Guaranteed Pre-Order Deadline is September 30th, 2026
After closing, you may still place a pre-order and we will attempt to acquire one for you.
Estimated Delivery Date Is: Spring 2027
Product Information:
F3B Western Pacific w/ Preinstalled DCC
The F-Unit is probably the most recognized diesel locomotive in North American history. It was found on railroads from East to West and North to South. Eastern railroads favored a “Single Headlight” version of the F3, while Western railroads favored a “Dual Headlight” version.
F3 locomotives were used in both freight and passenger service. For passenger service, it was necessary for the locomotives to have a Steam Generator to provide heat and electricity in the passenger cars. In later years, many F3 locomotives originally intended for passenger services were downgraded to freight duty.
Model Information:
The Kato EMD F3 comes in both A and B (cabless) variations. All current variations of the F-unit locomotive chassis are DCC friendly. Passenger units are commonly identified by their Steam Generators vs. freight units which lack this detail. The 2014 run of CB&Q Freight F3’s have a number of passenger features, such as the straight pilot, as they began their life as locomotives pulling the California Zephyr before being repainted and repurposed as freight locomotives.
Model Features:
- DCC friendly mechanism
- A-unit LED has directional headlights and illuminated number boards
- Locomotives have a powerful five pole motor with all wheel electrical pickup and blackened wheels
- KATO magnetic knuckle couplers
- Drop in DCC compatible with the Train Control Systems K0D8 series and Digitrax DN163K0B
