Description
The KATO 176-8971-DC is an N scale GE ES44AC diesel locomotive in Canadian Pacific's standard red scheme with large white "CANADIAN PACIFIC" block lettering, road number #8710.
Prototype: The GE ES44AC is part of GE's Evolution Series, a 4,400 HP AC-traction road locomotive that became the dominant North American mainline diesel from 2005 onward. CP's ES44AC fleet (8700–8960 series) handles everything from intermodal to unit grain and potash trains across the system.
KATO drivetrain: Five-pole motor with dual brass flywheels, low-friction bearings and all-wheel pickup — KATO's signature for smooth slow-speed running, near-silent operation and reliable pulling on any track system (Unitrack, Atlas, PECO). Directional headlight, illuminated number boards and ditch lights, KATO magnetic knuckle couplers.
This is the DC analog version with KATO's standard NMRA 8-pin DCC-ready socket — drop in a Digitrax DN163K1C, TCS K1D4, or ESU 58741 LokSound 5 micro for digital control.
- Scale: N (1:160)
- Prototype: GE ES44AC ("Gevo"), 4,400 HP Evolution Series
- Road / number: Canadian Pacific #8710
- Control: DC analog, DCC-ready (NMRA 8-pin)
- Pairs with: 176-8971-DCC (DCC), 176-8971-S (DCC & Sound), #176-8972 CP #8750
- SKU: 176-8971-DC