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Kato USA, Inc.

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Official page for Kato USA, Inc. Precision Railroad Models. KATO U.S.A. was established in 1986, with the first U.S.

locomotive model (the GP38-2, in N-Scale) released in 1987. Since that time, KATO has come to be known as one of the leading manufacturers of precision railroad products for the modeling community. KATO's parent company, Sekisui Kinzoku Co., Ltd., is headquartered in Tokyo, Japan.

10/06/2026

Greenbrier Tank Car 8 Car Set is Almost Gone!

This tank car has been nicknamed “the tank car of the future” and is designed to comply with DOT117 standards. Approximately ⅓ of tank cars in North America transport flammables such as crude oil and ethanol, and for the longest time DOT111 was the standard regulation for such tank cars. Unfortunately, these older cars had minimal protection for fittings and valves, this resulted in a higher failure rate during accidents. As a result, the DOT117 was introduced and came with an increased steel frame, thermal protection, and additional safety adjustments.

KATO USA has replicated this model in N-Scale based on the Greenbrier paint scheme. The model features brand new tooling and a robust construction that features all the essential details and piping throughout. The model is lightly weighted so you can easily create a long freight train without any worries of derailment or jumping the track. We will be selling these models in 8 packs for a MSRP of $160 dollars. This is a quick and easier way to build up your rolling stock collection instead of buying individual pieces!

NOW IN STOCK! 👇

Check KATO’s website or your local dealer.
106-4801 - N Greenbrier Tank Car 8 Car Set, GBRX Set A - MSRP $160.00
106-4802 - N Greenbrier Tank Car 8 Car Set, GBRX Set B - MSRP $160.00

https://katousa.com/

09/21/2026

The Greenbrier Tank Car 8-Car Set is NOW IN STOCK, but NOT FOR LONG! 🔥👀

GBRX Tank Cars are out at your favorite retailer and quantity is LIMITED! We will be rerunning this model in March 2027 with new roadnames from CBTX and GATX!

This tank car has been nicknamed “the tank car of the future” and is designed to comply with DOT117 standards. The DOT117 was introduced and came with an increased steel frame, thermal protection, and additional safety adjustments. 🦺

KATO USA has replicated this model in N-Scale based on the Greenbrier paint scheme. The model features brand new tooling and a robust construction that features all the essential details and piping throughout.

This is a quick and easier way to build up your rolling stock collection instead of buying individual pieces!

ALMOST OUT OF STOCK! 👇
Check your local dealer!

106-4801 - N Greenbrier Tank Car 8 Car Set, GBRX Set A - MSRP $160.00
106-4802 - N Greenbrier Tank Car 8 Car Set, GBRX Set B - MSRP $160.00

COMING SOON - RELEASING MARCH 2027:

106-4803 - N Greenbrier Tank Car 8 Car Set, CBTX Set A - MSRP $160.00
106-4804 - N Greenbrier Tank Car 8 Car Set, CBTX Set B - MSRP $160.00
106-4805 - N Greenbrier Tank Car 8 Car Set, GATX Set A - MSRP $160.00
106-4806 - N Greenbrier Tank Car 8 Car Set, GATX Set B - MSRP $160.00

Pre-Order Today! 🚂

09/17/2026

THE CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR IS BACK IN N-SCALE! ⭐😝

The California Zephyr is one of the most famous passenger trains of the 20th Century. This legendary service began on March 19th, 1949, heading eastbound to Chicago. It came to be known as the “best way to travel” between Chicago and San Francisco. The 2,532-mile run was also regarded as one of the most scenic routes across the United States. 🇺🇲

Model Features:

🌟 Buildable 11-car set with the 4-Unit Starter Series Set and the 8-Car Add-on
🌟 Each car is individually molded to be prototypically true to the original cars
🌟 KATO magnetic knuckle couplers
🌟 Compatible with KATO interior lights

The California Zephyr Collection features three distinct locomotives to pull the train!

Pre-orders are now open! Check with your dealer. Arriving February 2027.

106-058 - N CB&Q E8A, California Zephyr 4 Unit Starter Series Set - MSRP $190.00*
106-059 - N CB&Q California Zephyr 8 Car Add-on Set - MSRP $250.00*

176-5102 - N E8A CB&Q No. 9942B - MSRP $120.00*
106-0506 - N PA-1, PB-1 2 Locomotive Set D&RGW No. 6001 - MSRP $200.00*
176-4123 - N PA-1 D&RGW No. 6003 -MSRP $110.00*
106-0307 - F3A, F3B 2 Locomotive Set WP No. 801/801B $190.00*
176-1209* - N F3B WP - MSRP $99.00*

*Locomotives available with DCC or DCC/SOUND
*Passenger sets are also available with pre-installed lighting.

