Will there be more KATO/Peco 009 locomotives in 2025?

[Dillon]

I know this sounds like a stupid question since I already technically answered it with the KATO/Peco 009 Oscar post I made months back. Still, since it's the end of the year in a few weeks, I was wondering if we will get more KATO/Peco 009 locomotives in 2025. Since Bachmann has already beaten the race with their Quarry Hunslets, Double Farlies, and the recent Talyllyn 009 models, I could see KATO/Peco could do models of Russel of the Welsh Highland Railway, or the Earl and the Countess from the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway or for non-steam locomotives, Vale of Ffestiniog or a couple of Simplex locomotives, I don't know, spewing some ideas.

[katoftw]

No more info.  It's a guessing game without any more info.

[Beaver]

You can buy a Russell from Fourdees already in both RTR and kit form and in both full height and cut-down versions, so I doubt anyone else will make one.

[Dillon]

3 hours ago, Beaver said:

You can buy a Russell from Fourdees already in both RTR and kit form and in both full height and cut-down versions, so I doubt anyone else will make one.

I don't know. I'm still new to the kit world. I just finished one kit-built engine, and it was an easy one.

[Kamome]

Think Kato/Peco had some big ideas initially then came up against stiff competition. Unclear to know how well the 009 offerings sold in comparison to Kato’s other products. There still seems to be some product around.

 

I’m not convinced the models hold up next to some of the other offerings in terms of detail, despite the mechanisms being solid. UK prices were similar to the competitors which I think was a mistake considering the cost of them in Japan and the added detail and DCC options available on the competitors models.  

 

Kato produce some great stuff and they have a good balance between value and detail. Their HO offerings lack a lot what you get with other manufacturers models but are forgivable due to their price point. (Half the price of a Tomix loco in some examples) Think they should have kept this mentality when positioning their 009 product to British modellers. 

 

I think we’ll eventually get some models of the stock on their Sekisui line but the obvious would be to branch out into Japanese Narrow gauge as they already appeal to the domestic market. Doubtful if we get any further Ffestiniog locos unless it can use the existing chassis. 

[Beaver]

If I were to suggest a loco to Kato-san it would be an Orenstein & Koppel well tank,  4 or 6 coupled or both types.

 

It's the stereotypical keiben steam loco, found all over Japan, and in a broader context, used all over the world in all kinds of applications. Even found in the USA!

 

Would sell everywhere people model narrow gauge railways.