of track for around £200 is incredible value.
Kato products are superb and, rightly, revered among N scale (gauge) enthusiasts. They have offered two British prototypes: in the mid-1990s they produced the then-new Class 373 Eurostar and more recently they have the new Hitachi Class 800 bi-modes on offer in 5-car GWR and LNER liveries, with 9-car variants due this year. The great thing about Kato is that, in general, their trains come in complete packs so you have a train-in-a-box and don't need to fish around for additional coaches to make it complete. Mr Hiroshi Kato is the president and he tends to visit some of the larger UK shows; he was at Model Rail Scotland last weekend and often attends The International N Gauge Show in September.
They just released an alternative version of the GWR 800 with the Paddington Bear special livery.
Hope you enjoyed checking out Kato and Amtrak, Sam! I'm a big Amtrak fan myself, and I got several of Kato's products as gifts many years ago, so it means a lot that you're reviewing them here. I'd highly recommend checking out the bi-level Superliner cars and especially the iconic F40PH locomotive in the equally iconic Phase III livery!
If you take a look at a 1970 Minitrix class 27 or Warship diesel, they had virtually the same motor and gear set up as late 1990s Bachmann diesels, or later Hornby ones, with motors in the centre (no flywheels), two universal joints connecting to two gear towers to wheels; all wheels driven and pick-ups....Do a review on one or both. They were and are (even at a crawl) Brilliant. All this with 3-pole motors too!!!!
I think this is the first time you've reviewed a model whose prototype I not only know I've seen in person, but have ridden behind.
In the close-up shots the silver paint has a shiny, metallic flake kind of appearance. In person it's a much flatter gray color. Kato know this because the HO scale version has a flatter finish. Looks like at any distance that effect isn't noticeable, though, so it's not a big deal.
Speaking of the HO scale version, I have one and I recommend you get it too. I don't want to give much away but it has a very interesting mechanism and a lot of weight.
Ahh awesome!! Yes that's true - it does look quite a bit different on the close ups - not really like that in person at all!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
The Viewliner and Superliner cars are produced with stainless steel... Stainless steels holds up well in the North American harsh winters and don't rust like steel does... Even the older Budd cars VIA uses is produced with stainless steel... Europeans may complain about our silver shiny livery, but that isn't flat paint like on the steel locomotives today...
My first experience with model trains was with N scale. I was 7 years old. The layout was a replica of the Erie Railroad mainline going through Salamanca, NY. Circa 1948.
A splendidly done layout with tons of detail. The model town looked just as Salamanca did, pre-flood.
The layout was owned by my godfather, and when he saw how much I liked model trains, he got me more involved: taking me to train shows, and showing me his weathering techniques.
Eventually, he added me to his layout, literally: a small model version of me, sitting on a bench by the tracks, eating a texas hot dog from Wellsville.
I have a Kato japanese 8620 class steam locomotive in N scale and it is one of the most beautiful models in my collection, and that's including my substantial amount of HO scale models. I wish I could attach photos here.
The Viewliner car contains what Amtrak calls "Roomettes". Not only you sleep in them but you can sit in a seat and what the scenery or whatever. They are mostly used for Amtrak's long distance trains. They are expensive though. They can range from $500 to $1,000 or £400 -£800 depending on the service. N scale is a great choice. You can simulate realistic long trains like what you see on prototype roads. I really enjoyed this review. I love when you show off US trains.
I traveled in one on the empire builder route, taking a 2 day stop in glacier national park. The first leg was great and the room was amazing, second leg seemed to be a car that hadn't been rennovated or updated since it was built. The experience was worse and I was annoyed there was no telling wether your car would be a rennovated or non rennovated one.
A very impressive model! The quality of the metallic paintwork is extraordinary, and the manufacturer has used such a tiny grain size for the silver flakes that it's hard to believe that the exterior is not clad with real alloy. I have seen a few other products from Kato, and can confirm that their Quality Control is second to none. I think your foray into N Scale will be very successful, and bring you even more international viewers. Compliments to Jack for lending these Tiny Trains to you, and it will be great to see more! Perhaps you can find the space to put together a landscaped layout, because many people I have met at Shows are fascinated by what can be achieved in a fairly small space in N Scale, especially if you incorporate multi-levels, bridges, viaducts, tunnels and an Alp or two. As you said recently, it is amazing that Hornby went for TT instead of N Scale for their new products, and they may still decide to rethink that choice, if they can bear to swallow their pride and write off the investment in TT.
