Re: [CBQ] Silver Streak Zephyr

[Brian Ehni <behni@comcast.net>]

So, based on the HO scale product mix Kato produced and sold, they've decided that HO doesn't sell. There's a self-fulfilling issue for you.

I believe Kato has been ill-served by some of their own choices. For example, why no pre-72 ATSF SD45s? 

Thanks!
-- 

Brian P. Ehni

From: Charlie Vlk <cvlk@comcast.net>
Reply-To: <CBQ@yahoogroups.com>
Date: Tuesday, August 7, 2012 9:03 AM
To: <CBQ@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: RE: [CBQ] Silver Streak Zephyr

 

Brian-

Having worked for Kato and seen the situation from all sides during my Model Railroad career (manufacturer, wholesale distributor, retail shop, and consumer) I can tell you it isn’t a lack of caring that drives their product mix.

Kato’s HO sales in North America have been a small fraction of what they sell in N for the last twenty years…..especially after the “Kaizaned” RS2 and SD40-2 mechanism redesign  disasters.   I would say that even Model Power outsells Kato, at least at the shops I am familiar with.   The market response to the HO SD80MAC, Business Car, Bilevel Commuter Coaches, F40PH, and SD40/SD38 has not encouraged them to step up their HO production.   N Scalers have voted with their money and won the race.

Charlie Vlk

 

Kato apparently no longer cares about HO, judging by their recent releases.

 

Brian P. Ehni

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