[PREORDER] Kato 166-1966S N Budd Jet-Powered RDC, New York Central #M-497 (DCC Sound Equipped)

Name: [PREORDER] Kato 166-1966S N Budd Jet-Powered RDC, New York Central #M-497 (DCC Sound Equipped)
Brand: Kato
SKU: KAT166-1966S PREORDER
Price: 264.0 USD
Availability: InStock

$264.00

$264.00 $330.00

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PREORDERS FOR THIS PRODUCT WILL CLOSE ON AUGUST 31st, 2026

Estimated delivery date for this product is approximately Early 2027. Pre-Order item delivery dates may change without notice, and are not controlled by Southern Crescent Hobby.

This SKU is for the unlit, DCC Sound Equipped variant. Product description via Kato USA.

This is the M-497 Black Beetle, also known as the Jet-Powered RDC! This was an experimental jet powered railcar which was built for the New York Central in 1966. The Jet RDC was constructed in about 30 days with a miniscule budget of 35,000, a couple of jet engines, and adjustments to the Budd Rail Car. The Black Beetle was tested on straight tracks in the Midwest, and on July 23rd 1966, it reached a speed of 183 mph.

Even though the performance was technically impressive, it also wasn’t really viable because of inconsistent quality of track throughout the US. Development on the project fell through because of the merger between the New York Central and Pennsylvania Railroad.

PREORDER INFORMATION

This is a Pre-Order item. After you commit to pre-ordering an item, Southern Crescent Hobby will place an order on your behalf with our supplier network. Some time before we are due to receive your pre-ordered item(s), we will issue you an invoice for the remaining balance of your order including any applicable shipping charges and taxes. Your order will be shipped as soon as possible once the balance is paid and all items have arrived at our warehouse.

For more information on pre-orders, click here to view our full Pre-Order Policy.

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