An Australian here, I usually model UK but have been starting to move over to N-gauge due to smaller size (easier to store), better prices etc.
I first bought some Kato models (D51 with coach set and C57 with coaches, both are steam engines) as I had seen a friend with his Kato models running better than my OO / HO models. Every single Kato model I have bought has run rings around other brands, Tomix aren't too bad but Kato is definently the best for performance and price.
I then grabbed a Dapol Evening Star and it had nothing but issues, had to replace the model, same thing with a DMU so I am currently off Dapol. The Graham Farish models have so far been good, but at the price of 1 GF Pacific I can get 3 or 4 Kato D51 / C62's etc which run vastly superior.
UK manufacturers really need to start putting in the effort in making their models to a good standard. Literally the only issue I have had with buying Kato so far is that I can't stand the subpar models of UK brands anymore. I am considering grabbing some European N gauge though.
So glad you finally tried, in my opinion, the best model train producer. It's nice that I already own the thing you're reviewing!
For the price differences - Kato does make this exact Amtrak set as a full on starter set with power pack and transformer - so that might be the price differences you saw. They also make a pack of just the coaches, so it's a bit confusing which is which at a glance online.
I have, and recommend both Kato's D51 (Japanese steam engine) in n scale and Small England 0-4-0 in 009 scale (HO scale for N scale track). Both are the same quality you saw today!
My only problem with Kato is I wish they made more steamers!
I have several Kato n scale trains. They're the best I've ever had. You should try their track too. As far as lighting goes, if not equipped Kato makes lighting kits for coaches and cabooses , easy to install as most the cars already have the pickups in the trucks. Check out the Burlington Zephyr set. I don't recall my engines being that noisy tho.
Great review! I think it would be interesting to see you also review the HO version of Kato's P42. It has a drive design with dual coreless motors in the trucks and weighs a ton with all the weight inside.
You should build (or buy an assembled) Hobbytown kit Sam. They make a special centrifugal clutch, that when combined with their already semi-coasting drive, makes a loco that can be free-wheel pushed, crawls and accelerates with zero cogging, and will coast for what feels like a mile. I may also make a demonstration chassis for you that has a clutch and a working reverser/valve gear arrangement. You would love it!
Kato equals quality, lots of lessons in the build in what should be in so many other model train manufacturers. Their track system is also very interesting to tinker with. The old argument related to made in China Vs Japan is simple. Yes sure sometimes something made in China is ok, but sadly so many times it's substandard for the priced. Wow why am I thinking of Hornby right now. Japan has a lot of pride in their design and manufacturing, it can be seen in so many of their made in Japan products.
Hello I’m Japanese model train fan I usually loves N gauge model train.
KATO’s steam train is massive great model, Quality is great and works very perfect, greatest steam model train in the world.
It’s nice you got an Amtrak diesel. It’s about the size of a Matchbox and Ertl model.
I’m sure you’d enjoy reviewing some JR and private railway models from not only Kato, but Tomix, Greenmax and Micro Ace. The quality is excellent.
If you liked this one, you should review the Kato Big Boy! It runs SUPER smooth and pulls a lot for N scale
I have a few of Kato's Japanese steam locos, and they're all amazing. If you're interested, I recommend looking at their C-12 2-6-2 tank engine. Kato is re-releasing it at the end of this month (March 2024) and it's a superb little machine that would go perfectly with the Kato brake van you have. Also they tend to sell out quickly and the prices on initial release are FAR lower than they fetch second hand (I paid nearly double for mine because I missed the initial release last time, but still don't think it was too bad a value for what I got, lol)
I have a lot of other Kato locos and rolling stock as well; Japanese, North American, and European freight and passenger prototypes, and have been very happy with all of it, so anything you can get your hands on by them should surely be a treat :3
I find it amazing how this runs better than most OO scale models.
