Kato - 106-2018-KBW - Track - Operation North Pole - 2018 Version

Specific Item Information:
This is a custom printed and painted "Operation North Pole" detail part for any of Kato's ONP Christmas Train Releases - whether using glue or double sided tape, modelers can apply the piece to the rear of the cab coach in either the 2015, 2016, 2017, or 2018 Operation North Pole Christmas Train to complete the look of this set.

Road Name History: Operation North Pole (ONP) is a volunteer-based public charity. ONP works with Chicago's major children's hospitals, providing a day of fun and fantasy for families who have a child battling a life threatening illness by hosting a fantasy trip to the North Pole. With the emotional and financial stresses a family with a child battling a life-threatening or a terminal illness may face, ONP makes every effort to ensure that the entire family participates and shares in the day's festivities. The magical experience includes breakfast, a festive train ride to the North Pole, a visit with Santa, winter wonderland fun, entertainment, treats, personal wish list gifts, and much more! It's ONP's goal to provide these families an unforgettable experience amidst very challenging times.

While Operation North Pole will continue to host this cornerstone holiday event, we are expanding to a 'Twelve Months of Christmas' schedule. The plan is to provide events and service opportunities all year round. ONP has already distributed 1,500 winter coats in the 2014- 2015 winter season, hosted emergency blood drives, performed service opportunities at the Ronald McDonald House, and hosted numerous charitable events.

Brand/Importer Information: Kato Precision Railroad Models (関水金属株式会社 Sekisui Kinzoku Kabushikigaisha) is a Japanese manufacturer of model railroad equipment in N and HO scales. The Tokyo-based company manufactures models based on Japanese prototypes (such as the Shinkansen bullet train) for the Japanese market, North American prototypes for the North American market and European high-speed trains for European market.
The Kato (pronounced kah-toe) model railroad companies were founded by Yuji Kato, father of current president Hiroshi Kato, of the parent company Sekisui Kinzoku Co., Ltd.

The design and distribution of models for the North American market are handled by their U.S. subsidiary, Kato USA, located in Schaumburg, Illinois.
The design of special models for the European market is handled for some of them by their partner, Lemke, whereas the general distribution of Kato products in Europe is handled by NOCH; both companies are located in Germany.
As a result, some Kato European models are sold as Kato Lemke and others as Kato (alone).