NEW Kato FEF announcement?

[arbomambo]

I saw this on another forum...
can anyone verify this?

"Kato goes #838!

 Kato Japan announced the production of N scale FEF-3 #838 in spartan scheme (mat finish without frills).
 Webpage is here (sorry, Japanese only).

http://www.katomodels.com/n/fef/
"

if this is true, I'm in for one...I've been waiting for a 1957-era version!
Bruce

[nightmare0331]

From Kato's announcement earlier this morning:  (sorry...formatting is a little screwy)

"N Scale Union Pacific FEF-3 #838 “Freight Version” and Re-Run of FEF-3 #844 “Excursion Version” in DCC+DCC/Sound Variations
New Release + Re-issues coming September/October 2016
 

One of Kato’s most popular locomotives gets a new coat of paint! The FEF-3 4-8-4 Steam locomotive will be returning this coming Christmas season in both its original “Excursion” black look (as a re-run of #844) and a brand new “Freight” black scheme (#838, available for the first time!). These two locomotives will have all of the same features and silky-smooth operation as the previous runs, including Kato’s revolutionary coreless motor drive, (hidden) articulated tender wheels, and operating side-rods.

These Kato N scale FEF-3s will be available in Analog as well as DCC equipped variations, including ESU Loksound DCC, specially installed by Kato USA! For those modelers looking for sound but operating analog layouts, modelers can enjoy the heavy Steam Sound Card for the Kato Sound Box (#22-101-1, MSRP $279.99), featuring sounds that are a prototype fit for both FEF and GS-4 locomotives, allowing this card to do double-duty!

The freight version of the FEF-3 will have a darker smokebox, a matte finish, and lack the white “rims” of the Excursion version.

DCC and DCC+Sound versions of these locomotives are built-to-order as a special service from Kato USA contact your hobby store for details!

Item #   Description   MSRP
126-0401
*Re-Stock*   N 4-8-4 FEF-3 Union Pacific #844 – Black Excursion version   $275*
126-0401-1
*Re-Stock*    N 4-8-4 FEF-3 Union Pacific #844 – Black Excursion version w/ TCS DCC Installed   $310*
126-0401-LS *Re-Stock*    N 4-8-4 FEF-3 Union Pacific #844 – Black Excursion version w/ ESU Loksound Sound + DCC Installed   $425*
126-0402
*NEW*   N 4-8-4 FEF-3 Union Pacific #838 – Black Freight version   $275*
126-0402-1
*NEW*    N 4-8-4 FEF-3 Union Pacific #838 – Black Freight version w/ TCS DCC Installed   $310*
126-0402-LS *NEW*    N 4-8-4 FEF-3 Union Pacific #838 – Black Freight version w/ ESU Loksound Sound + DCC Installed   $425*
22-202-1
*NEW*   Soundbox Sound Card – FEF-3/GS-4 Combination Card   $29.99*"

Enjoy!

Kelley.
www.dufordmodelworks.com

[arbomambo]

excellent!...thank you!
 

[Xmtrman]

We need a version of 838 without boiler lagging or tender with the smoke box door open to park next to 844 in my roundhouse.

[wcfn100]

They are also restocking the 8444 SD70Ace.

Jason

[peteski]

So, this will be a 3rd run of this model? Good to see it do so well - it is a very well engineered model which introduced some innovative designs.

But it appears that all the different versions so far are strictly decorative (paint schemes). I wonder, if those sell well, whether Kato will tool up some new shells to produce some older variants of this locomotive?

[up1950s]

Wonder if 838 will look like that proto shot with a 3 hole stack . I am in either way .

[arbomambo]

Wonder if 838 will look like that proto shot with a 3 hole stack . I am in either way .

yes, a 50's era version is the one I was really hoping for from the outset; I purchased the original release w/executive train for kicks...now it sees lots of mileage on the T-Trak setups at shows. This new 'old' version will see use as helper service to "City of" Streamliners....
Bruce

[carlso]

How long will they hype the excursion version, I suppose as long as they sell. However my question is when will they do a greyhound paint scheme?

Carl

[up1950s]

Funny , it looks as long as a 3 hole but it is not listed as such in the Utah Rails site http://utahrails.net/up-steam-roster/steam-roster-notes.php as one of the 3 holers ....Hmmmmm


EDIT ........... and now I see why . they are showing 837 under the listing for 838 . Shame in Kato , I hope their specs for manufacture are for 838 though I would love a 837 or some other 3 holer .

[arbomambo]

Funny , it looks as long as a 3 hole but it is not listed as such in the Utah Rails site http://utahrails.net/up-steam-roster/steam-roster-notes.php as one of the 3 holers ....Hmmmmm


EDIT ........... and now I see why . they are showing 837 under the listing for 838 . Shame in Kato , I hope their specs for manufacture are for 838 though I would love a 837 or some other 3 holer .

probably not...
they're showing another pic, in the description boxes at the bottom of the page, of 834...a standard two hole stack like 844...

[oakcreekco]

I don't need it, but I may just get one. The FEF is one of the best running locos available in N scale IMO.

Mine just runs like a gem, and I've put a lot of hours on it.

[peteski]

I don't need it, but I may just get one. The FEF is one of the best running locos available in N scale IMO.

Mine just runs like a gem, and I've put a lot of hours on it.

It looks great too, and it is easy to disassemble (always a big plus for me).  A wonderful piece of engineering and Japanese know-how.

[Mike C]

I wonder what the street price of the sound version will be ?

[peteski]

I wonder what the street price of the sound version will be ?

Probably similar to This one.