On the topic of which was the first Kato built released in the USA, I have an ad from a 1980 MR that said the ConCor U-50 was built by Kato of Japan. Anybody know anything about this? I believe that loco was built in the 70s sometime. [ 07 January 2002: Message edited by: thomas ]
Thomas - Yes the early concors were made by Kato , but not all of them -The U50, PA-1, and the 4-6-4 were, but some of there other models were either Rivarossi, Roco or Mehano. Concor severed relations with Kato sometime in the 80's about the time of Atlas' association with them, and began making them themselves either in house or sometimes China. I believe the PA-1 was the first Kato US prototype, but was sold under the concor label.
Thomas, I think the original Con-Cor PA-1 was a Kato mechanism but I'm not sure if the body was made by them as well. The later U50C (&/or D) was also a Kato mechanism. I believe both now use a Chinese-built mech As Harold pointed out, the GP38/-2 (released in '86 IIRC) followed by the GP50 (in '89 or so) were the first US prototypes released by Kato and use a similar style of mechanism to the current trend but with a different pick-up arrangement. Gary.
Thanks for the info guys. That U-50 was my most expensive purchase back in 1980. Little did I know how much more expensive locomotives were going to get, and how much more realistic they would run. Although the U-50 doesn't have a flywheel, it's still a good running loco.
My experience is that one loco got me back to N after 3 years.... the Kato C44. I like it in H1, and that single early SD40-2 in BN is tops!
My favorite loco(s) are Kato SD80MACs and SD-40-2s and C44-9Ws. I wish Kato would come out with some modern 4-axle locos. Atlas' are pretty but they need to increase the weight so they will pull. Jerry
Alright, this thread has been going on for qite some time now so I guess I should contribute my two cents finally. Now I might hear a lot of flack for my favorite loco but keep in mind that I purchased it before any manufacturers were making anything good. My favorite is my old Minitrix Decapod! OK, to the rivet counters it was physically inaccurate especially since the pistons didn't line up with the stack, but I have yet to purchase another locomotive like it. I purchased it in 1980 and thanks to routine maintenance it was still going strong until last year when I fried the motor. It looked good pulling freight or behind a bunch of pullmans. I would surely buy another if I ever came across one unless some other manufacturer finally decided to make one (with belpaire boiler) Hint,Hint! Russ
Russ, What type motor is in that Minitrix decapod? Do you know? Even though its N scale and i'm a HO collector isn't saying I only work on HO scale. Depending on the motor in it I might have a motor to fit in it and repower it with a new designed retro fit for you. But do your best on telling me if you know what type motor is in it and if its an open frame or a can motor or one like Bachmanns side shaft motors.... I just may be able to help you put him back on your roster! E-mail me off line and all on the questions. I'll see what I have and get back to you.... [ 18 January 2002: Message edited by: 7600EM_1 ]
One more motor...just to help you on yur way of getting a good description Some motors are placed perpendicular to the main driver, such as in an HO Mantua. Some motors are placed in parallel, such as in a HO Fleischmann. I would not know about N, I have never had the opportunity to tear into one.
Wow, nice modeling! How did Gary do that??? I've got an ex-BN GP20 on the railroad, and that looks like a great modification (I used to do such things as chop noses on GP7s and deturbo GP35s in HO).
Benny, Your right too! But the weirdest thing is, I've even seen motors set in loco's facing the reverse dirrection! Like Mantua, ok? well flip the motor over the idler gear thats on the axle and it sat on the front location of the loco! It was a werid one. Its possitioned just like Mantuas are, but on the other side of the axle gear! It was a strange find but an easy repair retro fit motor job.. Its the first time I seen it and I haven't had seen any like that since, the weirdest part was the poles in the motor was reversed! It didn't run in reverse on a regular wired layout, I had to get a reversable pole motor and flip the insides around to run normally..... I can't remember what the make of the loco was tho.... But in this, I only had ever seen that one time.... All the rest were made like Mantua's are....
I have to agree with Colonel on the Rio Grande SD-50s, great color, unfortunatley I missed their run, so I will custom paint them.
Who say's there's not life after death for a topic!. Looking back at the numerous pages on this topic, I already answered this once. Now I need to modify my previous answer 1 LL GP-20's. I love them, all 6 of them! 2 Atlas SD35's. I like these, all 3 of them! 3 Kato Dash 9's. Yowza, 3 of these too! 4 Atlas SD60/SD60M. Got 4 of these! 5 Kato SD40-2's. Got 2 in BNSF. Great runners.
My favorites are my SP C44-9Ws and my new P42 Genesis. Also really like my Atlas SD-35 ( SP, or course!). Smooth runner even at a crawl.
I already answered, and revised a post, but now that I have been 'educated', I have to say my fav is the BN TigerMAC. I have 3 more SD80/90MACs awaiting BN paint..... Wow. So smooth, and gutsy! That loco has POWER! Now that the High Prairie Sub is completely backdated to BN, the Dash 9's are off the list. The 2 SD40-2's I have in BN, the 2 SD45's in BN, and 3 LL GP20's: 2 in the 'Q', and one BN. The GP20's are the bomb tho. Running a close second to the 80/90's. The 3 'Q' E9's are also powerful and smooth. They work great with the combined Empire Builder/North Coast Limited!
My favorite engines are all steamers! The Kato Mikado, Bachmann Consolodation, Con-Cor Hudson and The Lewis Locomotive Works MINITRIXKATOATLASBACHMANN Santa Fe 2-10-2 shown on page two of "Steam Kitbashers show me your engines"
Well, I must say I haven't seen one "bad" loco listed here. I like all mine that are KATO, KATO/ATLAS, ATLAS and New LIFE-LIKE. That new Bachmann Console is SWEET! To bad I'm not into Steam....
This post is for Russ and his choice of the Minitrix Decapod as his favorite. I agree with you about the Minitrix Decapod Russ, that is why I used that paticular chassis for kitbashing up into CNR 2-10-2s. Even with the original motor, albeit with lots of additional weight, they run as good as my Kato Mikados or Hudsons.
