Yes it is. I may never buy the excursion version, but if it weren't for that we would likely never have had the opportunity to buy this one. I'm really looking forward to seeing this thing on the front end of a long string of bland colored, "boring" boxcars and other old freight cars.
I've had a preorder for a while and I am excited. It will be my first sound loco. My wallet is beginning to smoke in anticipation. I also noticed on Kato's page that there is more to come, although I have no idea what that might be. Good stuff. Trey
I'm a DCC flunk-out, so mine won't be sound equipped. I am however planning to try out that low tech Kato sound box! I also noticed that somewhat vague "more to come" on the Kato website. It made my wallet twitch a bit...
Absolutely. The excursion version is great too, but it's a "dressed up" version to pull a special train. I like the more subdued look (graphite instead of silver, black walls instead of white walls, etc.). This one looks like a real railroad locomotive, ready to muscle a long train up a steep grade.
I only purchased the excursion model to spur Kato to release more FEF in the freight and greyhound passenger schemes. Sent from my SM-G530T using Tapatalk
Then I'll say thanks! Looks like it worked. I now have my FEF in hand, and it looks great! Need to get it on the test track.....
I'm waiting for the FEF #838 with the ESU Lok-Sound decoder. Two of my FEF's #844 have ESU Lok-Sound decoders installed. The third FEF #844 has an TCS decoder installed in the locomotive. Staying cool and having fun with it...... Shades
It is a beautiful steam engine... the epitome of the 4-8-4 class of locomotives. Kato captures its likeness exceptionally well and has put an excellent drive system into its design.