Kati is predominately N scale, but it also manufactures some HO scale stuff.
Rich
Kato’s main target seems to be the Japanese market for N scale trains. They have been introducing slotless motors since 2021. I think Kato’s strengths are their silky-smooth and long-lasting drive mechanism, their realistically deformed and durable molds, and their appearance that is not subdivided into variations, all of which keeps prices down.
After all, they are competing with China all over the world, including Japan.
This policy has been successful, and in recent years, their products have been well received in the European market for Swiss meter gauge and British 009 gauge.
On the other hand, for the North American HO scale, they introduced Amtrak P42 in 2013. This was equipped with a super high-performance mechanism with a coreless motor and 3-thread worm gear, but it did not attract attention. (Is an option required to drive a coreless motor with DCC?) In addition, end users demand delicate high details and separate production for each version. Perhaps Kato, unable (or unwilling) to meet this demand, has almost abandoned (given up) on the North American market.
Of course, the above is just my personal opinion.
I would have to agree, they see the North American HO market as too diverse and too competitive.
Sheldon
Kati does a bit more than dabble in the US. I think they’re the only mfr that builds models for and sells in all 3 major markets. Japan, America and don’t forget Europe, including UK.
They do primarily focus on pax trains so those who want freight will be disappointed. And they also focus more on modern trains.
My N scale layout isn’t meant to be prototypical. So depending on my mood I’m running Metra bilevels, Eurostars, Shinkansens, TGVs, IC City of NO, CNW 400, Amtrak Siemens ACS-64 pulling Amfleets, and a cute (no other word fits) tiny 19th century 0-4-0 tank engine pulling a couple of equally vintage 4 wheel coaches that in total is no longer than one single coach.
Eclectic yes. But reminds me of my travels to all of these places at some point in my life (except the 19th century I’m not that old! ). Better than photos!
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The North American HO offerings from KATO are an insignificantly small selection of product, regardless of era, or type of train. Their N scale offerings have been a bit more broad.
Sheldon
Agree. I don’t know why they even scale HO. But N is pretty diverse.
I’ll buy anything that catches my fancy. But Kato is most of my collection. All run superbly. A few Rapidos. And a Broadway Limited T1. And a Brit Dapol HST. And a Fleischmans ICE that barely runs. And that was my most expensive purchase.
And there is where we are exact opposites. I model in HO, and I only buy models that fit the era and theme of my layout. That theme is the Mid Atlantic region of the US in September 1954.
So the number of KATO HO items that even fit that criteria in the last 20 years is very small.
And I have no interest or use for toy train sectional track, no matter how high the quality.
I have never felt any motivation to purchase any of their products.
Sheldon