Join the discussion on the following article:
Kato HO scale SD9043MAC diesel locomotive
Great model! I have the CP version to pull my 30 car unit coal train. The engines have great pulling power, superb detail, fantastic lights. But I’m disappointed with the quality of the Kato couplers. The couplers are at the right height, but they just don’t have the strength, they were continuing to uncouple. So I replaced them with #5 Kadee’s, and now have no uncoupling issues.
Just received mine in CP colours. Shame Kato don’t separate the ditch lights for DCC operation otherwise great model
The tooling is done - that’s the expensive part…so how about a fantasy Santa Fe paint job???
I too have one of these, though mine is in UP colours. I used a QSI revo i had lying around and have separated the ditch lights from headlight. Apart from slightly mudy sound (will look at better speaker and/or baffle) from decoder the loco runs beautifully. Mine runs at a barely visible speed on speed step 1 of 128. Ditto on couplers too
all they need to do is make them sound friendly by putting a place for speaker in the fuel tank…i have one with sound installed …kobo exc. an it probable would have better sound from fuel tank or put see through fans on top of model or open up the back grill works.runs great.
I have several of these and after installing Katy couplers before even running them everything works and looks great!
Nice model also but then again, my #5 Kadee Couplers keep uncoupling and my Kato Couplers are pretty strong.
This is an outstanding model by KATO, on par with Atlas Silver or Athearn Genisus class. Very heavy, smooth operation give it very strong pulling power in frieght or coal service. I bought one, tried it and then as the SD80 an another number came available I bought those as well, I have not been disappointed, It is railfanning your on layout when this large diesels are making the rounds on your layout. It comes with LED set up which I find superior to the Athearn bulbs. There is assembly required, patience is the theme so the small parts don’t go flying, while Kato provides extra, just take your time. The painting is oustandind and the markings are readable although some with flip down hobby glassess. I run four road names and anytime a KATO unit comes up I make a reservation, they make great equipment.
Just purchased one from a dealer in California. Big, bold, and beautiful are just a few ways to describe this locomotive.