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MP36PH and Gallery Bi-Level Commuter cars and train sets |
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Bringing Commuter trains home to N scale
Kato is proud to announce a new entry into its "Starter Series" line of train sets with the introduction of Motive Power International MP36PH locomotives and Nippon Sharyo Gallery Bi-Level Cars, available in individual and packaged releases.
MPI MP36PH
The Motive Power International MP36PH is used by a number of cities across the country for commuter service, their often distinctive and colorful paint schemes serving to make these locomotives the “figureheads” for local commuter service.
Gallery Bi-Level Coaches and Cab Coaches
The modern Nippon Sharyo-built Gallery Bi-Level is based off of the same concept as the original Santa Fe “El Capitan” Bi-level design concept, whose success went on to inspire such double decker cars as Amtrak’s Superliners and the Bombardier Bi-Level car which is also used in commuter service. Today, gallery Bi-Level cars such as those used by the Chicago Metra commuter service can be seen operating in several states across the United States, such as Virginia and California.
Model Features:
- The MP36PH locomotive uses a sophisticated lightpiping and LED system to give it directional headlight and taillight functions across all six of its nose lights, as well as illuminated pre-printed numberboards for push/pull operation.
- Locomotive's heavy duty five-pole motor and mechanism designed to pull a 10 car bi-level consist up a 4% grade without the need for a traction tire.
- All cars and locomotives are DCC friendly, with FR11 decoders available for optional 11-209/210 Interior Lighting Kits with LED.
- Bi-Level cab coaches feature directional lighting for push-pull operation, with alternate illuminating headlight and taillights with an on/off switch for mid-train operation. An optional FL12 decoder can be installed in the place of the slider switch to provide DCC control over the directional lighting.
- Smooth rolling blackened metal wheels on all Bi-level cars with all-wheel electrical pickup.
Videos:
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Detail Photos; click for higher resolution images
 Chicago Metra MP36PH |
 Chicago Metra Cab Coach. |
 Chicago Metra Coach. |
 Front views of both the Metra Locomotive and Cab-Coach |
 First look at the newly tooled VRE MP36 |
 First look at the newly tooled VRE Bi-Level Cab Coach |
 First look at the newly tooled VRE Bi-Level Coach |
 Introduced in 2010, the MP36PH is the newest addition to VRE's commuter equipment. |
 Comparison shot with the Metra, showing the differences in rear roof details. |
 Comparison shot with the Metra, showing the removed airhorn and new nose. |
 Cab Coach comparison with the Metra, showing the VRE's printed numberboards. |
 Coach comparison with the Metra, showing the unique signboard arrangements. |
Available Releases
| Description | MSRP | |
| N MP36PH Chicago METRA Gallery Bi-Level Commuter Train "Starter Series" 4-Car Set* Includes: 1 x MP36PH Locomotive Chicago Metra #427 1 x Gallery Bi-Level Coach Chicago Metra #6070 1 x Gallery Bi-Level Coach Chicago Metra #6153 1 x Gallery Bi-Level Cab-Coach Chicago Metra #8507 |
$185 | |
| N MP36PH Chicago Metra #416* | $120 | |
| N Gallery Bi-Level Coach Chicago Metra #6185* | $30 | |
Shipping April 2012 |
N Gallery Bi-Level Coach Chicago Metra #6077* | $30 |
Shipping April 2012 |
N Gallery Bi-Level Cab-Coach Chicago Metra #8548* | $35 |
Shipping February 2012 |
N MP36PH Virginia Railway Express Gallery Bi-Level Commuter Train "Starter Series" 4-Car Set** Includes: 1 x MP36PH Locomotive Virginia Railway Express #V53 1 x Gallery Bi-Level Coach Virginia Railway Express #V808 1 x Gallery Bi-Level Coach Virginia Railway Express #V819 1 x Gallery Bi-Level Cab-Coach Virginia Railway Express #V712 |
$180-$190 |
Shipping February 2012 |
N MP36PH Virginia Railway Express #V51** | $120-$130 |
Shipping February 2012 |
N Gallery Bi-Level Coach Virginia Railway Express #V812** | $30 |
Shipping April 2012 |
N Gallery Bi-Level Coach Virginia Railway Express #V818** | $30 |
Shipping April 2012 |
N Gallery Bi-Level Cab-Coach Virginia Railway Express #V716** | $35 |
| *Chicago RTA Licensed Products. **VRE Licensed Products Prices for pre-order items are estimated and may change upon release. |
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