Frequently Asked Questions

You may obtain parts for HO and N scale KATO models from:

• Your retail hobby dealer (Your dealer may order from KATO authorized wholesale distributors or direct from Kato USA), or…
• Kato USA direct (with applicable sales tax and Shipping & Handling charges added)

1. To place an order online, you may use our Online Parts Catalog.
2. In PERSON (if in the NW Chicago area): At the Kato USA office. Please note the address and office hours above.

*As of 2026 we no longer accept parts orders via Mail, Phone or Fax.

Important Notes

Only parts for North American prototype models are stocked at Kato USA To order parts for models that are not North American prototypes, you will have to contact the office in Japan.

Hobby Center Kato, Tokyo

• 1-24-10 Nishi-Ochiai
• Shinjuku-Ku, Tokyo 161-0031
• Japan
• 81-3-3954-2171 (Voice)
• 81-3-3954-3644 (Fax)

Generally speaking, parts for a specific model are supplied only at the time of model production. Parts are then restocked only at the time of a subsequent production of the same model or if the identical part is utilized on a different model. Consequently, because of the wide range of models produced and new models continually being introduced, some parts may become unavailable between productions. In addition, because we consistently look for ways to upgrade our models, earlier “versions” of certain parts may not be available after being superseded by new components.

Parts are offered in factory packages and/or combinations. Some components may be available only within a larger assembly. If an item is not called out specifically with an item number and description in the Exploded Parts Diagram (in Parts Catalog or on Instruction Sheet accompanying model), it is not available as a separate part at this time.

KATO Japan has produced models for other companies as an Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) that may carry KATO or Sekisui Kinzoku (KATO Japan) identification. For these models, you must contact the original importer.

Atlas Model Railroad Co.

• 378 Florence Ave.
• Hillside, NJ 07205
• 908-687-0880 (Voice)
• 908-851-2550 (Fax)

Con-Cor International

• 8101 East Research Ct.
• Tuscon, AZ 85710
• 520-721-8939 (Voice)
• 520-721-8940 (Fax)

Bowser Manufacturing, Inc. was Stewart Hobbies, Inc.

• PO BOX 322
• Montoursville, PA 17754
•  570-368-2379 (Voice)
• 570-368-5046 (Fax)

We thank you for your cooperation and understanding, as well as your support of KATO Precision Railroad Models.

KATO U.S.A., INC. warrants that this product will be free from defects in material and workmanship for a period of sixty (60) days from the date of original purchase. If this product fails during the warranty period, write a note with your contact information as well as a description of the defect and then carefully pack the assembled item in the original carton, together with the dated sales receipt, and return to: KATO U.S.A., INC. 100 Remington Road, Schaumburg, IL 60173. Defects due to misuse, improper maintenance and/or abuse are not covered by this warranty. Items that have been modified by the modeler or anyone other than an authorized KATO repair person are not covered by the warranty. This warranty gives you specific legal rights and you may also have other rights which vary from state to state.

Please note that this warranty applies to products purchased new from a hobby retailer. Items purchased “as-is” or in second hand sales (including all purchases from Ebay) will be covered at the discretion of Kato USA.

Obtaining Replacements

While we at Kato U.S.A. attempts to deliver all models to the marketplace with a complete set of appropriate detail parts, occasionally these pieces may be misplaced through handling at the retail level. Kato U.S.A. can usually provide replacement pieces in these instances. Consumers encountering this situation should write to:

• Kato U.S.A., Warranty Services
  100 Remington Road
  Schaumburg, IL 60173 U.S.A.

Please include in your correspondence the following information:

1. MODEL (including Road name, Engine Number and Item Number)
2. NAME OF DEALER from whom model was purchased
3. A COPY OF YOUR ITEMIZED, DATED SALES RECIEPT
4. DESCRIPTION OF MISSING PART(S)
5. YOUR COMPLETE CONTACT INFORMATION (including full name, address, phone and e-mail if possible)

Compatibility of Unitrack with DCC:

With regards to the use of Unitrack with DCC, there is a capacity of DC12V3A built into the product line. The quality construction of Unitrack and reliable rail connection provided by the Unijoiner assure that the DCC signal is dependably transmitted.

Unitrack turnouts use a bi-polar solenoid drive for reliable operation. To switch the turnout digitally, be sure to choose a DCC turnout decoder that supports the bi-polar drive. Digitrax recommends their DS52 or DS51K1 stationary decoder for operation of Kato Unitrack turnouts.

Although Kato has been at the forefront to manufacture products with DCC Friendly design, we realize that it is sometimes necessary for hobbyists to require further technical support from professionals. In these instances, the hobbyist should visit the shop he or she purchased the merchandise from for dedicated consultation and service to achieve his needs. A list of Kato Recommended Unitrack Dealers may help you find out the shop offers both Unitrack and DCC products.

Minimum Turning Radii of HO and N scale locomotives:

The curve on which the model is designed and developed using the factory-equipped couplers, is a UNITRACK 249mm (9-3/4”) ground-level curve for N scale models. For HO scale, the design curve is targeted as a UNITRACK R457mm (18”) ground-level curve.

If you are using a curve smaller than N249mm/HO457mm, you will have to determine for yourself if the model will operate satisfactorily on your layout. The solution may be as simple as converting to longer shank couplers (often provided with the model). The same determination will have to be made if you are using viaduct track. You may need to cut away or shave some height from the viaduct wall.

We will try our best to add specification to individual model pages on our web site if and when we learn from the factory or outside hobbyists where an exception to the above and/or a unique operating circumstance exists.

Cleaning UNITRACK:

Kato recommends using a plastic compatible liquid cleaner. For stubborn spots, paint or glue on the rails, we recommend a soft rubberized abrasive “eraser”. Track cleaning cars are also available. Some are designed to use liquid cleaners, some with abrasive rollers or pads, and some equipped for both. We do NOT recommend constant use of abrasives. You can find any of these cleaners and cleaning tools at your local Hobby Shop or Hobby Supplier.

Items not recommended include: sandpaper, steel wool & cleaning pads (used for cleaning pots and pans), and any liquid not compatible with plastic, or is of a caustic chemical compound.