I have checked the Kato H0 version of the same loco and livery. It has two motors, one for each bogie.
Glad to see Kato getting some representation here, their quality and prices are unmatched in the hobby, even into HO scale (even if HO stock isn't very easy to get a hold of outside of Japan).
Regarding KATO's HO offerings for the North American market, I've had a very positive experience with them. Though bought off of the secondhand market, their locomotives are wonderfully detailed and quite reliable. I recently picked up an SD80MAC that was mint in box and was sitting on someone's shelf for some time, and it ran perfectly the moment I applied power to it. Their "Unitrack" embedded roadbed track line is also considered second to none for its type, and there's even clubs here (N-Trak) that do modular layout sections using it.
All of their passenger cars can be lit post purchase. They sell the lights to add later. I have a bunch of their Japanese freight cars, locos, etc and honestly the biggest shock to me was when I bought the Japanese equivalent to a caboose and out of the box it had working end marking lights! I paid only like $15.00 at the time. Fast forward to last month rapido released really nice cabooses with working lights... but you have to take it apart and put a battery in it... and its $50.00... and both of mine didnt work out the box.
If Kato decided to make NA cabooses again and put in their lights that work off of the track power its over. And I pray that they do.
Kato being the #1 pick for N scale like always, I have their Big Boy & F3 and honestly only got Kato products aside from a few they don't have like the PRR T1 just because they haven't made it yet.
Definitely recommend Kato through and through along with how durable they are as I had actually dropped my Big Boy and nothing broke aside from one detail part that I simply glued back on but the motors and all still worked smoother than even my old HO stuff.
Jacks layout must have a Amtrak train occasionally passing a pacer, an interesting variaty of trains :D
Did you know the narrow guage Peco “small England” locomotives are made in collaboration with Kato? Which means Kato makes 00-9 models too!
I’ve got two of them, and I can’t promise I won’t get more at some point, especially seeing as they are releasing one in a southern livery
If you enjoyed the the N scale P42 as much as you did, I hiiiiighly recommend checking out one of Kato's HO diesels.
Feeling exasperated, I sat down and watched this video after a Peco PL-11 point motor stopped working on my layout. After testing all the connections, I took the thing off the layout and prised it apart. I found a bad solder joint to the coil, and now I have got the difficult job of soldering it back! When you build a layout as a retirement project, you find your eyesight does not improve, and you struggle with things at a small scale. Oh well, you can watch N gauge trains running around can't you? I know I could not do any work on them! Kato do an N gauge Eurostar, so you might like to review that. Thanks for uploading.
This N gauge train pack from Kato is very nice and the price is pretty good which anyone can afford it Sam. Plus, please answer me when I ask certain questions.
Kato do not usually recommend lubrication. Your friend has misplaced the instructions. I've built Japanese and Swiss layouts in the past and never had a duff Kato.
You should give Kato and Tomix Japanese N gauge models a try. I have a really good performing model of the JR Kyushu Seven Stars in Kyushu. It runs really well, and it's much quieter than the P42. It's made by Kato Japan.
i have the silver streak zephyr from kato best little train good runner 5 pole motor ive put lights in mine simple drop in beautiful train good runner excellent crawler youd love the silver streak
Kato is the best.
Greetings from Colorado Springs.
I've found that while Kato doesn't have the best detail, it certainly does shine in terms of quality.
With N scale highly detailed models with many hand fitted parts aren't as necessary as with HO or OO scale models... Frankly I prefer N scale because of not having delicate hand fitted parts that fall off easily onto my layout's tracks...
@@ronclark9724 I do certainly agree. I love the incredibly high end models made by Scaletrains and such, but Kato is the brand I collect most in terms of N scale.
Kato now producing a UK outline class 800 9 car set for N!
