Dear N Scale Customers;

Kato (Japan) has announced the April 2024 Releases

Yokohama High Speed Railways Y500 8-Car Set (Antenna Expansion)

● Item Introduction

The Yokohama Rapid Transit Railway operates the Minato Mirai Line between Yokohama and Motomachi/China town. The Y500 series trains were introduced in 2004 to coincide with the opening of the Minato Mirai Line. These trains are adorned with a gradient of blue representing "Yokohama's sea" and yellow symbolizing the "dynamic city," while the front section is painted in metallic blue, evoking the image of a "growing city."

 

◆ Product Features

• Y513 formation with Mitsubishi cooler (CU708) will be available for purchase.

• Faithfully reproduces the metallic blue leading section, the blue and yellow gradient M design at the car ends, and the symbol of the Minatomirai Line with the "M" motif.

• Head/tail lights and the front destination display lights turn on.

• Slotless motor is adopted, realizing the smooth and quiet move.

• Front displays stating in Japanese "05K Express Motomachi/China Town" are preinstalled. Stickers "21K Local Shibuya", "11K Local Wakoshi" "Plain color"are included for exchange.

 

 

Pocket Line Steam Passenger Train

● Item Introduction

Inspired by the SL trains often seen in amusement parks and tourist destinations, this Steam Passenger Train from the Pocket Line series allows you to enjoy operating it in small spaces, especially when combined with the Unitrack Compact series. This set comes equipped with a slotless motor.

With this release, there will be changes to the product number, JAN code, and suggested retail price. Because of its straightforward setup, it's also recommended for beginners who are just getting started with N Gauge.

 

 

Anticipated Delivery Date: October 2024

 

 

381 Series "SUPER KUROSHIO" Sets

● Item Introduction

The "Super Kuroshio" was introduced in 1989 as a modified version of the 381 Series for the "Kuroshio". The image of the "Kuroshio" train, which was operated with 381 series cars in JNR livery, was revamped by converting the SaRo 381 into a leading car and introducing a panorama green car with large front windows and enlarged side windows. It was first introduced as a six-car train, but after the addition of three extra cars, making a maximum of nine cars, it was used as a limited express train connecting the Kansai region and the Nanki region.

 

◆ Product features

• The nickname display between the headlights also illuminates. The "Super Kuroshio" nickname plate is already attached. Additionally, "Kuroshio" and "Hanwa Liner" plates are included for replacement.

• The nickname display on the Kuha 381 features a convertible train mark. "Super Kuroshio," "Kuroshio," "Hanwa Liner," and "(blank)" options are available for selection.

• Body-mounted Kato tight couplers (hookless) are employed for connection between middle cars in the train.

• Incorporates KATO's unique pendulum mechanism that tilts the car body inward when it enters a curved section, just like an actual train.

• Slotless motor is adopted, realizing the smooth and quiet move.

• The basic set's bookcase can accommodate additional cars from the expansion set. A full 9-car formation can be stored in one case.

 

 

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

 

 

D51 Hokkaid Steam Locomotive

Kato will manufacture again the scale model of the steam locomotive of JNR period which was popular with the nickname of DEGOICHI (Japanese pronunciation for D51).

D51 is a steam locomotive representing Japan, 1,115 of which was manufactured since the debut in 1935, the most quantity ever produced in Japan for a steam locomotive. As a suitable steam engine to the Japanese railroads, the locomotive drew passenger and freight trains across Japan on main and submain lines. As the engine was produced so long as dividable into two major style groups, the 1st style and standard style. The 1st style is featured with a hood covering up all of the chimney, water warmer, steam dome and sand box. Due to the look of the hood, it is dubbed a “slug” among rail road fans.

Features

 

Anticipated Delivery Date: September 2024

 

 

Looking for more Kato Steam Locomotives? Click here!

 

 

Toyota Hiace Super Long Community Bus (4 Cars)

● Item Introduction

A new lineup of N gauge size miniature cars to complement your layout, the Toyota Hiace Super Long, is now available.

 

◆ Product features

• We will be commercializing community buses, day service vehicles, and jumbo taxis based on Toyota's Hiace Super Long model.

• Painted and complete, this model can be combined with the Geo-Town series or Unitram to easily recreate a lively layout scene.

 

Anticipated Delivery Date: June 2024

 

Looking for more Kato Vehicles? Click here!