KATO USA
Precision Railroad Models
Bringing Commuter trains home to N scale
Kato is proud to announce a new entry into its “Starter Series” line of train sets with the introduction of Motive Power International MP36PH locomotives and Nippon Sharyo Gallery Bi-Level Cars, available in individual and packaged releases.
MPI MP36PH
The Motive Power International MP36PH is used by a number of cities across the country for commuter service, their often distinctive and colorful paint schemes serving to make these locomotives the figureheads for local commuter service.
Gallery Bi-Level Coaches and Cab Coaches
The modern Nippon Sharyo-built Gallery Bi-Level is based off of the same concept as the original Santa Fe El Capitan Bi-level design concept, whose success went on to inspire such double decker cars as Amtraks Superliners and the Bombardier Bi-Level car which is also used in commuter service. Today, gallery Bi-Level cars such as those used by the Chicago Metra commuter service can be seen operating in several states across the United States, such as Virginia and California.
Detail Photos; click for higher resolution images
Chicago Metra MP36PH
Chicago Metra Cab Coach.
Chicago Metra Coach.
Front views of both the Metra Locomotive and Cab-Coach
Virginia Railway Express MP36
Virginia Railway Express Bi-Level Cab Coach
Virginia Railway Express Bi-Level Coach
Front views of both the VRE Locomotive and Cab-Coach
Comparison shot of the Metra and VRE, showing the differences in rear roof details.
Comparison shot of the Metra and VRE, showing differences in nose and cab roof details.
Cab Coach comparison between the Metra and VRE, showing the VRE's printed numberboards.
Coach comparison between the Metra and VRE, showing the unique signboard arrangements.
Videos:
Watch the Chicago Metra MP36PH and Nippon Sharyo Bi-Levels in action in this feature video on youtube – click the image to the left to open the video in a new window!
Following the release of the Metra MP36PH and Bi-Levels, Kato USA announces the Virginia Railway Express (which offers commuter service in and out of Washington D.C. to the Virginia suburbs), with fully remolded shell details to match the prototype specifications of the VRE. To see the feature video for these VRE sets on youtube, click the image to the left to open the video in a new window!
Available Releases
item #
Description
Msrp
item #
Description
N MP36PH Chicago METRA Gallery Bi-Level Commuter Train “Starter Series” 4-Car Set*
Includes:
1 x MP36PH Locomotive Chicago Metra #427
1 x Gallery Bi-Level Coach Chicago Metra #6070
1 x Gallery Bi-Level Coach Chicago Metra #6153
1 x Gallery Bi-Level Cab-Coach Chicago Metra #8507
Msrp
$185
Description
N Chicago METRA Gallery Bi-Level Commuter Train 3-Car Set*
Includes:
1 x Gallery Bi-Level Coach Chicago Metra #6004
1 x Gallery Bi-Level Coach Chicago Metra #6034
1 x Gallery Bi-Level Cab-Coach Chicago Metra #8527
Msrp
$100
item #
156-0941
Description
| N Gallery Bi-Level Coach Chicago Metra #6185* |
Msrp
$30
item #
Description
N MP36PH Virginia Railway Express Gallery Bi-Level Commuter Train “Starter Series” 4-Car Set**
Includes:
1 x MP36PH Locomotive Virginia Railway Express #V53
1 x Gallery Bi-Level Coach Virginia Railway Express #V808
1 x Gallery Bi-Level Coach Virginia Railway Express #V819
1 x Gallery Bi-Level Cab-Coach Virginia Railway Express #V712
Msrp
$185
item #
Description
N Virginia Railway Express Gallery Bi-Level Commuter Train 3-Car Set**
Includes:
1 x Gallery Bi-Level Coach Virginia Railway Express #V807
1 x Gallery Bi-Level Coach Virginia Railway Express #V800
1 x Gallery Bi-Level Cab-Coach Virginia Railway Express #V710
Msrp
$100
*Chicago RTA Licensed Products. **VRE Licensed Products
