Dear N Scale Customers;

Kato (Japan) has announced the July 2024 Releases

C11 171 Steam Locomotive

● Item Introduction

The "SL Fuyu-no-Shitsugen Train“ is a seasonal sightseeing train that runs between Kushiro and Shibecha on the Nemuro Main Line. It's the only steam locomotive train currently operating in Hokkaido. The train features unique cars, like the 'Tancho Car,' where seats face the windows to give you an up-close view of the stunning Kushiro Wetlands, and the 'Stove Car,' which has a Daruma stove to keep passengers warm. The C11 171 locomotive, which pulls the train, was originally a preserved engine but was restored in 1998 and is now exclusively used for this train. A distinctive feature of this train is that it runs in reverse on the return trip.

 

◆ Hokkaido's only SL train is now available in N gauge. Alongside the standalone C11 171 locomotive and a set of five passenger cars, we are also releasing a special edition set with a uniquely designed sleeve for the locomotive and passenger cars. You can enjoy these models together with other JR Hokkaido trains and SL trains running on other JR lines.

 Looking for more Kato Steam Locomotives? Click here!

Anticipated Delivery Date: December 2024

 

 

381 Series "Super Yakumo" Car Sets

● Item Introduction

The "Super Yakumo" was introduced in 1994 as a faster express train on the Hakubi Line, enhancing the regular "Yakumo" service. Unlike the 381 series used for the "Yakumo," the "Super Yakumo" featured upgraded amenities such as panorama green cars at the front and increased seat pitch in standard cars. The train could be extended or shortened based on demand, and it operated in various configurations including mixed runs with the green "Yakumo" and as a regular "Yakumo.“

◆ You can enjoy not only the unified purple train set but also mixed operations with the green striped 381 series "Yakumo" (renewed set) that was active during the same period, as well as passing operations.

◆ Product Features

• Modeled after the "Super Yakumo" which operated from 1995 until the name "Yakumo" was unified in 2006.

• The 6-car set features the panorama green car KURO 380 at the front. The 4-car set includes the KUMOHA 381 at the front and the SARO 381 with the 3-row seat configuration.

• The intermediate couplers use body-mounted close-coupling type (without hooks). All front couplers are dummy couplers. The KUHA 381 and KUMOHA 381 come with couplers and skirts for coupling.

• The name display between the headlights is also illuminated.

• Equipped with a slotless motor for smooth and quiet operation.

• Like the real train, it features KATO’s unique body tilt mechanism, allowing the body to tilt inward when going through curves.

• The headlights and taillights illuminate with white LEDs. The KuHa 381 and KuMoHa 381 have switches to turn off the lights.

• The train name display uses interchangeable train marks. Included for the KUHA 381 (wide) and KUMOHA 381 (narrow) are "Yakumo," "Super Yakumo," and "Commuter Liner." The front display of the KuRo 380 is pre-installed with "Super Yakumo," and additional "Yakumo" and "plain black" are provided for replacement.

• DCC friendly

 

 

Anticipated Delivery Date: January 2025

 

 

Series 211 Chuo Mainline Car Sets

● Item Introduction

The 211 series 5000 was introduced in 1988 by JR Tokai to replace the 103 and 113 series, which served commuting and suburban transport needs. Unlike its counterpart on the Tokaido Main Line, these trains featured leading cars with toilets and intermediate trailer cars.

◆ Kato (Japan) releasing the 211 series for the Chuo Main Line in both 4-car basic sets and 3-car sets of the 5000 series, along with a 4-car additional set for the 5600 series. Experience the extended formations of the 211 series by coupling them with the 313 series.

◆ Product Features

• Kato (Japan) is introducing the K15 formation (Series 5000 4-car basic set), K7 formation (Series 5600 4-car Add-on Set), and K111 formation (Series 5000 3-car set) from the Shinryou Rolling Stock Depot around (2022).

• Each car comes with differently sized side display curtains.

• The front displays are pre-printed with "Nagoya," and we're providing exchangeable front displays ("Express," "Tajimi," blank) as well.

• Thanks to the slotless motors, they offer smoother and quieter operation.

• Their head/tail lights and car number displays illuminate using white LED lights, complete with an off switch.

• As standard, they feature body-mounted KATO couplers (tight-coupled type) and come with electric connectors (1 stage).

• Also included are a driver for the off switch and skirt- coupler sets (2 each)

 

 

Series N700S Shinkansen "Nozomi" Car Sets

● Item Introduction

The N700S Shinkansen started operating between Tokyo and Shin-Osaka in July 2020 and is currently serving all sections of the Tokaido and Sanyo Shinkansen lines. Known as the "Supreme" model within the N700 series, it incorporates cutting-edge technologies.

◆ With this production, we are introducing a slotless motor for the power unit. As a result, there will be changes in the product numbers for the basic set and starter set, along with adjustments in their retail prices and JAN codes.

 

◆ Product Features

• Kato (Japan) are introducing a reproduction of the J3 formation from the Tokyo Police Station Inspection Vehicle Department as of 2020

• It features KATO's proprietary body tilting mechanism to simulate the inward body tilt during curves, mimicking the actual train.

• Utilizing a slotless motor ensures smoother and quieter running performance.

• Both headlights and taillights illuminate (using white LEDs), faithfully replicating the image of two lights on each side.

• Minimum passing curve radius: R315.

• The vehicle-shaped bookcase of the additional set A (4 cars) can store the contents of the basic set (4 cars) together.

• DCC-friendly.

● Starter set:

• Includes the same vehicles as the <10-1697S Series N700S Shinkansen "NOZOMI" Basic Set (4 cars)>.

• Comes with Unitrack tracks equivalent to the M1 set.

• Power pack features high-output (1.2A) "Power Pack Standard SX" and a "Starter Set Dedicated AC Adapter".

• The included plan variation guide offers a wide range of track plans for flexible system setups.

• The package includes a secret pocket for storing additional vehicle sets, tracks, etc., purchased separately.

• Package size standardized to match the M1 set (dimensions: width 390mm × height 355mm × depth 110mm).

 

 

Anticipated Delivery Date: December 2024

 

 

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

 

 

1/150 Red-Crowned Cran

● Item Introduction

Introducing a new series of animal figures, representing Hokkaido's endemic species and the wildlife symbolizing the northern wilderness, in 1/150 scale. The first release features the Red-crowned Cranes, which overwinter in places like the Kushiro Marsh. These large wild birds can exceed 2 meters in wingspan, known for their distinctive red crowns. Revered by the Ainu people as sacred beings that dwell above the marshes, they faced near-extinction at one point, but efforts including designation as a Special Natural Monument and listing on the Ministry of the Environment's Red List have helped protect and preserve them, extending even into western Japan.

 

◆ Perfect for enhancing the natural beauty seen from the Kushiro tourist train "SL Fuyu-no Shitsugen Train“, these figures capture the various poses of Red-crowned Cranes observed across the vast marshlands, totaling 8 figures.

 

◆ Product Features

• Full-color 3D printed finished product

• Production of 8 figures: 2 singing, 2 dancing, 1 eating, 2 standing, and 1 flying

• Perfect match for layouts and mini dioramas made with KATO diorama materials

Anticipated Delivery Date: September 2024

 

 

Looking for more Kato Structures? Click here!