The N700S Shinkansen immediately sold out upon its initial release in January 2022. Looking at its popularity and the numerous inquiries we received, a re-run has now been decided. The refined shape of the lead car is sure to draw attention even as it runs in a layout.

 

 

● KATO's Tokyo Metro Series expands yet again! The 10-car composition Series 17000 which is used as the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho and Fukutoshin Lines is here! The prototype is a single formation consisting of 10 cars that was introduced as a replacement for the aged Series 7000 at the beginning of 2020 and began commercial operations in February of the following year.

The "28-248 Tokyo Metro Yurakucho/Fukutoshin Line 17000 Upgrading Stickers" make recreating various operations possible. They are planned to be released by the Hobby Center KATO as a Hobby Center Original item at the same time.

 

◆ Product Features

① The characteristic LED lights' shape and the shape of the coolers have been recreated.

② The gold and brown lines on the top part of the windows that are visible above the platform doors, wheelchair and stroller signs, and more are all recreated beautifully.

③ The head lights, tail lights, and front display are illuminated with white LED lights.

④ Even smoother and quieter train operations are realized through the implementation of the slotless motor.

⑤ DCC friendly

 

 

● This model shows the Series 381 "YAKUMO" (Renewed Composition) as it could be seen after 1997, painted in gray with a green and yellow belt. Through the combination of the Basic Set and the Add-On Set, various compositions can be recreated. With this, the lineup of trains that arrive at and depart from Okayama Station becomes richer. Okayama Station is a focal point of the Chugoku region's railroads.

 

◆ Product Features

① This item portraits the train after the completion of various upgrades made on the prototype since 1997. It shows the front car with its whistle removed and the logo on the front part in place.

② The head and tail lights are illuminated. The Kumoha 381 from the Basic Set is equipped with a switch to turn the lights off in case of combining the Add-On Set to make a longer 9-car train formation.

③ Even smoother and quieter train operations are realized through the implementation of the slotless motor.

④ With KATO's unique pendulum mechanism, the train's inward tilt as it passes through a curve is recreated true to the original.

⑤ DCC friendly

 

 

● The latest expansion of the KATO JR Kyushu Limited Express Lineup is here! The Series 883 "SONIC" is in use on the route between Hakata and Oita. Among the eight different Series 883 formations, the AO-3 Composition sports a lead car whose front panel possesses a louvered design that is reminiscent of the front grille of a car. As the only of its kind, it enjoys great popularity.

 

◆ Product Features

① The AO-3 Composition as it currently belongs to the Oita Train Center served as the prototype.

② The center part of the front panel is recreated with its distinctive louvered shape.

③ After large-scale renovations, the outside was repainted in a deep metallic blue, which has been recreated in this model.

④ With KATO's unique pendulum mechanism, the train's inward tilt as it passes through a curve is recreated true to the original.

⑤ The head and tail lights are illuminated. While the head lights use white LED lights, the fog lens possesses a more realistic yellow tint.

⑥ The display stickers showing the destinations have been updated to match current operations.

 

 

 

●The Series 581 enjoys lasting popularity due to its implementation of the revolutionary concept to employ a vehicle for both daytime and overnight operations. From this series, the 7-Car Basic Set including the Kuhane 581 with "slit typhons" (grit-shaped whistles) is here now!

During the golden age of limited expresses in the 1960s and 1970s, it was primarily used on conventional lines as a sleeper express between Kansai and Kyushu, and as a daytime express between Hokuriku and Kyushu.

 

◆ Product Features

① 7-Car Basic Set:

② The removable middle bunk bed parts are in place by default. The special features of vehicles used for both overnight and daytime operations have now been recreated in N gauge. A sleeper express can be recreated by leaving the parts in place, or the sleeper parts can be removed so the train functions as a daytime express.

③ Even smoother and quieter train operations are realized through the implementation of the slotless motor.

④ Equipped with a train mark converter.

 

 

Looking for more Kato Passenger Trains & Sets? Click here!

 

 

---