Kato Announces NYC Jet-Powered RDC
At N Scale Limited, we don’t typically do new product announcements. There is simply too many new products and too many product varieties from different manufactures to do this on a regular basis.
However, whenever we come across a new product that is somewhat different or unique in someway, we’ll try to share the information with you.
Kato USA, popular for their quality locomotives and named trains such as the Pennsylvania Railroad Broadway Limited and the recently announced Santa Fe El Capitan, has announced a new N scale product.
What makes this announcement unique is that it’s based on the New York Central’s modified rail diesel car (RDC-3) that featured twin jet engines mounted on the roof. It includes DCC, lighting effects and sound.
This jet-powered NYC RDC was built in 1966 and broke land speed rail records at speeds over 183 miles per hour. Like the prototype, the N scale version includes the famous black shroud on the face of the car and has realistic lighting for the jet engine booster ignition. The sound of the jet engines firing is particularly impressive.
The Kato USA site includes several photos as well as a video of the car in action.
The RDC is being built to order and is available for pre-order through Kato’s Recommended Unitrack Dealers or directly from the Kato USA Web site for $295. Initial shipments should delivery in September, 2009.
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Frank,
Good morning, received my RDC Jet yesterday. Detailing terrible…stripes bleed out, not crisp and sharp. Fingerprints in the paint on the nose, joint at nose visible…Kato couldn’t even line up the the NYC herald on the nose correctly…tilted and off center. So much for KOBO. I would have liked for Kato to correct the problems but the person I spoke with didn’t seem too interested just said would send a return shipping label and refund my money.
I was surprised with this from Kato inasmuch as this is supposed to be their top of the line. Been doing Kato for years…..first and last time this disappointed.
John outta ABQ
John, I’m so sorry to hear that you had that experience with the RDC. That’s honestly the first time I’ve heard a negative reaction to a Kato product. But I’m glad you’ve shared it with readers here. That’s exactly the type of feedback we hope to generate through this site.