Introduction

Kato N Scale 176-5346 EMD E8 Amtrak 298 Phase 1 with DCC & Sound

The E8 and E9 diesel locomotives share the similar bulldog nose car body style as the shorter, more popular F7 and were powered by two separate 12-cylinder prime movers (i.e., diesel engines) capable of producing 2250/2400 hp. E8 and E9 locomotives also rode on A-1-A trucks (powered axle-idler axle-powered axle), resulting in an exceptionally smooth ride favored by crews. The E8 and E9 were produced in both A-units and cabless B-units; the A-units were usually built to railroad specification of either single or dual headlight and freight or passenger pilot. Like the F3 and F7 of the same time period, the E8 and E9 were utilized in both passenger and freight service.

This Kato EMD E8A (E9A) diesel (they’re visually almost identical) is based on classy passenger locomotives used from the 1950s into the 1970s, with a few remaining in museum and excursion service in the 21st Century. Features of this E-unit includes a detailed, injection-molded body, five-pole motor with dual flywheels, all-wheel electrical pickup, heavy die cast metal chassis, fine decoration, directional LED headlights and Kato magnetic knuckle couplers. Bodies come in several different headlight, pilot, numberboard and dynamic brake configurations as appropriate for each roadname or scheme. The EMD E8A (E9A) operated on railroads from coast to coast, so this N Scale model will look right at home on your 1950s-and-later layout.

NOTE: Road number may vary from picture shown.