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Mar 7, 2026 - HO Scale
Kato (Japan) - HO Scale - March 2026 Releases
Dear HO Scale Customers;
Kato (Japan) is excited to announce the March 2026 Releases
EF510-300 Electric Locomotive
● Item Introduction
The EF510-300 succeeds the legendary ED76 and EF81, bringing modern AC regenerative braking and updated specifications to Kyushu freight operations. The EF510-300 is equipped with AC regenerative braking, contributing to reduced power consumption and supporting the realization of a greener society.
◆ Finished in its striking silver body with red stripe and “RED THUNDER” logo, this locomotive is perfect for hauling contemporary container trains—and can be further enhanced with optional grade-up parts for maximum realism.
◆ Product Features
Details
- Full-length rain gutters, partially sealed body louvers.
- Silver body with red stripe, bold “RED THUNDER” logo.
- Metal FPS5 pantograph, detailed roof wiring.
- Minimum operating radius: 360 mm (single locomotive operation).
- Selectable three-mode tail light operation.
- Ready to Run design.
- Space for DCC decoder/sound speaker installation.
- Compatible with optional Grade-Up Parts Set (28-170N).
Specifications
Couplers: Body-mounted KATO tight-couplers with hook (intermediate cars); dummy couplers (lead cars).
Other:
- Head-/taillights lit (white LEDs).
- Corelessmotor.
- DCC-friendly design.
EF510-500 Cassiopeia Livery Electric Locomotive
● Item Introduction
The EF510-500 series, famed for hauling the iconic “Hokutosei” and “Cassiopeia,” is back in both classic blue and silver liveries. A symbol of Japan’s final overnight limited express era, this striking “RED THUNDER” locomotive is perfect for recreating premium sleeper operations—or modern freight scenes after its transfer to JR Freight.
◆ A must-have for fans of Japan’s luxury night trains.
This release is a reissue, with specifications unchanged from the previous production.
◆ Product Features
Details
- Available in iconic Cassiopeia silver or Hokutosei blue livery, with body markings and JR logos, pre-printed car numbers/inspection markings.
- Metal FPS5 pantograph and detailed roof wiring.
- Minimum operating radius: 360 mm (single locomotive operation).
- Ready to Run design.
- Quick headmark system (Hokutosei/Cassiopeia plates).
- Space for DCC decoder/sound speaker installation.
- Compatible with optional Grade-Up Parts Set (28-170N).
Specifications
Couplers: Body-mounted KATO tight-couplers with hook (intermediate cars); dummy couplers (lead cars).
Other:
- Headlights lit (warm-white LEDs), taillights: selectable three-mode operation.
- Corelessmotor.
- DCC-friendly.
Order Due Date: March 19, 2026
Anticipated Delivery Date: August 2026
Looking for more Kato Electric Locomotives? Click here!
Product Details
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