Description

ETA: March 2027
Price may be subject to currency fluctuations - you have the right to cancel if it changes more than £5 in either direction.

Important

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KATO M-497 Black Beetle Jet-Powered RDC - New York Central #497

This N scale KATO model represents the New York Central M-497 "Black Beetle", one of the most unusual experimental rail vehicles in American railway history. The prototype was a Budd RDC modified with a streamlined nose and two jet engines mounted above the car body.

It is a brilliant oddity for a 1960s American collection, a talking point for an N scale layout, or simply a model of something that looks like railway engineering was allowed out without adult supervision.

Version: DCC-fitted model.

Key features and details

• 1:160 / N scale model of New York Central M-497, the jet-powered experimental RDC.
• Twin jet engines illuminate when running forwards.
• Precision KATO drive mechanism for smooth, reliable running.
• Rear-mounted KATO knuckle coupler for operation with standard N scale rolling stock.
• Ready for optional KATO interior lighting.
• Compatible with the KATO Sound Box system using the dedicated sound card, sold separately.

This version is supplied DCC-fitted.

Prototype background

The real M-497 was built by New York Central in 1966 as a low-cost high-speed rail experiment. Engineers took a Budd Rail Diesel Car and fitted two surplus jet engines to create a test vehicle that could gather data at very high speeds on existing track.

On 23 July 1966, the M-497 reached around 183 mph / 295 km/h on test, setting a remarkable American rail speed record. The idea did not turn into a practical passenger service, but the Black Beetle remains one of the great one-off railway experiments.