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Kato USA Inc. N scale GE ES44AC diesel locomotive
I purchased one of the GEVO Demo models; and have run it on DC only at this point and found it to be in true Kato style. Meaning it runs smooth as silk, and pulls like a mule. I’ve run eleven car trains up a 2% grade with no problem.
In my opinion Kato has produced another Winner.
All we need is for Kato to produce the ES 44AC
in HO…
I have all that Kato has produced in HO
I miss them!!
Kato’s delivered couplers are funky and can be replaced with MT 1015 (new part no. 001 02 003) However, the hole in the pilot has notches in the bottom corners that have to be carved out with a hobby knife. The MT coupler is a tight fit and does not need the shim. The Kato retaining clip will not close down and latch on both sides. The best thing to hold the coupler box is an Atlas coupler box screw part no. 23017.
I have 2 of these units they look good & have good pulling power The 2 locos pull 30 box cars up a 1.7% grade.
Very happy with them
Kato’s done a great job with these in N scale. Their modern-era diesels are fantastic. I’d like to see Kato produce these in HO scale too.
I’m always glad to see us N scalers included. This is a thorough review, it makes me want one in NS colors! Kato makes a fine engine and is my new standard for all others to be measured by. Good job, keep those N scale reviews coming!
It was an easy conversion to DCC and it runs like a Kato, e.g., like the n scale equivalent of of BMW M-5.
It is a given these Katos are excellent locomotives. I have
a CSX ES44AC mated with 4 UP (same loco, UP terms C44ACcte) assigned to my version of the perishible transcon
that CSX and UP run. 27 reefers, 2.5% ruling grade.
I just purchased a CP unit and I say Kato you have out done your self’s again very nice smooth as glass and will handle 9.5" curves very easily, I had to try,
I added sound to my UP ES44AC and the final product is fantastic. These modern N locomotives are large enough to narrow the size gap between HO and N scale modeling. As usual, my Kato loco runs like a champ. This is a winner!
FANTASIC MODEL!!! two pulled 60 cars on my home layout. can’t wait for a gte show to try distubutive power and see how they do. Another winner form KATO,
I have both CP units and am very happy. Only one issue, I had to do the same as Glenn from Missouri. The rear couple on one unit was half a knuckle too high and I had to file an install a MTL coupler.