Kato F2 & F3

[wcfn100]

Definitely not something easily fixed... and I suspect that because of the rarity of photos the mistake is more common than it should be.  I am not ashamed to be able to say, "I stand corrected!!!"  I am one who is willing to learn from my mistakes.

Well we'll see if what Kato actually does matches the artwork or not.  But I'll stand corrected on the Phase 1 F3 shell not being an F2.   From what I can tell from the lousy online pics, it's correct for either.  I still think there was something about that shell that was an issue, but it must not have been anything to do with this.

At this point I'm more concerned that they are going to butcher the CNW paint scheme. 

Jason

[Sokramiketes]

I'm going to just backpedal for now and just go with what I can show.


Here's the one I'm looking at doing.

http://www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=406226

But just on that, both shells are still F2s - just not the same.

Jason

You're not going to want to start with an F2/F3ph1 for that unit.  You want a regular Kato F3 for the two portholes and chicken wire in between.  Its going to be easier to put blank panels in than add chicken wire.

[mplsjct]

Correct me if I'm in error, but this will be a new shell as Kato has never made an F unit shell with those little number boards, as far as I can tell, the early F3 shell from many years ago had the larger number boards, so that is exciting in itself 

[jmlaboda]

It likely is the original shell that hasn't been repeated since its first offering.  The chicken-wire shell had the angled numberboards...

http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Kato-N-scale-F3-ABA-set-Custom-painted-NYC-/00/s/MTIwMFgxNjAw/z/JcYAAMXQUmFSmRK-/$_57.JPG

Ironically as originally made the shell had both the correct numberboards as well as the correct small grill to the rear... makes me wonder if the drawing is in error.

[packers#1]

They released an ACL unit? Methinks I'll be adding a wrinkle to my shortline for one 

[sirenwerks]

While I prefer the separate grabs and etched screens of the IMRC units, at least you don't have to drop the Kato units' ride height and Kato makes undecs available.  Hmmm... what phase were NP's F3s?

[Ian MacMillan]

See:
https://www.therailwire.net/forum/index.php?topic=31443.0

[Ian MacMillan]

Would like these in B&M units!

[peteski]

I'm with Ian!

[mplsjct]

It likely is the original shell that hasn't been repeated since its first offering.  The chicken-wire shell had the angled numberboards...

What road names were originally offered on this shell?

[wcfn100]

What road names were originally offered on this shell?

Sante Fe for sure.

Kato 176-051

Southern.

Kato 176-052

Jason

[Sokramiketes]

Sante Fe for sure.

Kato 176-051

Southern.

Kato 176-052

Jason

I've seen PRR and NYC also.  These have been rarer than hens teeth.

[wcfn100]

I've seen PRR and NYC also.  These have been rarer than hens teeth.

The PRR unit seems to be an odd situation.  I can't fond any other number than 176-071 and those boxes are marked as Phase 1 but none of the pictures of the model are the Phase 1 shell.

An old Atlas thread says the small number board version was incorrect for the PRR.  Did Kato change shells at some point?


Jason

[spookshow]

Most (if not all) of the various Kato F3 releases are listed here -

http://www.amherst-depot.com/katof3.htm

Unfortunately, they don't specify which ones are two-porthole (phase 2) and which ones are three-porthole (phase 1).

Cheers,
-Mark

[mmagliaro]

According to my Kato PRR F3 boxes

     A             B
176-050 - 176-060   Phase I  Undec
176-051 - 176-061   Phase I ATSF
176-052 - 176-062   Phase I Southern

176-070 - 176-080   Phase II Undec
176-071 - 176-081   Phase II PRR
176-072 - 176-082   Phase II SP
176-073 - 176-083   Phase II UP

My PRR units have 2 portholes.