Kato will fully renew the N scale model of series 117 which was used for “Shinkaisoku” (New Rapid) with the nickname of “City Liner” and still now popular in Kansai area. The real train debuted in 1979 to replace the predecessor series 153. The train was featured with the round smart front with high cab and each coach has two doors on each side, the first ever design for a suburban train. It was very stylish as a JR train then and enjoyed great popularity. Series 117 was operated as an iconic train for Shinkaisoku after transfer to JR until the successor series 221 appeared. Currently it is in service as a local train between Kyoto area and Okayama area.