Dear N Scale Customers;

Kato (Japan) is excited to announce the December 2024 Releases

BR 175 DR 6-Car Set

● Item Introduction

The limited-express diesel locomotive, the VT18.16 (BR175), of the former East German State Railway (Deutsche Reichsbahn), still popular today!

◆ The VT18.16 is an express diesel locomotive manufactured by the Deutsche Reichsbahn of the former Democratic Republic of Germany (East Germany) in the 1960s, built to showcase the nation's prestige. It was named VT18.16 in combination with the German word “Verbrennungstriebwagen,” meaning diesel motor train. After a later change in naming conventions, it was renamed BR175 and used in 4- to 6-car formations for international operations. It is particularly famous for its service on the “Vindobona” and has become synonymous with this type of train. Since its retirement, the BR175 has been preserved in various locations in Germany, and one of the trains is currently being restored.

◆ Kato (Japan) offers two sets: a 6-car set representing its active years after being renumbered as BR175 in the 1970s, and a 4-car set in its restored configuration as part of its efforts for operational revival. The 6-car set allows you to enjoy a 4–6-car formation, similar to the actual trains, by reducing the number of intermediate cars.

◆ Product Features

① 6-car set with VTa 175 011-6 at the front and 4-car set with Vta 18.16.10 at the front.

② The 6-car set beautifully reproduces the ivory and red livery from its years after being renumbered as BR175 in the 1970s.

③ The 4-car set reproduces the formation of the revived version. The livery is beautifully recreated with black and blue stripes on the lower part of the cars.

④ The distinctive details, such as the streamlined shape of the front car and the four round windows in a row, have been replicated.

⑤ The intermediate connecting part uses a diaphragm coupler. The front part of the lead car uses a dummy coupler.

⑥ Head/tail lights are lit (using warm white LEDs).

⑦ All of the display signs have been pre-printed.

⑧ The 4-car set comes in special edition sleeve packaging.

 

Anticipated Delivery Date: August 2025

 

 

E231-1000 Series Renewal 10-Car Set

● Item Introduction

The Series E231-1000 belonging to the Oyama Rolling Stock Center.

● The Series E231-1000 was introduced in the year 2000 as a replacement for the Series 115 and 211 that had been in service on the Utsunomiya and Takasaki Lines. The trains deployed by the Oyama Rolling Stock Center in the early 2000s feature distinctive characteristics, including side skirting panels with continuous green stripes, a long running board extending above the crew door of the lead car, a driver's console by the glass cockpit, and restrooms positioned throughout the train. These features distinguish them from the additional units that were introduced for the Tokaido Line after 2004.

● The 10-car and 5-car formation are both modelled after the current specifications following the equipment renewal. You can add to the fun by combining items #10-1784/1787 and #10- 1267/1270S which are currently on sale, to create a 15-car formation!

◆ Product Features

① Manufactured according to specifications of the Oyama Rolling Stock Center U522 formation (10 cars) an U60 formation (5 cars), following the equipment renewal.

② Recreates the features of the early stage car with a continuous green stripe on the body, and small coolers placed on the roof throughout the entire train formation.

③ Replicates the driver's console before the change to a digital monitor, and a running board that extends until the crew door of the lead car.

④ The front glass of the KUHA E231-8022 car has been recreated with a film applied around the destination display and train number display.

⑤ Replicates the 10th car without a toilet (KUHA E231-6022), and the intermediate car with a toilet (SAHA E231-6022).

⑥ Both the 10-car set and 5-car set imitate the underfloor structure of the MOHA E230/MOHA E231 following their equipment renewals.

⑦ The SARO E231/E230 bogies are recreated with the yaw damper removed.

⑧ Uses a slotless motor that allows for both smooth and silent operation.

⑨ Comes with the affiliation label "Miyayama" 「宮ヤマ」and signalling equipment labels set to "P" and "SN".

⑩ The head/tail lights and front destination display are lit (using white LEDs). Cars 10 (KUHA E231-6022) and 11 (KUHA E230-6022) come with an off-switch.

⑪ Cars 1 and 15 use a dummy coupler for the front coupling section, whilst cars 10 and 11 use the Kato Tight Lock Coupler (without hook). Includes electric couplers.

⑫ The intermediate parts are equipped with standard body-mounted type KATO Tight Lock Couplers. The realistic coupling surface allows for smooth operation.

 

HOKI 5200 Tosa Lime Industry (2 pcs)

● Item Introduction

◆ Product Features

① Accurately replicates the bogie's position (closer to both ends of the car), the all-welded body structure, and the mechanical equipment installed for opening/closing the bottom hatch.

② Recreates the all-welded structure of the car body, with an appearance similar to an American freight car, and a unique design that cannot be seen elsewhere.

③ Reproduces the Hitachi C-1 bogie and air pipes at the bottom of the car body from the time of its inauguration.

④ The paint colour resembles the appearance from the "Rohoki" era, featuring a yellow #1 band.

⑤ Equipped with standard arnold couplers.

⑥ The printed display signs and numbers are crafted to look highly realistic.

⑦ The limestone moulds and separate cargo parts are detachable. You can play with both a loaded version and an empty version.

 

HOKI 5200 Limestone Freight Train 9-Car Set

⑧ A set of 9 HOKI 5200 cars, inspired by the limestone transport trains that were seen on the Dosan Main Line. By combining two sets, you can recreate the 18-car formation, just like the actual version.

⑨ One of the nine cars in the line-up is the HOKI 5205, which is furnished with a control room.

⑩ Detachable parts include signal lights, reflectors as seen in different periods, and replacement knuckle couplers.

 

Looking for more Kato Hoppers? Click here!

 

 

Anticipated Delivery Date: May 2025

 

 

19G Container (Old Colour) 5 pcs

● Item Introduction

The 19G Container featuring the JR Freight (JRF) logo.

◆ The 19G container is a 5-ton, 12-ft, two-way container with one side gable and one side door, owned by JR Freight. The conventional 19F container is equipped with simple corner fittings and has a structure that allows it to be transported by ship in the event of a natural disaster. It has been used in various places as the second most powerful container after the 19D container.

◆ A new variation of KATO's container series is now available. The 19G containers, an essential part of the modern railroad container mailing system, will be produced in a new paint scheme followed by the old paint scheme. Combined with the <23- 142/143 UNITRAM Freight Depot> and <23-514/515 TCM Forklift FD115> now on sale, you can enjoy the scenery of railroad container transportation more vividly in N gauge.

 Looking for more Kato Containers? Click here!

 

 

Anticipated Delivery Date: April 2025

 

 

Metro Series 6 Floor Office Buildings

● Item Introduction

Structures and business buildings to embellish town centers and station surroundings.

◆ Kato (Japan) are introducing a new lineup for KATO's Diotown buildings. Two colors are now available for business buildings to match a variety of scenes from station entrances to urban city streets: charcoal gray, an urban-like blackish exterior wall color, and a graceful dark gray that fits well with any office or retail space.

◆ Due to their versatility, a variety of configurations can be arranged on the layout to enhance your scenery. Additionally, by using the included stickers, you can reproduce certain details and features to create a more realistic appearance.

 

 

Anticipated Delivery Date: March 2025