I have Kato’s HO Scale P42, and it is a beauty
I have multiple Kato locos, a JNR DD51 Diesel, a JRF EH 500 dual electric, a Duwag tram and multiple EMU's. Every single one of these still run beautifully. The best one of them being the Japanese EH 500 dual electric freight locomotive. It runs so nicely even over the terrible trackwork of mine and can pull 12 tanker cars up a unreasonably steep gradient. For most of their Japanese stuff they include a detail pack with handrails and also locomotive running numbers to fit yourself. This way you can decide which running number you want. I run Kato track and a controller as well and while the track isn't the most popular here in Switzerland, it's incredibly easy, having a gravel bed with clips and electronic points are as simple as plug and play with no wiring skills required. Their controller is inspired by a Japanese EMU and is incredibly fun to use. I recommend you try it one day. Kato locomotives run as good as Fleischmann, a German manufacturer, but being about 30% cheaper. I serviced a few myself and they are a treat. Highly recommend some of their Japanese locos. I really wanna see what you think about them 😁 greetings from Switzerland. Oh and BTW, I left the superchat donation last week and you can simply call me Jeanne. Its a French name and my nickname is a reference to my favourite anime game.
I have a Kato Big Boy and it is fantastic please do a review of it if you want to be impressed, I have over 100 American freight cars and twenty five American passenger cars it it pulls them all, I had to set up a large temporary layout to test it, but it worked and it by runs so quietly.
Try reviewing the Kato steam engines. Kato by far makes the best n scale steam engines and I can imagine how a Kato Flying Scotsman would fly off of the shelves in the UK.
The close ups you did is exactly why I can't do N-scale, my eyes don't have a built in zoom feature, and most of those details are largely lost with me.
Nice review, Sam! Nice to see an Amtrak loco reviewed here! You should review the HO Scale version (also by Kato) of the P42!
In my experience kato use their high end n guage models for starter sets as well
Hi Sam, I have the same set. I think Kato's storage system with the bookcase format (it comes with the expansion set!) is such a good format to store your models. The formation guide is also pretty informative for users too.
Also, Im pretty sure its pronounced "Kah-to".
Thanks for reviewing another US prototype, Sam! I have a Kato HO EMD NW2 switcher (purchased many years ago) and it runs very smoothly and is quite heavy for its size. Kato is well known over here for their excellent mechanisms, which you have now experienced for yourself. Cheers from Wisconsin!
Kato sells lighting sets for inside the coaches
I was watching a video from someone who electroplated a 3D printing project he was working on. I mentioned it because that's what I thought they did to these models. What if they did tho? Add some weight, give it a nice finish too.
I have a number of Kato N scale locomotives. They are very easy DCC installs and as you've seen, very high-quality mechanisms. Run at scale speeds, they are also among the most quiet runners I have. By and large they are the best combination of value and quality in the N scale market. DCC in N scale is only gradually achieving something like an 18pin type standard.
Kato is just phenomenal in performance. Yes they are designed, and manufactured by Kato in Japan. Every locomotive is run in at the factory. I like companies who design and manufacture. Dapol, Kato. Others like scale trains are completely engineered designed and manufactured in China. Kato does not have all the minute details was others, but they look great, run forever. The version loco you are testing is like my N700 Shinkansen. I fit the DCC in the power car, as well as lighting in all the coaches which is also DCC controlled. Works great. Kato is my preferred locomotive by far. Broadway Limited Imports also have very nicely detailed locos, they are designed in the USA, manufactured in Korea and painted in China. They use their own Paragon 4 Sound and decoder. They are a good product. Scale Trains look the best. They seem to perform, and use ESU decoders. But, they are really a Chinese loco, and I just don't have trust in the quality. Scale trains has already suffered some embarrassing QC issues. That business model is just not for me. KATO does have some limited HO offerings in the American locomotive style.
I am not an American railfan but I am pretty sure the livery on the P42 is Amtrack's phase V livery and not phase VI. Regardless, it is an awesome model
Good model trains are excellent model trains. Any model train company is loved by everyone from around the world.
If you're looking for Kato steam to review, they're all good. If you want something cheaper then the Japanese prototypes are a good choice (also slightly different scale, 1:150 as Japanese steam is all narrow gauge) you can get a D51 2-8-2 for around $100-150, and Japanese steam is really unique looking (looks like a mix of American, British, and German styling). If you want to pay a little more the Kato UP FEF can be had for about $200-250 and is an absolutely stunning model to look at.
