Powered Motorized Chassis KATO 11-106 (japan import)

I used the Kato 11-106 to bash up a powered “ghost” or “pusher” boxcar to help my steam engine pull long trains up the 4% grades of my layout - I fabricated a 30’ reefer ( not prototypical, I know, but doesn't look half bad...!) from a 36’ wood sided reefer by carefully cutting two 3’ sections out from each end about halfway between the door and the ends with a razor saw then carefully gluing it back together with MEK. Painted and lettered and it passes inspection of probably 99 people out of 100... and does what I wanted beautifully! My big 2-6-6-2 can now crawl up into my mountain pass with 20 cars, when before it was slipping and stalling out with just six. I run old-school DC, btw, would have no idea how you’d solder in a decoder if you were trying to DCC-ify things...Plus, fast and courteous shipping direct from Japan - all this for less than $20! Thanks for reading!

I use these power units in my HOn30 tiny locomotives. I have five units running on my layout without a single issue. As with anything KATO, they are great runners.

Works excellently. The motor could be a bit smaller. I used a 3D printed shell on top.

If you’re looking for a cheap shell, the Tsumu can be used with minimal modification to work perfectly with the motor. You can grab one off EBay or from an import site for the US since I don’t think they’re on Amazon. Great for any JNR railways or if you can sneak it in with your other freight cars.

Because of light weight, it doesn't stay on track at fast speed. Also, no pulling power.

Going to fab a small mining railway

Perfect if you just need a running motor for $20

Awesome little car, very quick. I just wish it fit the track a little tighter. The wheel track is just slightly narrower than the other cars and locomotives I have in n scale so it derails a lot easier over switches and crossovers. It would otherwise be great for the price. Just wish it fit the track correctly and it would have been a 5 start purchase.