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Aug 18, 2026 - N Scale
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - August 2026 Releases
Dear N Scale Customers;
Kato (Japan) is excited to announce the August 2026 Releases
Keio Teito Electric Railway 5000 Series
● Item Introduction
A Tokyo Commuter Icon Tokyo, 1963.
As the city continued to grow, the Keio Line — operated by one of Tokyo's private railways and serving the Shinjuku area — was entering a new era. Tracks around Shinjuku were moved underground, the line was upgraded to 1,500 V, longer trains became possible, and new Limited Express services were introduced.
It was during this major modernization that the Keio 5000 Series made its debut. The new 18-meter, three-door commuter train was created to give Keio a fresh, modern image and was also used on the newly introduced Limited Express services. With its elegant curved body, panoramic front windows and distinctive ivory-and-maroon appearance, the 5000 Series stood apart from the trains that came before it.
A total of 155 cars were built between 1963 and 1969, and the series remained in service with Keio until 1996.
1964 Laurel Prize. Just one year after its debut, the 5000 Series received the Laurel Prize for its distinctive design.
A Pioneer of Air-Conditioned Commuter Travel. The 5000 Series helped advance commuter comfort, including the first air-conditioned commuter cars in the Kanto region. Different A/C solutions also created distinctive variations within the series.
A Legacy Beyond Keio. After retirement from Keio, many cars continued serving regional railways across Japan, where their practical 18-meter, three-door design proved well suited to continued service. More than 60 years after its debut, the first-generation 5000 Series remains a celebrated Japanese private-railway train.
A KATO First
Tokyo, 2026. For the first time, KATO brings the Keio Teito Electric Railway to N scale with the iconic 5000 Series. Developed with the full cooperation of Keio Railway, the new lineup captures the distinctive appearance and variations of this celebrated commuter train.
One Series. Many Variations. Different production periods and later air-conditioning conversions resulted in a variety of A/C units and bogies. KATO recreates these distinctive differences across three new sets.
◆ Product Features
Model Highlights:
- Authentic A/C & bogie variations
- Illuminated headlights/taillights, marker lights & destination displays
- Selectable marker lights
- Slotless motor
- DCC friendly.
A piece of your train trip. 35-4000 Series "Yamaguchi"
● Item Introduction
The Series 35-4000 entered service in 2017, replacing the 12 Series coaches previously used on the SL “Yamaguchi.” Built with modern technology but styled after classic passenger cars from the golden age of steam, they combine nostalgic looks with modern comfort.
◆ Matching locomotives C57 1, DD51 1043, and EF65 1000 are also scheduled for re-release, allowing regular steam-hauled services, test runs, and transfer scenes to be recreated. Also available as “A piece of your train trip.”
This product is a re-run with an updated price and JAN code; all other specifications remain unchanged.
◆ Product Features
Details
- Classic passenger-car styling with modern equipment.
- Observation decks, double-roof details, A/C variations, tail sign & taillights.
- Detailed interiors including Car 3’s event space; Grape No. 2 body with fine markings.
- 5-car bookcase with storage for two locomotives.
- Couplers: Body-mounted close couplers; Arnold couplers at locomotive ends with replacement knuckle couplers.
Other:
- DCC friendly.
A piece of your train trip.
- Illuminated Suhate 35 4001 with display track & wheel stop.
Anticipated Delivery Date: January 2027
Looking for more Kato Passenger Cars & Trains? Click here!
● Item Introduction
DD51 1043 is a JR West locomotive closely associated with the SL “Yamaguchi,” frequently appearing as a helper or substitute locomotive and on passenger-car test runs. It retains its original livery while featuring modern details such as roof-mounted train-radio antennas and LED taillights.
Combine it with the 35-4000 Series to recreate substitute services, test runs, or double-heading with D51 200.
◆ Product Features
Details
- Recreates DD51 1043 in its post-September 2018 appearance.
- Distinctive cab roof with train-radio antennas and prototype-specific ventilator arrangement.
- Cab-side tablet protectors and windshield wipers reproduced.
- Includes “Yamaguchi” and “Yabusame Tsuwano” headmark.
Specifications
Couplers: Arnold couplers fitted; KATO knuckle couplers included.
Other:
- Head-/taillights lit (warm-white/white appearing LEDs).
- Flywheel-equipped power unit.
Re-Run
● Item Introduction
C57 1 is one of Japan’s few remaining operational steam locomotives and has served as the principal locomotive of the SL “Yamaguchi” since steam operation returned to the Yamaguchi Line in 1979. After being out of service for repairs since autumn 2020, its return has been announced for autumn 2026.
The ideal companion for the 35-4000 Series passenger cars, C57 1 can also be double-headed with D51 200 as seen on the prototype. This re-release features more realistic colors for the rods, crossheads, and combination links.
◆ Product Features
Details
- Recreates Shimonoseki-based EF65 1128 in its 2021 appearance.
- Features incl. extended cab roof, rotating cab windows, spark arrestor, and auxiliary oil-burning equipment.
- Subdued matte black finish with distinctive gold and silver detailing.
- Selectable black/red “C57 1” number plates.
- Includes “Yamaguchi” and “SL Kita-Biwako” headmarks.
Specifications
Couplers: Double-heading coupler for operation with D51 200.
Other:
- Headlights lit (warm-white LEDs).
- Corelessmotor.
Anticipated Delivery Date: January 2027
Looking for more Kato Steam Locomotives? Click here!
Order Due Date: August 20, 2026
Product Details
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