It's always a funny thing isn't it: when does the standard of a country become narrow gauge as opposed to narrow gauge?
A conundrum....
Virtually every model by Kato and Tomix is like this, they rely heavily on plastic molded details, which admittedly doesn't look too bad at this scale. They usually run very well with exceptional slow speed performance. I've lost interest in Japanese N gauge for a while now, British OO is just so much more interesting... You are to blame of course.
Ahh okay! Well like you say it looks good at this scale, so I think it's all good!
Thanks for watching - Sam :)
Hey sam now that you have n gauge track I think it would be cool if you reviewed a few oo9 items, just an idea
You can use a DCC decoder from TCS
You know Sam, there is a Kato Union Pacific big boy. If you have a big boy in your collection, why not have another on but in a different scale
That really shows how flywheels are supposed to work. And it seems better than 00/ho lococ with flywheels. Q, is there room for you to add a couple more straight bits of track to the N gauge track?
this was my first Kato n scale set.
I’m so happy you actually reviewed a Kato product for once, I own the same P42DC but with running number 47 which ironically was wrecked a few years back. I own the Santa Fe f units and both superliners and freight cars and they are all so well made and run so well. I highly suggest trying out the emd f7 units they produce those things are really nicely made
Gents! We did it, Sam caught the KATO bug
Would quite call the P42 a “HST”. Although they have a top speed of 110mph they often travel much slower on freight tracks
That's more of a limitation of how they're used than of the locomotive itself. They can go quite fast in the right conditions, it's just disappointingly rare for those conditions to exist.
While yes they are still in use right now, they won't be for too much longer, as they're in the process of being retired and replaced by the new Siemens Charger locomotives.
The P42 decoder is made by digitrax the one you saw is not the one for the P42 (this is from a person who owns a P42 with DCC) 2 of these P42s can pull over 50+ cars (We ran outta cars for it to pull)
In US N Scale, the DCC board usually replaces the lighting board. Not too fiddly an exchange but does need kapton tape. And those Kato couplings - they are designed to uncouple if you push the carriages or loco and carriage together. Can cause surprises if you get a sudden voltage drop
Weird to see a P42 bouncing around so fast. Here, they tended to only average about 90 mph, not full on "HST speeds."
That's an impressive test, but the one thing I take away from this is just how ugly modern American diesel units are compared to the stylish beauties of the 1950s.
I've travelled on the Lakeshore Limited (shown as one of the trains on the back of the box) between Rochester and New York Penn Station. I travelled coach (economy) class, but it was still a comfortable, quiet ride with plenty of space and a super helpful conductor. The stations were clean, well-maintained (Penn Station's architecture is awesome). Their online booking process was also very straightforward. Americans obviously love their cars and internal flights, but in comparison with our broken railways here Amtrak, which is a quasi-public corporation with all the stock owned by the government, seems to be profitable and offers what you would expect from a well-run railway. Great that this model reflects that quality.
The appearance of profitability is mostly an illusion, since the vast majority of passenger rail services did and still do run at a loss going all the way back into their "golden era". Amtrak itself came within striking range of breaking even on day-to-day operations costs just before the pandemic and is currently working to recover that lost ground.
Just wish they would do more British stuff than they presently do, They would wipe the floor with Farish and Dapol overnight..
Kato have also made numerous HO scale US diesels, first under the Atlas brand and then as the phenomenal drive system of the Stewart range of EMD F units from FT to F7.
After this success they started their own range of US diesels sold from Kato USA. Some of the one i have are multiple of their SD40 , SD45 and the newer ACW4400 ( i think). If i saw an Atlas loco had a Kato drive, i made a point of buying several as I do with Stewart F units.
One Atlas Alco was so close to a New South Wales 40 class diesel that an Australian shop had a large order made in close to NSWGR Tuscan Red so that real modellers had a great base to modify and detail it up as a 40 class. Really made a lot of Australian modellers even more fed up with Lima drive systems and the Hornby similar ones.
Even steering people to even second hand Kato based locomotives have them converted away from the poor running expensive stuff they had or were thinking of buying.
The lack of extreme detail is a plus when not falling off. The detail is soon forgotten when they experience how Kato units perform.