Will KATO ever come out with AC4400's!?

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

I know KATO has done a run of AC4400’s in the past but they did two runs in N-scale and I’m looking and waiting for the second run of HO scale Models, particularly because I model CSX. What’s the deal? I keep hearing that they are coming but, bupkiss. Any one else in the same boat or know of anything?

J

2

Like you I am hoping that they come out with the Dash8-44cw once again. I missed the first couple rounds by not being in the hobby. I’m really looking for BNSF and SF. I know that ebay has some pop up once in a while but the only way to get them is if you are bucks up. So hopefully they’ll be back. Maybe Kato will bring them back with working ditchlights like what they are doing with the SD40-2s.

3

I really think that Kato has gone over to the “Dark Side” or good side if you’re into “N”. Promises, promises-- reminds me of when Stewart said “The FTs are coming” that took well over a year. Of coarse Stewart was trying to lock in their new American made drive since the Katos were all but history.

4

What about the SD90? I remember seeing one of those in HO scale, and it was a monster!

5

I agree…I suspect they will toss us a handout from time to time but,we will see very few new models or reruns of the older models especially when you can still find a lot of Kato HO locos in stock.

IHMO it appears that Athearn,Atlas and BLI has won the day while Kato slept…To bad really…Kato could have done better and became a major player in the HO locomotive market…

6

You can still find those SD90/43MACs at some of the better on line shops.

7

For me, I love what Athearn has done with their AC and DC units but they still lack in things like a quality motor and working ditchlights where Kato excells but I hate putting Kato’s kits together.

I’ve just starting buying up the Athearn engines and adding working ditchlights, MU hoses, the correct plow and other details like wipers and they turn out great.

8

They also made a SD80MAC!

And a SD70MAC as well!

-Smoke

9

Brakie, Yes it’s a shame. For many years Kato raised the bar and was the benchmark of the best that all others were compared to. They were definately smoked by Atlas.