Kato Trains

Kato N Scale is one of the biggest parts of the Kato lineup, with North American and Japanese trains, locomotives, rolling stock, Unitrack, structures, controls, and layout accessories.

The broader Kato N Scale collection also covers equipment without a dedicated category, including electric locomotives, Japanese trains, Shinkansen, commuter equipment, structures, controls, and other Kato N accessories.

Kato model trains cover a wide range of railroading, from diesel, steam, and electric locomotives to passenger cars, freight rolling stock, starter sets, Japanese trains, Unitrack, accessories, controls, and replacement parts. Trainz inventory can include current Kato releases alongside used, discontinued, collectible, and hard-to-find models.

That breadth makes this the natural starting point for broad Kato train, locomotive, engine, rolling stock, Unitrack, accessory, and model railroad searches before narrowing by scale or product type.

Kato also produces HO Scale model trains and rolling stock, including passenger locomotives and cars such as Amtrak P42, F40PH, Superliner, Viewliner, and other HO equipment depending on the release.

Kato HO Unitrack brings the brand's molded-roadbed sectional track system to HO Scale with straights, curves, turnouts, track sets, and accessories built specifically for the larger scale.

Explore the dedicated Kato HO Unitrack collection for HO Scale track and layout pieces.

Kato locomotives span diesel, steam, and electric power across very different eras and railroads. The brand has modeled classic F-units and E-units, modern EMD and GE freight locomotives, Amtrak passenger power, electric locomotives, famous American steam engines, and Japanese railway equipment.

Passenger and freight rolling stock add everything from coaches, sleepers, and Amtrak cars to hoppers, tank cars, autoracks, well cars, and other freight equipment. Kato also uses multi-car sets extensively, giving modelers an easier way to build coordinated passenger and freight consists.

Kato Starter Sets are another important part of the brand, particularly in N Scale. Depending on the set, shoppers may find Amtrak, Super Chief, F7 freight, modern GEVO, Japanese, and other trains in either complete starter packages or train-only configurations.

North American railroading shares the Kato catalog with a major selection of Japanese trains. JR and JNR equipment, commuter trains, electric multiple units, and Shinkansen bullet trains make Japanese model railroading an important part of the broader Kato range.

Kato Unitrack is one of the brand's best-known model railroad systems, combining sectional track with molded roadbed and removable UniJoiners. Kato produces scale-specific UNITRACK for both N and HO layouts, while Unitram extends N Scale into urban tram and street-running scenes.

Beyond track, Kato layout equipment can include Power Pack products, turnout controls, electrical accessories, signals, crossing equipment, catenary, bridges and piers, structures, lighting, scenery, tools, figures, vehicles, and other railroad details.

For scale-specific track shopping, browse Kato N Track & Unitrack or Kato HO Unitrack.

Repair and maintenance are covered too. Motors, gears, wheels, trucks, couplers, circuit boards, lighting components, and model-specific replacement pieces can be found through Kato Train Parts.

Some of the most interesting Kato models are no longer part of the current catalog. Trainz receives previously owned collections, so inventory can include used Kato locomotives, rolling stock, train sets, Unitrack, accessories, parts, older road numbers, discontinued paint schemes, and hard-to-find releases.

When comparing Kato models from different years, check the scale, item number, railroad or railway, road number, condition, included pieces, and operating features. DCC and sound can vary by model and production run rather than applying to every Kato locomotive.

Looking to Sell Kato Trains?

Trainz buys qualifying model train collections that may include Kato locomotives, passenger and freight cars, train sets, Unitrack, accessories, parts, and other Kato equipment.

Visit Sell My Trains: How It Works to learn about the process and see whether your Kato collection may qualify.

What is Kato best known for?

Kato is especially well known for N Scale model trains, Japanese railway models, detailed locomotives and passenger trains, and its UNITRACK track system. The brand also produces HO Scale trains, track, accessories, controls, and replacement parts.

What scales does Kato make?

Kato is especially prominent in N Scale and also produces HO Scale trains and track. Product types and availability vary by scale and release.

Does Kato make both North American and Japanese trains?

Yes. Kato produces North American railroad models as well as extensive Japanese railway equipment, including commuter trains and Shinkansen high-speed trains.

Does Kato make complete train sets?

Yes. Kato produces complete Starter Sets as well as train-only packages. Contents vary, so check the individual set to see whether track and power equipment are included.

Is Kato Unitrack available in both N and HO Scale?

Yes. Kato offers UNITRACK in both N and HO Scale. The track itself is scale-specific, although some Kato control and accessory products can serve both scales.

Are all Kato locomotives DCC or sound equipped?

No. DCC readiness, installed decoders, and sound vary by locomotive and release. Check the individual product for its exact configuration.

Can I find used or discontinued Kato trains at Trainz?

Yes. Trainz's changing pre-owned inventory may include used, discontinued, collectible, and hard-to-find Kato trains, locomotives, rolling stock, track, and accessories.