◆ Product Features

① Features the elegant lines on the body and large side windows, as well as observation decks.

② Its interior is visible from the windows, including the observation room, lounge, dining car, and suite rooms.

③ Bookcase and sleeve packaging.

Couplers: Dummy couplers (with coupling covers installed), intermediate coupling sections use body-mounted close-coupling couplers (with hooks).

Details:

• The guest rooms are recreated in their daytime state with the doors open.
• Carpets in observation rooms: Car 1 → blue, Car 10 → green.
• Exhaust pipes are installed at the end of cars 1, 5, 6, and 10 (as separate parts)
• Logos, lettering, and destination signs are printed on.

Other:

• Lights: head/tail-lights are lit, the marker light above the observation deck lights up when reversing.
• Includes a pre-installed interior light version.
• Slotless motor.
• DCC friendly.

 

HB-E300 Series “Resort Shirakami” 4-Car Set

● Item Introduction

The HB-E300 Series “Resort Shirakami” operates as a sightseeing train along the Gono Line. Like the earlier "Aoike" series, it features large windows, an observation room, and an event area. An important feature of this train is its eco-friendly design, implementing a hybrid system powered by both the engine and the motor. Introduced in 2016, this new model differs from previous versions of the same series by incorporating LED headlights and changing the number of HID lamps to two. The most prominent feature is the beautifully designed body, adorned with a gradient pattern of beech tree groves. It also includes large windows to optimize the viewing experience, rotating reclining seats and semi-private box seats, an observation room, and an event space. Additionally, the train's exterior features a distinctive appearance, incorporating mechanisms on the roof, such as air conditioning units, an energy storage system, and air tanks.

◆ Kato (Japan) are introducing a re-run of the “Resort Shirakami” (Beech design) train with the iconic gradient pattern of beech groves, operating as a sightseeing train that connects Akita and Aomori Stations via the Gono Line. The color of the body updated to more accurately reflect the appearance of the real train. The item number, price, and JAN code have been changed accordingly.

 

◆ Product Features

① Replicates the distinctive exterior design featuring a gradient pattern of beech trees.

② The "ORAHO" counters inside the third carriage have been replicated. The windows, which are blocked by the counter walls, have also been accurately reproduced.

③ The mechanical components, including the roof-mounted air conditioners, ventilators, whistle, antenna, hybrid energy storage system, air tanks, exhaust pipes, and underfloor equipment, have all been reproduced.

Coupler: dummy coupler in the same dark grey color as the real train for the front coupling sections.

Details:

• The interior seats are represented in brown.
• The body color has been adjusted to more closely match the actual train's appearance.
• The side destination board is printed with “全車指定/リゾートしらかみ” (“All cars are reserved/Resort Shirakami”).

Other:

• Lights: head/tail-lights are lit (replicates the design in which there are two white HID lamps surrounding the headlights, differing from the Aoike version).
• Slotless motor.

 

 

E8 Series Yamagata Shinkansen "Tsubasa" Sets

● Item Introduction

The E8 Series began commercial service in March of 2024 as a new train model for the Yamagata Shinkansen. Based on the E6 Series, its features are aimed at meeting diverse travel needs, including large luggage spaces on all cars and expanded wheelchair spaces. The exterior uses three colors: purple (Oshidori Purple), yellow (Kōka Yellow), and white (Zao Bianco), following the design of previous Yamagata Shinkansen trains. It is characterized by the "Arrow Line" shape, with headlights placed on both shoulders. Between Tokyo and Fukushima, the E8 Series is coupled with the E5 Series "Yamabiko" and operates at a maximumspeed of 300 km/h.

◆ The E8 Series, which plays an active role as the new face of the Yamagata Shinkansen, will be available in Ngauge and can be coupled with the E5 Series. It can also be enjoyed alongside the upcoming release of the "10- 2096 E3 Series 2000 Series Yamagata Shinkansen 'Tsubasa' with New Livery," scheduled for release in June of 2025. Additionally, Hobby Center Kato offers a powered bogie with traction tires, convenient for running the E8 Series Shinkansen on its own, with the "28-281 E6 Series Shinkansen 'Komachi' Powered Bogie (with tires).

 

◆ Product Features

① The front section replicates the "Arrow Line" shape with headlights placed on both shoulders.

② The body is beautifully decorated with colors inspired by the prefectural bird of Yamagata, the "mandarin duck" (Oshidori), and the prefectural flower, "safflower" (Benibana).

③ To simplify coupling with the E5 Series, the model comes without traction tires, the front coupling mechanism is installed on car 11 (E811).

④ The basic set comes in the "Best Selection" package, easy to recommend to beginners, it includes a 7-car set along with a small-sized rerailer.

⑤ The contents of the basic set can be stored inside the bookcase of the expansion set.

Couplers:

Details:

• Fins are attached only to the arm attachment side of the pantograph.
• The side destination display is printed on a black background., destination display stickers are included.

Other:

• Lights: head/tail-lights lit, car 11 (E811) features light switch (headlights are made with LEDs arranged in granular pattern, tail-lights light up with six lamps on top of the driver's cabin).
• Slotless motor.

 

 

Series M250 Super Rail Cargo (with U50A Container) Sets

● Item Introduction

The Series M250 Super Rail Cargo was designed to reduce environmental impact (reduction in CO2 emissions) and to provide high-speed transport for small-scale freight, such as home deliveries and packages, etc. It was the first limited-express container train to feature a distributed power system. In recent years, it operates with U50A containers instead of U54A containers, and the design of the front headmark was also simplified in accordance with this change.

◆ Kato (Japan) have recreated the impressive full train formation as part of their “best selection” lineup. The 4-Car Basic Set is also an ideal way for beginners to get started with N-gauge in a fun and easy way. The U50A container is also sold separately. You can also recreate realistic freight scenes on your layout by adding a freight station platform or top-lifter! This product is a re-run. There are no changes in specifications from previous products. However, please note that the price and JAN code have changed.

 

◆ Product Features

① Kato (Japan) have created models of the 2nd and 3rd trains of the SeriesM250.

② Loaded with the U50A container, which is shorter than the previous U54A, and includes a different safe-usage mark.

④ The rooftop equipment, including the insulator and antenna, are accurately replicated.

⑧ The Basic Set (4 cars) comes in Kato (Japan) affordable “Best Selection” package. The Add-on Set A (4 cars) comes in an 8-car bookcase, which can also be stored the Basic Set.

Coupler: the intermediate couplings use KATO tight-lock couplers.

Details:

• The front headmark stickers feature the current simple design.
• The carriage numbers and body markings are printed.
• The intermediate carriages T260/T261 are both recreated without the JRF mark.
• The "Super Rail Cargo"mark is displayed on the side of the car body.

Other:

• Lights: The head/tail-lights are lit with warm-white LEDs, the headlights are realistically lit.

 

 

Order Due Date: April 17, 2025

Anticipated Delivery Date: September 2025

 

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