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This is the view as you approach the store from
the street. They have a big red trolley out front, so you
can't miss it. The store is tucked away in a residential
neighborhood, so it will feel like you're going in the wrong
direction, but stick to the map and you'll get there. If
all else fails, just ask someone on the street to help, the
locals will recognize the name Kato.
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This sign is hanging on the left hand side of the main building.
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The semaphore guards the main entrance to the
second floor of the shop.
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At the time of my visit, they were showing the
Pennsylvania Broadway limited, GG-1, Southern Pacific Daylight
and GS-4 Steam Engine. Also included on the right were the
latest Japanese releases.
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I found this interesting throttle set up and yes it works.
For roughly $760, you can have something close to the real
thing. I'll stick with my simple DCC throttle, thanks.
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This is one of the many layouts they have on the second
floor. All of them were operational and most had throttles
for visitors to run trains. The kids love it.
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This is part of the larger layout. Looks like Godzilla
got to the tower in the back....
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I forgot what the video was for. I think it was a
camera showing the back portion in case something got stuck.
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Definitely passenger oriented.
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This layout was designed to show how easy it is to set up a
layout right in your living room. The size was roughly 8
feet by 14 feet.
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Simple oval layout.
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Overall view looking down the isle.
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The roundhouse diorama was simply amazing!
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Looking
from the other side.
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Interesting poster hanging on the wall with pictures and a
map of Tehachapi Loop.
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The photos below are of the retail store found
on the 3rd floor of Hobby Center Kato. For those looking
for a possible bargain, let's just say you better bring the
plastic or a lot of Yen. They are full MSRP on everything.
I didn't take that many pictures of the store
because I was to busy staring at the rows and rows of trains.
They had a very good selection of items from manufacturers like Tomix,
Roco, Piko, and Woodland Scenics. The parts section alone
was unbelievable.
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This is the American locomotive section.
They have just about every engine they made available.
Again, full retail but it's there for you to purchase if you
really need it.
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Case number 2.
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Case number 2, other side. If you notice
the hole between the two UP SD70M's, they were actually sold out
of that particular road number.
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Of course, all of the Japanese Bullet Trains and JR Line
locals were well represented. I wanted to find the
La Ligne de Coeur France Suisse
TGV set, but they were sold out of those.
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