Kato USA Announcements: August 2025

Kato have announced the addition of the F40PH "Metra" locomotives into their vast selection of USA HO Scale models along with several Superliner and Viewliner coaches.

EMD F40PH Locomotives

Bring the power and presence of Chicago’s iconic commuter rail system to your model railway with the HO Scale Metra F40PH diesel-electric locomotive. A true workhorse of American commuter rail, the F40PH has served Metra faithfully since the 1970s, earning a reputation for performance, durability, and unmistakable character.

Originally built by EMD (Electro-Motive Division), and later rebuilt by various contractors to meet modern standards, the F40PH locomotive is instantly recognisable by its rugged “bulldog” nose, rooftop air horn, and powerful stance. These engines are still in use today, hauling Metra’s daily trains across the greater Chicagoland area with dependable service.

This highly detailed model replicates the F40PH’s striking blue and grey livery, complete with bold Metra logos and prototypical detailing throughout. A must-have for modern North American layouts, this model captures the essence of commuter rail travel in one of the USA’s busiest urban regions.

Chicago Metra #142

Chicago Metra #149

Superliner & Viewliner Coaches

Experience the next evolution of American long-distance rail travel with these highly detailed HO Scale Amtrak Viewliner II passenger cars. Perfect for collectors and modellers alike, these finely crafted models represent the latest generation of single-level coaches used on Amtrak’s long-distance routes across the Eastern United States.

The real-life Amtrak Viewliner II cars, manufactured by CAF USA, were introduced to enhance passenger comfort and energy efficiency while maintaining a classic stainless-steel design reminiscent of the golden age of streamlined trains. This modern fleet includes sleeper cars, dining cars, baggage coaches, and crew dormitories, all recreated here with authentic detailing and prototypical accuracy.

Each model captures the distinctive features of the Viewliner II series, including improved LED lighting, updated interiors, accessible restrooms, and private en-suite sleeping compartments in the sleeper variants. These models are ideal for recreating modern Amtrak consists and bring a new level of realism to contemporary HO scale layouts.