The Kato N scale Amtrak Southwest Limited passenger train set features two newly tooled passenger cars. The model train is led by an all-new N scale Electro-Motive Division SDP40F diesel locomotive. Watch the train run along the main line of the Model Railroader staff’s N scale Salt Lake Route layout.
Video: Kato N scale Amtrak Southwest Limited passenger train
By Angela Cotey | July 27, 2016
| Last updated on December 2, 2020
This new N scale model passenger train set from Kato features a newly tooled SDP40F diesel locomotive and two new passenger cars
Garry it’s an old project layout in 2010 called the Salt Lake Route
Nice to finally see this lokey being produced even if’n it tis in the weeee scale. 🙂
Thanks for doing a video product review on a N scale loco. Hope you will do more N scale video product reviews in the future.
Randy Piasecki
I’m impressed with the desert scenery – is this an older MR project layout?
I bought two DCC (TCS K7D4) fitted KATO SDP40F from Model Train Stuff (M B Klein) back in June. These are a Kobo special; they terrifically heavy for a n-scale loco (big locos; lots of metal; happy days ? ) and the two of them comfortable pull my 22 car Southwest Limited. What is interesting is that these DCC only versions were not advertised by KATO, I check the KATO site, including the Kobo list, on a regular basis and these models just appeared on Klein’s site along with the KATO advertised DC version!
I am eagerly awaiting the ESU LokSound DCC Sound version which is due out shortly.
I look forward to Model Railroader dropping through the letter box every month, as an insight into modelling techniques I have not seen before, DCC still mystifies me, and to inform me what new models are becoming available.
What I find a little disappointing is the Model Railroader video item appears a full month after I have received the models! While I understand printing a magazine takes time, the video ought to be more immediate. I know this may seem a little picky, but as the availability of models is often transient, eg the latest run of KATO F7 ATSF ‘Cigar Band’ B units, so models you are reviewing are sometimes no longer available before the reader/viewer sees your articles, so an early heads up on what is becoming available is really useful. This is especially true if there are issues with the models where a prewarning of a known problem is useful. I know criticism of models is difficult because of advertising but often video footage of a model running is more than enough clue to problems.
Neither the print nor video article mentions the up and coming sound versions, a real departure from KATOs previous practice, which I would have thought worthy of a note in either article.
If you are reviewing a model a mention of the manufactures production schedule, particularly with regard to new versions, would be very useful. A quick phone call from the premier model railroad magazine should get more information than the average modeller can get from the manufacturers.
I was also a little surprised to see no mention of the ATSF version of the 2-car set reviewed (KATO #106-6011).
KATO usually give some consist information on the cars which in the car of the ATSF version they do not. The Budd Pine Series 10-6 Sleeper was used from 1950 – 1970 and the Pullman 11-Double Bedroom Indian Series Sleeper were used from 1964-1970, at various times on the Super Chief and El Capitan and the combined Super Chief / El Capitan (see http://santafe.gmbus.com).
Many of the consists I have found include a 44 seat chair car with leg rest ATSF #2816-2945, the cars passed into Amtrak service in the 1970s. The cars only appear to be available in n-scale if you build them from car sides (M&R models 60-8/60-14 or Union Station Products 7503/7503A – info curiously of n-scalevarnish.info).
Please KATO pull your finger out and build the cars so we can complete both ATSF and Amtrak consists.
Dana, you normally provide a more detailed explanation of the trains features. Not so much this time. Had to read most of it on the screen. Sort of missed your description this time.