Ask your dealer for more information!
Watch the full video on YouTube 🎥

modelrailroad

08/27/2026

NEW FOR 2026! ⭐️ NOW AVAILABLE ON OUR WEBSITE!

This is a LIMITED EDITION Amtrak Amfleet Heritage Bookcase Set!
These passenger cars are selling quickly so don’t wait!

For many decades, Amtrak has received many cosmetic changes. As part of our celebration of 40 Years of KATO USA, we’d like to introduce you to this special book case set of Amfleet I cars. 🚃

During Amtrak’s early years, the company used old fashioned equipment passed down from other railroads. This would change with the introduction of the Amfleet I on the Northeast Corridor in 1975. These cars were designed for short-distance service and were followed up with the introduction of Amfleet II cars in 1981, which were used for long-distance service. These would mark the last intercity passenger cars produced by Budd. Let’s pour one out for them. 😓

Each car represents a different Amtrak Phase! Here’s the full list:

Phase I No. 21134
Phase II No. 21020 (New Amfleet I!)
Phase III No. 21725
Phase IV No. 21254 (New Amfleet I!)
Phase V Acela No. 82511 (New Amfleet I!)
Phase VI No. 82707
Phase VII No. 82766 (New Amfleet I!)

(All of these cars are brand new road numbers)

106-105 - Amtrak Amfleet I Coach 7 Car Set All Phases (Limited Edition) - MSRP $250*
*Also available with interior lighting pre-installed, contact your dealer for more details!

To order, contact your favorite dealer or visit our website! Link in bio!

08/26/2026

Holy smokes Batman! You’re telling me they painted an Amfleet in Phase III? 👀

Yes, yes they did. Several in fact. Thousands even. 🚆

During Amtrak’s early years, the company used old fashioned equipment passed down from other railroads. As you know, all of these bankrupt railroads took great care of their equipment, but regardless Amtrak decided to move forward with the Amfleet I on the Northeast Corridor in 1975. These cars were designed for short-distance service and were followed up with the introduction of Amfleet II cars in 1981, which were used for long-distance service. These would mark the last intercity passenger cars produced by Budd. Let’s pour one out for them. 🫗

These passenger cars can be paired up with our Phase III F40PH locomotive. The Amfleet I cars from KATO have never been produced with the Phase III scheme, so we hope you enjoy building your Amtrak collection!

106-8020 - (N) Amfleet I 4-Car Bookcase Set (Phase III) - MSRP $140.00*
106-6293 - (N) Amfleet II Coach 2-Car Set (Phase III) - MSRP $75.00*
106-6294 - (N) Amfleet II Cafe & Baggage 2-Car Set (Phase III) - MSRP $75.00*

⭐️Now Shipping! Check your local store or shop at KATO USA’s website! Check link in BIO! ⭐️
*Also available with pre-installed lights - contact your dealer for more information

08/25/2026

Hello everybody,

It has come to our attention that our KOBO Custom run of Frisco NW2s had a paint defect where the white stripe appeared as a pink color. The affected SKUs are:

176-4392
176-4392-S

To amend this, we are sending our replacement shells for all customers who have bought this locomotive.

If you have this locomotive and would like a replacement shell, please send us a picture of the model (proof of purchase) and we can send a replacement shell.

Please send an email to [email protected]

Make sure to include the shipping address. If you do not wish to install the shell on your own, we can replace the shell with a returned locomotive. We will not cover return shipping to Kato USA, but any shipments from Kato USA to a customer will be paid by Kato USA.

Thank you for your understanding!

KATO USA

08/07/2026

THE CALIFORNIA ZEPHYR IS BACK IN N-SCALE! ⭐
KATO USA is happy to announce that this classic passenger train will return in 2027!

The California Zephyr is one of the most famous passenger trains of the 20th Century. This legendary service began on March 19th, 1949, heading eastbound to Chicago. It came to be known as the “best way to travel” between Chicago and San Francisco. The 2,532-mile run was also regarded as one of the most scenic routes across the United States. 🇺🇲

This train would run through the beautiful landscapes of the Rocky Mountains and Feather River during daylight hours. The scenic views would be the selling point of the journey, as the train ride would take longer than the City of San Francisco. The California Zephyr was operated as a shared effort among the CB&Q, D&RGW, and Western Pacific railroads and, as such, was made up of a mix of cars provided by the three roads and was pulled by different sets of locomotives through the three main legs of its journey. ⛰️

Model Features:

🌟 Buildable 11-car set with the 4-Unit Starter Series Set and the 8-Car Add-on
🌟 Each car is individually molded to be prototypically true to the original cars
🌟 KATO magnetic knuckle couplers
🌟 Compatible with KATO interior lights

The California Zephyr Collection features three distinct locomotives to pull the train!

