Built in the 1990's, these locomotive form the backbone of long haul Amtrak passenger service. Developed by GE, over three hundred of these locomotives were built with units also operated by Via Rail and Metro-North. Powered by GE FDL16 prime movers, these locomotives were designed for low overall height and are the only locomotives in the Amtrak roster that can operate across the entire system. They also feature a monocoque body design for lower weight and better aerodynamic performance. Since their introduction, various upgrades and improvements have been made to the locomotive to reduce operating and maintenance costs. One of the most noticeable of these is the replacement of the original noses with fibreglass versions.

Pulling Test Video:

Kato has just released a test video demonstrating the pulling power of their new drive train. You won't believe what it can do!

CAD Renderings:

Below are some CAD renderings from Kato illustrating some of the features of this new model:

Shown in this image above is one of the spotting features of Amtrak's latest revisions to the P42; a fiberglass bolt-on nose panel. Redesigned to make it easier to replace in the unfortunate event that the nose is damaged due to grade crossing incidents, the "bolted nose" look comes along with a redesigned headlight bezel which is rounded to match the smooth lines of the locomotive's front.

Shown in this image above is a view from the right hand rear of the unit. Notice the high level of detail shown in the rendering. 

Note in the image above the see through grills on the side of the locomotive.

From finely molded fan blade details to the way the exhaust stack on newer P42's is offset instead of centered, an extraordinary amount of care has gone in to replicating the various bolts and panels of the locomotive down to the last detail. The new GE P42 "Genesis" has been designed with input from Amtrak engineers to ensure that it carries on the tradition of Kato quality in not only running performance but in looks as well.

Kato is producing the current version of this locomotive, complete with the features modelers have been demanding for years. This will also be the first Kato USA HO Scale locomotive featuring their new more powerful, higher pulling power and smaller drive trains. Check out this video for more details:

Features:

• Experience a revolutionary new HO drive system: with dual truck motors powering a heavy metal drive with built in double speaker housings, the new HO GE P42 will be one of the heaviest, most powerful and smoothest running HO locomotives ever made by Kato USA, capable of operating on 370mm (14 3/5”) radius curves!
• Directional lighting on both front and rear: The P42 has double the normal number of lighting options from previous HO offerings, with directional head AND tail lights on both front and rear, with a toggle that will allow you to deactivate one or both lighting pairs when operating multiple P42’s in a single train!
• 100% ready to run: no customer applied detail parts needed
• Modern styling: This release will represent the most current appearance of the P42, with modified nose and the most current paint scheme
• Available in three road numbers with Standard DC and Loksound DCC & Tsunami DCC versions available for each
• These will go great with the new Kato HO Scale Superliner I Phase IVb cars

Check Out The Kato HO Scale Superliner I Phase IVb Cars

Limited Quantities Available For Reservation - Act Now Or Miss This Train!

Expected Release Dates:

DCC Ready Versions: August 2013

DCC w/Sound Versions: September 2013

JMP