So I picked up a set of the Kato MAXI I BNSF cars at my LHS. I was really looking forward to the first RTR version of this car in Nscale. So many on the road, if you are modeling modern day, its hard not to want/notice them.
The packaging is typical foam tray with standard size green Kato box. The cars have about the same amount of detail as their previous runs of the MAXI IV 3 car sets. (which is to say its very good, but not as good as the Deluxe Innovations version. The kato cars do not have the etched walkways.
couple of issue were found right away.
1. The off color on the plastic parts compared to the metal bodies. It’s not as bad in person as in the photos, but still could be better. A little weathering will fix that. (See pic below, which exaggerates it a bit I think)
2. One of the articulated arms to connect the well car to the truck was the wrong one put on. There is an A and a B version. A little slip in quality control I guess. I was lucky as the one they put on just needed to be trimmed down slightly to fit correctly.
3. Putting the cars together with the new connectors was a huge pain in the A$$
. It took me 3 solid attempts to get them together correctly. Not only is there an A and B end on the wells which needs to mate into the correct side of the truck, there is also a Left and right side. (one side of the car has the brake piping) Its more like a puzzle that must be put together carefully. This makes setting up the cars somewhat time consuming. I would not want to have to throw together 5-9 sets of these at some Ntrak layout. (that would require a few too many beers) (Side note, the break pipping swtiches sides on cars 4&5)
4. The containers are missing the painted door lock rails (I really like that on other Kato containers, as it really adds detail)
What I like.
1. The painting and decals looks solid
2. Metal wheels and cushioned trucks.
3. Magnetic containers. Makes setting them up in any combo a snap.
4. Metal bodies seem heavy enough to ride empty without issues.
5. They ride prototypically low.
All in all, I like it, biggest drawback was putting them together (makes for a good case to have staging) The cost seems high, but breaking it down its about 20-25 per car (street price) and that includes 2 containers (which price out about 11 on their own, so it’s really only about 9-14 for the car. I have yet to run them in a decent size stack train the jury is still out on how they handle.
Would love to get my hands on a etched metal kit for the walkways etc..
some quick pics
