What's the wisdom: Kato SD40-2 vs. ScaleTrains SD40-2?

[jwaldo]

Fun fact about the Kato SD40-2s: they've been gaslighting us into thinking that other SD units ride too high for YEARS.

The side sills are about twice as tall as they should be. As a result they actually ride too low.

There's no easy fix for that either.

Unfortunately Creative Ride Height Solutions are something N scale has dealt with since day one, and has been slow to shed. Way too many models sold today still suffer from trying to work around pizza cutter flanges and/or monstrous truck-mounted coupler boxes that haven't been the default for 20 years. Often in ways that are pretty much impossible to correct (looking at you, vertically-compressed car bodies).

 PLUS in Kato's case their shells are ancient and designed for ye olde huge motors, even if they're not there anymore.

[Rossford Yard]

I would go 100% Scale Trains, if you can afford it.  While I agree with Rivet Miscounter that Kato's still run fine (I have 2 of their SD40-2s that are still my quietest and best runners I use every session, overall my ST are better units in both detail and running, especially among my sound locos.

If anyone would have told me 20 years ago that Kato wouldn't be the only (maybe with Atlas) my favorite locos, I would have not believed it, but here we are. Nothing is constant but change, I guess.

[robertjohndavis]

PLUS in Kato's case their shells are ancient and designed for ye olde huge motors, even if they're not there anymore.

Even the new stuff is ancient. The SD70ACU videos show a model that “looks like a Kato.” It’s not bad, but it’s basic. And it seems the handrails are typical Kato and that they will be in a molded color rather than painted in multi colors as appropriate. If ScaleTrains and Atlas can do better at - or under - the same street price as Kato, I think it’s fair to expect Kato to deliver at least as much visually. Of course, I expect the drive to be excellent.

Rob

[Ike the BN Freak]

... a model that “looks like a Kato.” It’s not bad, but it’s basic...

I like to think of Kato as the old Athearn blue box, for a large majority of modelers, the "detail" is fine, but for others, it makes a great base to upgrade

[robertjohndavis]

I like to think of Kato as the old Athearn blue box, for a large majority of modelers, the "detail" is fine, but for others, it makes a great base to upgrade

I guess so. But why would I pay to buy a Kato SD40-2 to upgrade when I can get a ScaleTrains model ready to go for the same or better price?

That’s my issue with Kato. If their models with DCC & sound were significantly cheaper that would be one thing. But they aren’t. Charging premium prices for middle of the road product doesn’t cut it for me.

[Missaberoad]

I guess so. But why would I pay to buy a Kato SD40-2 to upgrade when I can get a ScaleTrains model ready to go for the same or better price?

That’s my issue with Kato. If their models with DCC & sound were significantly cheaper that would be one thing. But they aren’t. Charging premium prices for middle of the road product doesn’t cut it for me.

But Stock Kato DC models are streeting for half the price of Scaletrains DC models. They might be the cheapest locomotives avaliable new right now.

I guess its a question of what you want. I have to listen to locomotives for 12 hours a day so sound doesn't interest me at all.

I love my Scaletrains and they definitely win the beauty contest. I still have a soft spot for Kato tho, that vintage flavor in a bullet proof form has its charm.

[ridinshotgun]

I guess so. But why would I pay to buy a Kato SD40-2 to upgrade when I can get a ScaleTrains model ready to go for the same or better price?

That’s my issue with Kato. If their models with DCC & sound were significantly cheaper that would be one thing. But they aren’t. Charging premium prices for middle of the road product doesn’t cut it for me.

Please show me the exact site were I can obtain a DCC ready ST for the same street price as a DCC ready Kato SD40-2 which is about $90 right here:

https://hogtrainz.com/shop/product-category/locomotives/kato-n-scale-locomotives/kato-n-scale-sd40-2/

[robertjohndavis]

Please show me the exact site were I can obtain a DCC ready ST for the same street price as a DCC ready Kato SD40-2 which is about $90 right here:

https://hogtrainz.com/shop/product-category/locomotives/kato-n-scale-locomotives/kato-n-scale-sd40-2/

Please note I specifically said DCC & sound which is all I purchase.

And here are the numbers:

Generic Kato UP w/DCC & Sound $325 list and $293 at Midwest.
Accurate ScaleTrains with DCC & Sound $332 list and $265 direct from ST

That’s $28 less for a superior model.

[ridinshotgun]

Please note I specifically said DCC & sound which is all I purchase.

And here are the numbers:

Generic Kato UP w/DCC & Sound $325 list and $293 at Midwest.
Accurate ScaleTrains with DCC & Sound $332 list and $265 direct from ST

That’s $28 less for a superior model.

Yeah Ok I see where you're coming from now picking the most expensive option out there other than say trainworld. Thanks for that.

[basementcalling]

I take it at a good sign that N scale can now support to quality models of the SD40-2 at different price points. Modelers are free to choose the one they can afford and meets their detail requirements.

Once upon a time, neither Atlas or Kato would touch making an SD40-2 after Bachmann botched their Spectrum model to infinity and beyond.

Choice is good.

[robertjohndavis]

Yeah Ok I see where you're coming from now picking the most expensive option out there other than say trainworld. Thanks for that.

My take on all of this is that we are living in a golden age of choice. I can be persnickety but I appreciate those who aren’t.

Not matter how  someone enjoys the hobby is good with me. The N scale rivet counter and the 3-rail O scaler with a Mikey Mouse hand car are all my brothers and sisters.

[Dupesy]

While the ST engines are beautiful, I really dislike how lightweight they are.  This can lead to occasional issues when paired with other engines; if they aren't speed-matched perfectly and the other engines are pushing at all it can lead to the leading axle on the SD40-2 having no weight at all on it, and climbing the outer rail on curves.  So they find trackwork issues no other piece of equipment finds.