Since the Kato model is designed to negotiate set track, i.e. prefabricated straight and curved sections, you shouldn’t have any trouble. However to be doubly sure, check with the manufacturer to find out the minimum radius it will run on as they will usually tell you this in the catalogue.
If this is their first set either one should be ok. You didn’t specify the scale but I’m guessing that it’s either N or Ho. I’ve had Atlas engines in both scales and there are fine machines. I’ve had Kato in N scale and they are good too. Micro Trains makes some nice rolling stock. I have quite a bit of it and I’m very impressed with it. I would recommend getting something that is DCC capable if you think this is going to become a hobby. This is a remote control system that most hobbiests switch too when they begin building a layout.
Another thing to consider is what is the intended recipients railroad interests. Do they have a favorite railroad, do they prefer diesel or steam, what sort of railroad influences do they have in their life. What are the local railroads in the area.
My personal tastes are The Southern Railroad in the early 50′s but I also collect other southeastern railroads equipment of the same era. Most family members would not attempt to buy me a train gift because of this. However my wife has nailed it a couple of times particularly with books on related subjects.
I hope I’m not turning you away from the idea because there’s nothing like a running train as a gift particullarly set up and running. If you want a few add ons throw in a copy of Modelrailroader and a gift certificate for a couple of extra freight cars. It’s a hobby that can last a lifetime.
Who is the better model train engine maker? Kato or Atlas? Is Micro-Train decent for rolling stock & track?
I am looking to purchase a starter “set” that is packaged with either an Atlas or Kato engine, and a matching caboose, 3 pieces of rolling stock and a track starter pack all by Micro-Trains. Is this something that someone who is interested in building a collection would consider a decent starting point or should I just get them a gift certificate?
where can I buy model train parts?
I’m looking for the roof antenna and air conditioner that Santa Fe’s locomotives had mounded on their roof in HO scale. Kato is already sold out. Are there other places I can buy this part? thanks.
What is the minimum curve that an N scale ‘Kato’ TGV model train can make?
I’m looking into buying a TGV model train that is N scale and I would like to know what the minimum curve it can make. I have the Scenic Ridge N scale layout and would like to know if it will de-rail or not when making the turns. Thanks!
Which is the best n scale train set to start a layout with ?
My son is 15 and always wanted a train layout, my oldest son came for Christmas a built him a 3′x7′ table and we tried the Empire Builder Set by Bachmann, but disappointingly the train keeps derailing off the track.
We looked at some Kato Train Set, but would like some input from someone who knows about these model train sets.
how to fix my kato gs4?
the tender fell off of my kato gs4 model train. Its the southern pacific morning daylight. I droped it and it fell apart and now i have to figure out how to get the tender to reattach to the locomotive.
March 3rd, 2011 
dwalton 
Posted in 
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Since the Kato model is designed to negotiate set track, i.e. prefabricated straight and curved sections, you shouldn’t have any trouble. However to be doubly sure, check with the manufacturer to find out the minimum radius it will run on as they will usually tell you this in the catalogue.
If this is their first set either one should be ok. You didn’t specify the scale but I’m guessing that it’s either N or Ho. I’ve had Atlas engines in both scales and there are fine machines. I’ve had Kato in N scale and they are good too. Micro Trains makes some nice rolling stock. I have quite a bit of it and I’m very impressed with it. I would recommend getting something that is DCC capable if you think this is going to become a hobby. This is a remote control system that most hobbiests switch too when they begin building a layout.
Another thing to consider is what is the intended recipients railroad interests. Do they have a favorite railroad, do they prefer diesel or steam, what sort of railroad influences do they have in their life. What are the local railroads in the area.
My personal tastes are The Southern Railroad in the early 50′s but I also collect other southeastern railroads equipment of the same era. Most family members would not attempt to buy me a train gift because of this. However my wife has nailed it a couple of times particularly with books on related subjects.
I hope I’m not turning you away from the idea because there’s nothing like a running train as a gift particullarly set up and running. If you want a few add ons throw in a copy of Modelrailroader and a gift certificate for a couple of extra freight cars. It’s a hobby that can last a lifetime.
Good luck and hope this helps.
Read down through this description – you may find what you need to repair your engine. If not – you may be able to ask these folks http://www.trainboard.com/grapevine/showthread.php?t=96619
ஜஇஜ I hope this helps ஜஇஜ Happy New Year 2011 ஜஇஜ Please vote! ஜஇஜ
http://www.detailswest.com
http://www.walthers.com/exec/page/manuinfo/v229 for Detail Associates
Both of the link above you can find your parts
Who is the better model train engine maker? Kato or Atlas? Is Micro-Train decent for rolling stock & track?
I am looking to purchase a starter “set” that is packaged with either an Atlas or Kato engine, and a matching caboose, 3 pieces of rolling stock and a track starter pack all by Micro-Trains. Is this something that someone who is interested in building a collection would consider a decent starting point or should I just get them a gift certificate?
where can I buy model train parts?
I’m looking for the roof antenna and air conditioner that Santa Fe’s locomotives had mounded on their roof in HO scale. Kato is already sold out. Are there other places I can buy this part? thanks.
What is the minimum curve that an N scale ‘Kato’ TGV model train can make?
I’m looking into buying a TGV model train that is N scale and I would like to know what the minimum curve it can make. I have the Scenic Ridge N scale layout and would like to know if it will de-rail or not when making the turns. Thanks!
Which is the best n scale train set to start a layout with ?
My son is 15 and always wanted a train layout, my oldest son came for Christmas a built him a 3′x7′ table and we tried the Empire Builder Set by Bachmann, but disappointingly the train keeps derailing off the track.
We looked at some Kato Train Set, but would like some input from someone who knows about these model train sets.
how to fix my kato gs4?
the tender fell off of my kato gs4 model train. Its the southern pacific morning daylight. I droped it and it fell apart and now i have to figure out how to get the tender to reattach to the locomotive.