Join the discussion on the following article:
Kato HO scale SD40 diesel locomotive
Kato tends to be the best in their target market and price. The presentation of their models has always been impressive with crisp, fine molding to smooth, long lasting, drive trains. They have tended to sacrifice convenience for better quality plastic molding to keep costs more competitive. The result tended to be more assembly by the modeler but a superior looking model when complete. Kato also tends to omit DCC and sound enhansments from their models so the modeler has a choice to install a preferred system vs. the MFG’s choice. My latest Kato SD-40’s have added open areas provided for easy speaker and plug in DCC installation, but they have less weight and traction vs my older Kato models as a result. The documentation Kato provides is very professional and detailed and reflects the engineering excellence that Kato invests in product design.
Kato is the best model i have ever purchase,if the co. would only inprove on the grab irons the loco would be perfect.