Dear N Scale Customers;

Kato (Japan) has announced the May 2024 Releases

ED76-500 (JR Version) Electric Locomotive

● Item Introduction

The ED76, a Japanese National Railways (JNR) alternating current electric locomotive, was born in 1965. It was built on the foundation of the esteemed ED75 AC locomotive but was modified to incorporate a steam generator (known as SG) for heating passenger cars. The 500 series debuted in 1968 on the Hakodate Main Line, marking Hokkaido's first electrified section. It subsequently became a vital part of Hokkaido's central region as electrification projects expanded. Notably, its appearance with dedicated large headmarks on sleeper express trains like the "Taisetsu" and "Rishiri" was distinctive.

◆ This locomotive is recommended as the prime mover for the 10- 1953 14 series 500 series sleeper express trains "Marimo/Taisetsu", which will be released simultaneously.

 

◆ Product Features

• Compatible with quick headmark installation, featuring distinctive large "Taisetsu" and "Rishiri" headmarks.

• Standard equipped with Arnold couplers, with spare knuckle couplers included for replacement.

• Utilizes slotless motors to achieve smooth and quiet operation.

• Offers a choice of manufacturer plates: "Toshiba" and "Mitsubishi," and a selection of number plates: "507," "512," "518," "521."

 Looking for more Kato Electric Locomotives? Click here!

 

 

14-500 Series Sleeper Express Set (7 Cars)

● Item Introduction

Kato is introducing a passenger car set that lets you experience sleeper express trains connecting cities across Hokkaido. The 14 series passenger cars, manufactured from 1971, underwent modifications for Hokkaido's cold and snowy conditions, including converting passenger doors to sliding ones. These trains consisted of a mix of sleeper and seat cars. Particularly on the "Marimo" (Sapporo to Kushiro) service, dream cars with wider seating intervals were added in 1988 to compete with intercity buses shortly after JR took over operations.

◆ With this set, you can recreate various sleeper express trains from early Heisei-era Hokkaido. Kato recommends pairing it with the concurrently released 7008-L DD51 Late Type Late Stage (for cold regions) “Northern Star” (rubber frame) locomotive. Additionally, the set includes number plates to replicate scenes of DD51 locomotives in the former JNR color scheme, commonly seen shortly after the transition to JR.

 

◆ Product features

• Kato is introducing the 14 Series 500 units from the early days of Kushiro Depot after the JR transition.

• SUHANEFU 14 and SUHAFU 14 come with convertible train markers featuring "Marimo," "Taisetsu," and "Rishiri." SUHANEFU 14 and SUHAFU 14 feature illuminated tail lights with an on/off switch.

• The intermediate coupling parts of the formation feature body-mounted dense self-couplers. The locomotive coupling side of Suhanefu 14 and Suhafu 14 comes with standard Arnold couplers. Replacement knuckle couplers are included.

• Headmarks for "Marimo," "Taisetsu," and "Rishiri" for DD51 are included, reproducing a larger form than the standard headmarks.

• White number plates are included for reproducing scenes of DD51 traction in JNR livery. Car numbers include "1083," "1095," "1102," and "1143."

• Lettering sheets containing car numbers for "Taisetsu" and "Rishiri" formations are included.

• Side destination displays, seat markers, "Marimo" sleeper car emblems, and car number markers are included in the decals.

 

 

113-2000 Series Shonan Color (JR Version) Sets

● Item Introduction

The 113 series 2000s, introduced in 1978, featured an expanded seat pitch similar to the 115 series 1000s. Operating on the Tokaido Main Line (Tokyo Section).Notably, double decker stainless steel cars were a distinctive feature of their formations. Occasionally, surplus Limited Express Green cars, known as "Bake-SARO", were incorporated, earning praise from railfans. Introducing the JR-specification 113 series Shonan color, released in 2023, perfectly complementing the 211 series 0s also launched that year.

 

◆ Product Features

● 113 Series 2000s Shonan Color (JR Specification):

• This model represents the K52 formation from JR East's Kokufuji EMU Depot around 1993

• The Green cars feature a two-story SARO 124 with a conductor's compartment and crew compartment, as well as a SARO 110-1200 with added waste disposal equipment"

● 113 Series 2000s Shonan Color (JR Tokai, T Formation):

• This model represents the T1 formation from JR Tokai's Shizuoka Depot, dating back to around 1993.

• All cars feature body-mounted close-coupling couplers without hooks, along with body-mounted coupler pockets for frontend attachment.

• Thanks to the slotless motor, this model ensures smooth and quiet operation. The T formation 4-car set does not include traction tires.

• Equipped with head/tail lights and front display lighting, which can be switched off as needed.

 

 

E233-3000 Tokaido Line Ueno-Tokyo Sets

● Item Introduction

In the Greater Tokyo Area, the E233 series 3000 stands out as the backbone of suburban commuter trains, operating extensively across the entire Kanto region. It often operates in formations of up to 15 cars, either coupled with other E233 series trains or alongside E231 series trains. Experience the bustling atmosphere of the Ueno-Tokyo Line, where various trains, including the E231 series, E259 series, and E657 series limited express trains, crisscross each other.

 

◆ Product Features

• The E16+E66 formation belonging to the Kofu Vehicle Center is being produced.

• In this release, Kato is making some changes: their replacing the couplers on cars 10 and 11 with KATO tight-coupling couplers (without hooks), for compatibility with previous models, each set includes one coupler and electrical connector. For smooth operation, slotless motors are utilized in the power unit. Consequently, there will be adjustments to the product numbers, retail prices, and JAN codes of the basic set and additional formation set.

• Both leading cars feature head/tail lights and front display lighting. Car No.10 and Car No.11 are equipped with a switch to turn off lights.

• Dummy couplers are installed on the front coupling section of cars No.1 and No.15, while KATO coupler tight

• Equipped with body-mounted KATO coupler tight connecting type as standard in the intermediate coupling section, ensuring realistic coupling surfaces and smooth operation.

• The Add-on Set A (4 cars) adopts a 10-car bookcase, capable of storing the contents of the Basic Set (4 cars) and Add-on Set B (2 cars). The included cars in the set are equivalent to those in the Basic Set (4 cars).

 

 

Anticipated Delivery Date: October 2024

 

 

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

 

 

Crews Steam Locomotive

● Item Introduction

Kato (Japan) are introducing railway staff dolls that bring to life the vibrant scenes of the bustling Japanese National Railways era, featuring lively locomotive depots and operational moments. Back when steam locomotives reigned, locomotive depots buzzed with countless staff members dedicated to their care. You can recreate the spirited scenes of that era, from locomotive engineers and firemen to yard workers signaling with flags. Place them alongside your rolling stock or in locomotive depots to recreate the nostalgic ambiance of yesteryears.

◆ Product Features

 

Anticipated Delivery Date: August 2024

 

 

Looking for more Kato Steam Locomotives? Click here!