I’m going to ask my wife for a set of Superliner cars for my birthday, and I’m having trouble deciding between Con-Cor and Kato.
I think the Kato cars are generally higher quality and more accurate to the prototype. The Con-Cor Superliner Diner has a window in the center of the car that does not exist.
On the other hand, Kato sells only in two different sets of four. To get all 5 Superliner car types you would need to buy both sets. This would give me eight Superliner cars which is more than I really have room for at this point.
Con-Cor offers a five car Superliner set with one of each car type. They also offer each car type individually, so I have the option of buying additional cars without having to buy 4 additional cars as I would with Kato.
I am tempted to go with the Con-Cor because that will give me the cars I want without having to buy more than I want. Another option I’ve thought of is to go with the Kato set of 4 and then purchase the additional car type (a lounge car) I would need from Con-Cor. Any suggestions on which option I should take? [?][?]
I’d recommend getting the Kato four pack and then look for the other car separately at a train show. That’s what my neighbor did. Some dealers will separate the set and sell them as individuals.
Good morning;
I had purchased the Con-Cor Superliners many years ago when they were the first on the market. (phase II models} I am pleased with them, however, I would suggest that you should body mount the couplers, not using them in the talgo system. By doing this , the cars can be
positioned prototypically closer and will handle better in reversal situations. Also add weights to them to insure better tracking performance and to bring them up to NMRA standards. They look very good on my layout and will negotiate 28-30" curves with no problems. The Kato superliners are good models, but if you want to go thru the expense of an great product and enjoy great detail, Kato might be a better way to go for you.
Don Wick, the Yardmaster dwick@execpc.com