Kato special run Pacific Parlour car - get 'em while they're hot!

NorsemanJack Jul 25, 2013

  1. NorsemanJack

    NorsemanJack TrainBoard Member

    2,264
    946
    51
    The quick sell-out was easy to see coming, based upon the small quantity available. I'm guessing this is more of a PR thing for Amtrak and Kato, rather than a money maker. If Amtrak continues as is, we may see another batch at some point, probably coinciding with another re-release of the El Capitan (since they would be actively manufacturing the base El Capitan lounge car). Of course, that could be years in the future.
     
  2. Point353

    Point353 TrainBoard Member

    2,879
    7,585
    71
    A customer service agent said they were expecting another batch of ~30 pieces early next week.
    So, even though the "in-stock" quantity may read "0", you can still place a (back) order, which will ship after the restock arrives. Probably better to phone in the order to confirm that the restock quantity hasn't sold out yet.
     
  3. NorsemanJack

    NorsemanJack TrainBoard Member

    2,264
    946
    51
    It looks like Kato's website is back on line. Here's a better photo of the Parlour car:

    [​IMG]
     
  4. Nick Lorusso

    Nick Lorusso TrainBoard Member

    1,751
    260
    37
    Just wait and see the ebay prices....LOL Glad I bought one.
     
  5. NorsemanJack

    NorsemanJack TrainBoard Member

    2,264
    946
    51
    Absolutely. Glad I bought two! :teeth:

    Coincidentally, when my wife treated me with a Coast Starlight trip on my 50th Birthday, we rode in that exact same Parlour Car. Here's what she looked like a few years ago (the car). Kato did a great job once again.

    [​IMG]



    Also, as a heads up to anybody who bought these to run, keep in mind that the roof of the car will not be the same height as the Superliners. This is prototypical!!
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 26, 2013
  6. k-59

    k-59 TrainBoard Member

    242
    29
    18
    I thought about buying one to resell, but decided to let someone who actually wanted one get a bargain.
     
  7. NorsemanJack

    NorsemanJack TrainBoard Member

    2,264
    946
    51
    Good for you. Of course, there's no guarantee that these will ever command a premium price. I've already seen one report that more are on the way from Kato to Amtrak. Personally, I think it would be great if anyone who wanted these could get one at the current price. That said, some even feel that $30 plus shipping is too high, but to each their own. I'm just delighted to be able to own one of these without having to pursue the previous options (break up an El Capitan set and custom paint, buy brass, kit bash, etc.). $30 plus change for a Kato produced unit is much better for me.
     
  8. Pete Steinmetz

    Pete Steinmetz TrainBoard Member

    735
    6
    22
    Does Walthers still make N Scale? I hadn't noticed. Seriously, I haven't bought anything from Walthers in many years.
     
  9. jp2005

    jp2005 TrainBoard Member

    124
    0
    18
    Hopefully the quick sell out of these cars will show Amtrak that us N scalers like special cars just as much as the HO guys. Here's hoping they commission Kato or anyone else for more unique cars! (Looking at you, Surfliners.)
     
  10. Nick Lorusso

    Nick Lorusso TrainBoard Member

    1,751
    260
    37
    Now if i could get the this done by Kato it would be great. 382535_10151487569637548_328247033_n.jpg
     
  11. NorsemanJack

    NorsemanJack TrainBoard Member

    2,264
    946
    51
    While not as "sexy" as the Parlour car, what we really need is a dormitory car to match the superliners. Unlike the Parlour cars, these are needed for every long distance superliner consist. We also need a more correct baggage car.
     
  12. Ike the BN Freak

    Ike the BN Freak TrainBoard Member

    1,367
    128
    30
    Thought Amtrak converted some of the Transition coaches into dorms, which is what Kato painted up and paired with a baggage.
     
  13. NorsemanJack

    NorsemanJack TrainBoard Member

    2,264
    946
    51
    I believe that Kato released them only as step down coaches, not the dormitory version. Although, if the carbody is the same, this may be easier than I was envisioning. Are you refering to pre-Amtrak step down coaches? I doubt those became the Superliner dormitories of today (Amtrak may call them transition sleepers, I forget the correct terminology).
     
  14. jp2005

    jp2005 TrainBoard Member

    124
    0
    18
    The step down coaches that were converted to dormitories had four or five of the windows on the low diaphragm side changed to the smaller Amfleet style window.
     
  15. tehachapifan

    tehachapifan TrainBoard Member

    1,859
    859
    46
    OK, so this sold out in 2 days. Saw it for the first time this AM. Guess we've gone to the next level on the whole limited run concept! :(
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Jul 27, 2013
  16. cfquinlan

    cfquinlan TrainBoard Member

    470
    14
    17
    Good call Nick! You can suggest a model to Kato through this link:

    http://katousa.com/suggest.html

    I've already submitted mine! Since they already have the P42 body, this would be an easy one for them to knock out. I suggested the Anniversary units and Phase III Amfleet IIs and they have all come to fruition! Of corse it wasn't just accomplished by my submission... if enough people do it, I'm sure they'll make it happen!

    Chris

     
  17. Nick Lorusso

    Nick Lorusso TrainBoard Member

    1,751
    260
    37
    I posted my suggestion too for this unit.
     
  18. Ike the BN Freak

    Ike the BN Freak TrainBoard Member

    1,367
    128
    30
    Ah, so the Kato is a good standin, unless you want to change the windows.
     
  19. Point353

    Point353 TrainBoard Member

    2,879
    7,585
    71
    I was told more inventory is expected early this coming week.
    Call customer service at 1-800-369-4257 after 7AM CST on Monday to see if any of the restock quantity is still available and to place your order.
     
  20. cfquinlan

    cfquinlan TrainBoard Member

    470
    14
    17
    Someone at Amtrak suggested ordering now. It will be on back order until it gets to the warehouse, but you will be higher in the queue.

     

Share This Page