I am interested in the Kato EMD F40PH (amtrak) as my frist starter loco. Well, it says all these cool thins, like the DCC (whatever that means, but I think it is better then DC). And it’s got sound and all that…cool. But on their website it says this:
“Hobbyist add-on details such as handrails, MU hoses, number boards and clear amber beacon enhance the realistic appearance of the model to the prototype.”
Does this mean I have to add things on…cause if it does…well, it ain’t happing, don’t got a steady hand.
Cheers…let me know if there is another company out there that does not need this done.
Kato models are really user friendly when it comes to adding the detail parts. They have a good area to cut from the sprue and usually come out clean. The holes in the body shell are almost always the correct size and putting them in only takes a pair of needle nosed pliers. (and a sharp hobby knife to remove the parts from the sprue) I love my Kato locomotives they outnumber all other brands on my layout 4:1 I recommend the kato model.
Well first off, you don’t want to start the DCC vs DC fight again… Too many of them going on already… The loco you ask about is DCC and Sound Ready which means no alterations are needed to install either (or at least that’s what they like us to believe)… It’s a standard DC loco so if you run with a regular power pack, you are good to go… With respect to the add on details, I’ve seen them come both ways… Already added on or in a Kit form where you have to put them on yourself… If the latter (put them on yourself) is the case, it’s very simple… Use a liquid cement such as Ambroid Pro-Weld, place the detail parts in the holes, and from the back, put, sparingly, a drop on each hole… The liquid will wick into the hole, around the detail part (inside the hole) and weld the two together… I don’t know what you mean about not having a steady hand (severity) but the process doesn’t take a rock solid stable hand…
Lifelike (walthers [xx(]) locos come ready detailed out of the box but to my knowlage, they haven’t done an f40ph…
If you are going to spend money on this loco with DCC. My suggestions is that you get a DCC system as well. My personal favorite is the Digitrax Zephyr which sells online for $150. For the basics of DCC, read this: http://tonystrainexchange.com/tonystips/dccprimer/index.htm
It does look a little daunting at first. But read it fully and let it sink in. If you are really serious about getting into the hobby, DCC is the way to go now. Better to start with it than have to upgrade all your engines later.
I think it’s safe to say that installing Kato’s tiny grab rails (even without glue) would require a steady hand. If you want ready to run fully detailed, quality as good as Kato, go with Atlas.
You don’t have to install these detail parts if you don’t want to. The locomotive itself is ready-to-run out of the box. The detail parts are there for people who want to customize their locomotives and make them more like a particular prototype. Things like extra lighting and window shades are both road-specific and era-specific, so there are modellers who don’t want these on their engines. You can save them in a little bag, and maybe put them on later when you’re more comfortable doing that sort of thing.
I personally had a bottle of CA (cyanoacrylate) glue in the refrigerator for months before I dared to open it. (Refrigeration extends the shelf-life of this stuff. I hid it in the basement “beer fridge” behind the 30-pack so it wouldn’t end up in a salad. The wife is into those organic dietary supplements, but doesn’t read labels closely.) Anyway, now I use the stuff (also known as Superglue to some) regularly.
Walthers makes (or made) a nice F40. However, it also requires installing handrail etc.
Another Amtrak loco in wide use you may want to take a look at are P units (P40, P42)
Called Genesis units I believe, they have a very attractive and sleek front.
Athearn trains makes quite a few versions, i’m not sure about other manufacturers
If you can find a local hobby shop that sells this loco most will gladly add these detail parts onto it for you. And it shouldn’t cost very much as it will probably take about 5-10 minutes. Better yet if you know of a model railroader talk to them they will probably be glad to help you with this and build a friendship.
Yea- You don’t have to put the detail parts on for it to run and still look good. Once you get hooked in this great hobby you’ll figure out how to do it or get it done for you. I have fat fumbley fingers and kind of a shakey hand and I don’t have a problem with these small detail parts. I think you’ll find half the guys here have magnifying devises to help.
Good luck!!
I understand completely about your issues of having a steady hand as I have arthritis and carpal tunnel in the hands. It makes it very difficult for me to do these fine detailing things, so I do the larger easier items and leave fine detailing alone. You may find a ready to run version in another brand, but if you want the Kato model buy it and do what you think you can handle.
Bachmann’s Spectrum line had an F40PH with the grab irons already installed. IIRC, the only things I had to install were the rear handrail, horn, and couplers. The only problem with their grabs, is that they were pressed flat against the carbody.