I would fully expect Kato to do another run or two of the E5's. Since they updated the "stainless steel" look with the CZ and the new SSZ cars do not match the original 4 pack runs I am hoping we will see all of the original cars rerun in some sort of new packaging. It will be interesting to see what they do but I see an opportunity for more cars, E5's, E8's and of course an E5B would rock!
I predict Kato will never again offer the E5 for purchase after this run. Just kidding! I just ordered mine and can't wait for it to get here!
B Units would be nice, as well as other road names. I got the cars and the locomotives, and they are pretty nice, but I will not be getting anymore CBQ because I have about all I need.
May I suggest that the next run has red stripes for a later period? An new E8 in red stripes would be good too..... Gerry
Other road names? Since CB&Q and it's subsidiary were the only owners what other road names do you suggest?
Since I only model the fringes of the CB&Q, business train, some run through or loaner power, and maybe a passenger connection with the NP and GN running south I have no real need for anymore cars. But I would definetely join the line to purchase a E-5B.
9950 AB for the C&S Silver Racer, Steed 9980 AB for the FW&D Silver Chief, Warrior Then you would also have the Q proper units that were sold to the C&S and FW&D but then you would not have them on the same layout at the same time as the 9910 AB & 9911 AB.
I think FW&D, C&S, and red stripe units would be good. I had a nice talk with the Kato folks at Trainfest and while I would love to have an E5B, I'm wouldn't be holding my breath. As an aside, when I mentioned a possible E6, I could see faces darken and they pointed out to me that almost every railroad's E6s were a little different.
The only thing with the B unit is that it would have made sense to do it now when they brought out the A units. But then on the other hand what kinde of response would the folks at Kato given you if you had asked them to bring out an E5. So it just goes to show you never know. I would have to imagine you might see 3 more A units in the black nose stripes, 9912A, 9950A & 9980A. Then hopefully we might see a run of red nose stripes. I am really hoping for an updated run of E8/9's on the assumption that there are no E6's or E7's.
The Kato folks mentioned they were able to put together a train without blowing their tooling budget, which is what I suspected. Another thing they mentioned is that HQ requires a "Theme" for projects which is why the MP36 and Nippon Sharyo cars got greenlighted. Commuter trains are a big deal in the Tokyo area and it was something they (HQ) could understand.
Problem for nitpickers with asking for "new silver" red-striped Q E8/9s: Kato doesn't currently make a DB-less twin-headlight E shell. And if Kato HQ likes commuter trains, there were NYC and Pennsy ones galore. Electrified AND diesel.
