I prefer the Intermountain locomotives over Kato's products. Both are fine units but I am dissatisfied with Kato's speed issues, the winning sound they make and the lack of effort Kato has made to update the detail on their shells and supply the market with locomotives other than those related to their latest passenger offering. But, as stated by many; both the IM and Kato units are excellent models and you'd be hard pressed to ask for a better selection.