So what will Kato do now ?

[Mark5]

Oh goodie,  another GS4...

Heh, at least it is cheaper than Concor's:

http://www.all-railroads.com/instock/ngs4484.htm

Assuming you wanted one in the first place ...  :

[Ed Kapuscinski]

I love how every manufacturer has gotten into the "Lets build big steam that looks silly on everyones layouts" boat now.

It's awesome.

Really.

I'm excited.

This is me excited.

 :

[DKS]

I love how every manufacturer has gotten into the "Lets build big steam that looks silly on everyones layouts" boat now.

It's awesome.

Really.

I'm excited.

This is me excited.

 :

I think part of this is just fad, and part is due to sound, which is an even bigger fad than big steam right now. You more or less have to go big to have sound, at the moment anyway. I'm way less excited about sound as I am about big steam, and I'm about as excited as you are with big steam. Maybe a little less, even.

[Mark5]

Sound is still in the developmental stage IMHO. Generic "diesel" sounds don't cut it with me. There is a future for sound though, but it aint imminent yet for me.

[Bob Bufkin]

BLW and Rio Grande Hobbies not have these listed.  Where is our PRR Broadway Limited?

Once again the Left Coast gets the goodies and we Easterners get screwed!

[wm3798]

As an eastern road modeler, and a non-steam era modeler, I really don't feel like I'm getting screwed.  I'd feel worse if they produced something I could use, like more SD40's, only not in a road I need, or in an undec I can "fix".

The GS-4 is fine for those who need or want one.  Big Steam is a fun diversion for those who want to fool with it.  Even if good medium to small steam came out, I wouldn't be in the market for it.

This one doesn't bother me.  Maybe the imminent return of WM F units in more numbers (hopefully correct this time...) has made me less anxious about what is and isn't made.

Lee

[Chris333]

I give this announcement 5 yawns up.

I wonder what our east coast present will be?

[ljudice]

Could it be Conrail SD40-2's????

[3rdrail]

What'll Kato do next? Considering that it has announced a GS4, when Con-Cor is still trying to peddle the last of its run, perhaps Kato will next do a UP Big Boy and see if it can rain on Athearn's parade, too. Rumors had Kato measuring the prototype...

Or, it could stomp on PCM/BLI and make a PRR M1a and b. They're sure to beat PCM to market on that.  ;D ;D ;D

[Mark5]

this is interesting:

"Drivers are operated by functional side rods for smooth performance"

http://www.katousa.com/N/Daylight/index.html

[nscalesteve]

and I still hope Kato will announce the SD70ACe next weekend...
...yes,

SD70ACe   ;D ;D

[GonzoCRFan]

Could it be Conrail SD40-2's????

It will NEVER happen. Kato may slap blue paint and can openers on a SD40-2 someday, but they will never make one that's correct for Conrail.

[up1950s]

this is interesting:

"Drivers are operated by functional side rods for smooth performance"

http://www.katousa.com/N/Daylight/index.html

Well thats a step backwards . Whats next , a 1 pole motor .

[NorsemanJack]

this is interesting:

"Drivers are operated by functional side rods for smooth performance"

http://www.katousa.com/N/Daylight/index.html

Well thats a step backwords . Whats next , a 1 pole motor .

My guess, and it's only a guess, is that this is an indirect way to add weight.  With internal plastic gears driving all four drivers, there is a lot of wasted volume.  By gearing one driver only and connecting it to the others via the side rods, the basic chassis can be almost a solid block of metal.  It certainly wasn't done to reduce manufacturing costs.

[up1950s]

this is interesting:

"Drivers are operated by functional side rods for smooth performance"

http://www.katousa.com/N/Daylight/index.html

Well thats a step backwards . Whats next , a 1 pole motor .

My guess, and it's only a guess, is that this is an indirect way to add weight.  With internal plastic gears driving all four drivers, there is a lot of wasted volume.  By gearing one driver only and connecting it to the others via the side rods, the basic chassis can be almost a solid block of metal.  It certainly wasn't done to reduce manufacturing costs.

But in doing what you think they used as logic , they then put the side rods under more pressure , and thus , subject it to an earlier demise than otherwise . They ripped its heart out to increase its lung capacity , or something like that .