Description
Pre-Order Due Date: Aug 31 2026
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Pre-Order FAQ
Most manufacturers give an ETA on when they expect to release the pre-order which can be seen near the "add to cart" button on the product page. They also give an order due date (found in the product description) which is indicative of when the product is expected to go into production.
There is a 5% NON-refundable deposit for preorders, this amount will be deducted from the price of the product when it arrives. You will see how much downpayment is required after adding the item to your cart. We do not store your payment information and it is not charged by us when the product arrives.
For any pre-order submitted after the due date, we will try our best to fulfill your pre-order, but are at the mercy of the manufacturer and if they produce more than were preordered by their dealers. If we cannot fulfill your pre-order we will credit the 5% deposit to you.
When the pre-ordered product(s) are available to ship, you will receive an email requesting the remaining 95% payment that will take you to your cart. It is at this point you are asked for shipping address and method OR in-store pickup.. We will never charge your payment method without you checking out. At this time you are also able to add other in-stock items if you wish.
Please note that Estimated Arrival Dates can change at any point. Midwest Model Railroad is not responsible for manufacturers delaying production. Visit midwestmodelrr.com/pre-orders/ for more information.
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KATO is happy to announce that we will be producing a new tooling of 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. Now even though the performance was technically impressive, it also wasn’t really viable because of inconsistent track quality throughout The United States.
The Jet RDC features:
- Jet engine lights up when moving in the forward position
- Smooth running performance
- Unique streamlined look reminiscent of the 1960s
- KATO knuckle coupler on the back to connect to regular rolling stock
- Upgradable with interior light
- Compatible with a special Soundcard for the KATO Soundbox (Sold separately)
We recommend purchasing this model with DCC/Sound to hear a custom sound file featuring swooshing and jet sounds.
Details
Scale: |
N Scale |
Road Name: |
New York Central (NYC) |
Version: |
(DC Silent) |
Road Number: |
M-497 |
Locomotive Model: |
Jet Powered RDC |
