Atlas/Kato

Here is valid info!
One: Atlas has a factory(s) dedicated to the production of US prototype models, Kato has one factory producing for three continents.
Two: for Kato the US market is small compared to their home market and therefore does not recive as much attention as KatoU.S.A. would truely like.
Three: Atlas on the other hand has just one market, the US, and so they are able to focus on expanding their product line fairly quickly (some, like me would argue that this speed has been at the cost of overall quality) Giving us the modeler a larger selection from which to choose.
Four: On the mater of steam, acording to Kato one steam engines developement time is about the same as it is for three diesels, it is probably about the same at Atlas (this I don't know they have not really come out and said as much).

 

Thanks for the info. Very interesting

 

Well I figured that this would be more in line with what is "PC" at this board. LOL
Besides some of this I got from Kato son #2 at a train show down here in the land of CHAD.

 

Heres an interesting and cool fact.

I had one Kato -9 pulling 60 coal gondolas!! I put an SD60 in its place and uh oh! Wheels slipped!

 

ahhh and the Atlas vs Kato arguement would be just the reverse in HO

in HO

Kato= Poor runing overpriced crap (in particular the SD40-2)
Atlas= Strong powerfull DCC (or equiped) units

 

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by Craig Martyn:
Heres an interesting and cool fact.

I had one Kato -9 pulling 60 coal gondolas!! I put an SD60 in its place and uh oh! Wheels slipped! <HR></BLOCKQUOTE>

4400 HP vs 3800 HP, maybe just not enough to get it going, which is where it needs the HP the most!

Paul, as to Atlas and Kato releasing conflicting models, I do not believe it has been done, and I think their R&D teams stay in touch so that this will never happen. Can't say that it won't for a fact though.

 

I hate to step into the middle of any flame war, but here is my 2 cents worth: Both companies make excellent models that (apparently) most consumers want to buy. If you do not like them, it is best to vote with your dollars (i.e. do not buy). ANYONE (and I capitalized that on purpose) who is a real businessman (or businessperson) would want constructive criticism of their product and deep down inside, appreciate it. However, a public forum is probably not the best place to deliver it (It tends to make people defensive.... for those of you that work or go to school, think about it: would you rather have your appraisal/report card, etc. delivered in front of everyone or in a private setting.)

For those of you that disagree, that's O.K.... if you have anything really strong and negative to say, please e-mail me directly. I am not a hostile person and enjoy meaningful, intelligent dialog among other folks; that is why I became a member of TrainBoard.

FWIW,
Harold