Pre-orders are now open! Check with your dealer. Arriving February 2027.

106-058 - N CB&Q E8A, California Zephyr 4 Unit Starter Series Set - MSRP $190.00*
106-059 - N CB&Q California Zephyr 8 Car Add-on Set - MSRP $250.00*

176-5102 - N E8A CB&Q No. 9942B - MSRP $120.00*
106-0506 - N PA-1, PB-1 2 Locomotive Set D&RGW No. 6001 - MSRP $200.00*
176-4123 - N PA-1 D&RGW No. 6003 -MSRP $110.00*
106-0307 - F3A, F3B 2 Locomotive Set WP No. 801/801B $190.00*
176-1209* - N F3B WP - MSRP $99.00*

*Locomotives available with DCC or DCC/SOUND
*Passenger sets are also available with pre-installed lighting.

Ask your dealer for more information!

08/04/2026

⭐ NEW FOR 2026! ⭐
The GG1 RETURNS in N-Scale with Conrail and Amtrak paint schemes!

This engine was built for the Pennsylvania Railroad, and it featured a unique Art Deco streamlined look. After Penn Central fell apart, Conrail took over 68 GG1 locomotives in 1970. In 1971, Amtrak purchased 30 GG1s for passenger use. With a continuous output of 4,620 horsepower and a top speed of 100 mph, the GG1 enjoyed a nearly 50-year operating career.

Although electric-rail dominance never materialized in the United States, the GG1 endures as an icon of engineering and progress after its retirement in 1983. The Conrail Bicentennial GG1 features a unique paint scheme used to celebrate America’s 1976 Bicentennial. The Amtrak GG1 represents a Phase I look that operated alongside mixed trains.

You can operate both locomotives alongside our Amtrak Rainbow Era 8-Car Set! (106-1971) MSRP $280.

137-2015 - N GG1 Conrail Bicentennial Rd. 4800 - MSRP $160*
137-2025 - N GG1 Amtrak Phase I Rd. 906 - MSRP $155*
137-2026 - N GG1 Amtrak Phase I Rd. 926 - MSRP $155*
*Also available in DCC! Contact your favorite dealer!

07/22/2026

See KATO USA at San Diego Comic Con! 🦸‍♂️
Booth Number: 933 ⭐️

We are selling a ton of locomotives and rolling stock at a SPECIAL show price! Check it out or tell a friend! ☎️

07/17/2026

EXCITING ANNOUNCEMENTS FROM KATO USA! ⭐
Introducing our BRAND-NEW TOOLING the Jet Powered Budd RDC! 🚀

This is the M-497 Black Beetle, also known as the Jet-Powered RDC! This was an experimental jet powered railcar which was built for the New York Central in 1966. The Jet RDC was constructed in about 30 days with a miniscule budget of 35,000, a couple of jet engines, and adjustments to the Budd Rail Car. The Black Beetle was tested on straight tracks in the Midwest, and on July 23rd 1966, it reached a speed of 183 mph.

🚀 166-1966 - N Jet Powered RDC NYC M-497 - MSRP $130.00

Release Date: January 2027 / DCC, Sound, and Lighting Versions in March 2027

We will be producing some unique ES44 Canadian National paint schemes to celebrate America’s 250th Anniversary! The Evolution Series by GE was built to meet new emissions standards in 2005, and since then they’ve become a common sight on American and Canadian railroads.

🦅 176-1776 - N ES44AC CN Rd. 1776 Screaming Eagle - MSRP $160.00
✈️ 176-2026 - N ES44AC CN Rd. 2026 Air Force One - MSRP $160

Release Date: January 2027 / DCC, Sound, and Lighting Versions in March 2027

Address

100 Re*****on Road
Schaumburg, IL
60173

Opening Hours

Monday	8am - 5pm
Tuesday	8am - 5pm
Wednesday	8am - 5pm
Thursday	8am - 5pm
Friday	8am - 5pm

Telephone

+18477819500

Website

http://www.katousa.com/

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