Atlas Kato
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?
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.
Atlas +Kato model trains H0 scale
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 Kato Atlas RS 11 Maine Central Diesel Engine Cab 802  US $31.00
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 Kato Atlas RS 11 Maine Central Diesel Engine Cab 801 US $31.00
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 Atlas Kato 8202 HO GP 7 Burlington Route CBQ 253 US $33.00
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 Kato Atlas RS 3 DIESEL SOUTHERN RD 2036 US $25.99
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 ATLAS KATO PRR C 425 2419 PENNSY NEW IN THE BOX US $69.95
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 ATLAS KATO NW C 425 1003 NORFOLK WESTERN NEW IN THE BOX US $69.95
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 ATLAS KATO UNDEC C 425 UNDECORATED MINT IN THE BOX US $69.95
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 ATLAS KATO CONRAIL ALCO CENTURY C 425 2421 MINT IN THE BOX US $69.95
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 ATLAS KATO CONRAIL ALCO CENTURY C 424 2491 MINT IN THE BOX US $69.95
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 N 1 160 sc ATLAS by KATO 4200 Undecorated Undec Und RS 3 Loco US $74.99
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 ATLAS KATO N SCALE 4333 GP 9 RIO GRANDE 5922 US $69.99
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 ATLAS KATO N SCALE 4703 EMD GP30 BURLINGTON NORTHERN 2251 US $69.99
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 Custom Train Checkbook Covers 10 Old Steam Engines lionel mth atlas train kato US $7.75
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 ATLAS KATO N SCALE COTTON BELT 7803 US $69.99
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 ATLAS KATO N SCALE 4540 EMD SD 9 SOUTHERN PACIFIC 5417 US $69.99
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 Digitrax DH150K HO Decoder For Atlas Kato Others US $49.99
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 TCS A4X HO DCC Decoder for Atlas Athearn Kato more US $24.99
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 ATLAS KATO HO SCALE 8183 RS 11 DIESEL LEHIGH VALLEY 7643 US $79.99
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 TCS HO A6X DCC Decoder Drop in Atlas Kato More 1001 NEW US $25.19
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 N 1 160 sc ATLAS by KATO 4260 Undecorated Undec Und RS 11 Loco US $74.99
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 BN 4185 ALCO RS 11 ATLAS 4262 KATO DRIVE US $59.95
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 Labelle 112 Operating Knuckle Coupler Oil with PTFE for Kato Atlas MTL More US $8.39
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 UNDECORATED EMD SD9 ATLAS 4252 KATO DRIVE US $77.77
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Donna Kato PolyClay Endorsed Atlas 6 Inch Pasta Machine Motor
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Donna Kato PolyClay Endorsed Atlas 6 Inch Pasta Machine
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Eye for an Eye: The Ultimate Collection 1
Sale Price: $34.99 |
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Eye for an Eye: Pillow Fight
Sale Price: $9.95 |
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Eye for an Eye: Revenge is so Sweet
Sale Price: $19.95 |
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Liquid Bearings Oil for N Scale Trains and Model Railroads, 100%-synthetic, Provides Superior Lubrication, Also Prevents Rust
Sale Price: $6.99 |
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N 62mm 2-7/16" Straight Conversion, Atlas Snap
List Price: |
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Liquid Bearings synthetic oil for HO Trains and Model Railroads, Provides Superior Lubrication, Also Prevents Corrosion
Sale Price: $6.99 |
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Japon - La Vie Des Formes (Spanish Edition)
List Price: |
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Kato Atlas RS 11 Maine Central Diesel Engine Cab 802 US $31.00
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Kato Atlas RS 11 Maine Central Diesel Engine Cab 801 US $31.00
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Atlas Kato 8202 HO GP 7 Burlington Route CBQ 253 US $33.00
|
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Kato Atlas RS 3 DIESEL SOUTHERN RD 2036 US $25.99
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ATLAS KATO PRR C 425 2419 PENNSY NEW IN THE BOX US $69.95
|
ATLAS KATO NW C 425 1003 NORFOLK WESTERN NEW IN THE BOX US $69.95
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ATLAS KATO UNDEC C 425 UNDECORATED MINT IN THE BOX US $69.95
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ATLAS KATO CONRAIL ALCO CENTURY C 425 2421 MINT IN THE BOX US $69.95
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ATLAS KATO CONRAIL ALCO CENTURY C 424 2491 MINT IN THE BOX US $69.95
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N 1 160 sc ATLAS by KATO 4200 Undecorated Undec Und RS 3 Loco US $74.99
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ATLAS KATO N SCALE 4333 GP 9 RIO GRANDE 5922 US $69.99
|
ATLAS KATO N SCALE 4703 EMD GP30 BURLINGTON NORTHERN 2251 US $69.99
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Custom Train Checkbook Covers 10 Old Steam Engines lionel mth atlas train kato US $7.75
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ATLAS KATO N SCALE COTTON BELT 7803 US $69.99
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ATLAS KATO N SCALE 4540 EMD SD 9 SOUTHERN PACIFIC 5417 US $69.99
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Digitrax DH150K HO Decoder For Atlas Kato Others US $49.99
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TCS A4X HO DCC Decoder for Atlas Athearn Kato more US $24.99
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ATLAS KATO HO SCALE 8183 RS 11 DIESEL LEHIGH VALLEY 7643 US $79.99
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TCS HO A6X DCC Decoder Drop in Atlas Kato More 1001 NEW US $25.19
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N 1 160 sc ATLAS by KATO 4260 Undecorated Undec Und RS 11 Loco US $74.99
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BN 4185 ALCO RS 11 ATLAS 4262 KATO DRIVE US $59.95
|
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Labelle 112 Operating Knuckle Coupler Oil with PTFE for Kato Atlas MTL More US $8.39
|
UNDECORATED EMD SD9 ATLAS 4252 KATO DRIVE US $77.77
|
|
Donna Kato PolyClay Endorsed Atlas 6 Inch Pasta Machine Motor
|
|
Donna Kato PolyClay Endorsed Atlas 6 Inch Pasta Machine
|
|
Eye for an Eye: The Ultimate Collection 1
Sale Price: $34.99 |
|
Eye for an Eye: Pillow Fight
Sale Price: $9.95 |
|
Eye for an Eye: Revenge is so Sweet
Sale Price: $19.95 |
|
Liquid Bearings Oil for N Scale Trains and Model Railroads, 100%-synthetic, Provides Superior Lubrication, Also Prevents Rust
Sale Price: $6.99 |
|
N 62mm 2-7/16" Straight Conversion, Atlas Snap
List Price: |
|
Liquid Bearings synthetic oil for HO Trains and Model Railroads, Provides Superior Lubrication, Also Prevents Corrosion
Sale Price: $6.99 |
|
Japon - La Vie Des Formes (Spanish Edition)
List Price: |
