It’s actually another SD40-2, but from a different production (mid-production). The thing about it that got my attention is that they now come fully assembled!![:D] They also have ditch lights that have a switch so they’ll either alternate or remain steady.[:D]
http://katousa.com/HO/SD40-2/index.html
I’ve noticed for a while now that a lot of people have been wanting Kato to put the details on at the factory, so now it looks like they’re prayers have been answered![:D]
Yes, at last! At the 2007 Shizuoka Hobby Show they announced the release of JR East’s preserved 2-8-2 D51 498. Heaps more exciting than yet another nondescript diesel! [:D]
You’re joking, yeah? If all the detail is factory applied, what’s left for you to do when you get it?
Mark.
No, not joking. Many people do not enjoy assembling locomotives that already have $100+ price tags. For that price, you should be able to pull it out of the box and run it. I don’t mind detailing Kato’s, but I’ve screwed up more than a few in the process. That’s why I like athearn RTR, P2K, and Atlas. The first 2 usually come fully assembled, and Atlas only requires you mount the end handrails and sometimes the snowplows.
I noticed the MSRP on these new SD40-2’s is $179. Again, for that price, I’d better not have to do a thing to it!
[#ditto]
Tilden
Times have changed. People expect everything to be done when they open to box. “Shake the box?” NO–don’t! You’ll break off the factory-applied details.
I have never bought a Kato , because they don’t make anything I want, but I really don’t want fully applied details as most of them are wrong for specific prototypes anyway. Usually have to rip everything apart after opening the box just to begin adding details for my RR. Guess my prototype ? see avatar.
It is true they have the SD4-2 coming with added detail and a new feature, a much higher price.
To each their own. My view is the exact opposite. Kato’s HO Japanese models aren’t cheap in Australia, but for the price I expect to get lots of separate details and parts for alternate versions, that I can add myself. For me, having all the bits and bobs put on by the factory takes away the modelling aspect of model railroading. All that would be left for me to do is a bit of subtle weathering. Same with Tomix, Endo and MicroAce models in HO. They’re ready to run as far as the mechanisms are concerned, but they include extensive detail and decal packs. I find them far more satisfying than models that come completely finished.
But as my fellow Japanese modeller Chuck sensibly noted, the intended use of the models is a major factor in choosing the level and type of detail. There’s no way I’d pack my JNR models in a box and take them to a club layout!
Mark.
Strip off all the parts and put good looking detail parts on it, thats what![;)]
[tup]
Darth,
It is nice that Kato is doing ANYTHING in HO again. I had heard that they were not too anxious to do any more HO period. The last couple of releases were limited in scope. It almost seems like if the Museum in Chicago needs a new locomotive, that’s all Kato will do as far as prototype and road names released.
As far as prices go, I feel the rest of the competition has tried to do better drive-wise and with shell quality, but their prices have risen to the same level or higher in some instances. The new Athearn FP-45’s fit in that category. I have yet to see or run a better drive. I have found many ways to re-drive and re-truck virtually every locomotive on my layout. As far as details go, I add the ones I want and forego the others on EVERY locomotive on the layout(there are more than 70 on the layout).
I’ve heard about all I can stand from you people with your Athearn BB locos. If you like them, that’s fine. From where I stand(right in the middle of an aisle running trains), the only place you’ll see an Athearn BB loco in my basement is on top of the freezer gathering dust. I just hope your incessant whining doesn’t run Kato out of the HO market entirely.
Mikie
Good to see! The only complaint Ive ever had with Kato is their attention to paint detail… That has ruined quite a few good models. The SOO Line SD40-2s come to mind right away. Other than paint they run like a dream.
Alec
FINALLY!!![soapbox]
Yes the LHS i go to had the BN SD40-2 for 143.95 dollars and i told him it can stay in the display case.
The alternating ditch lights[bow] also look really cool!!! but dose anybody have an idea how to change inbetween steady and alternating