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Sep 11, 2025 - N Scale

Kato (Japan) - N Scale - September 2025 Releases

 

Kato Logo White

 

N Scale


Dear N Scale Customers;

Kato (Japan) is excited to announce the September 2025 Releases

EF81 81 "Hokutosei" Colour Electric Locomotive

https://static.pwrs.ca/product_images/368/368429_1.jpg?sz=139485&t=1757363432

Item Introduction

Experience the iconic EF81 #81 in its striking “Hokutosei” (meaning: “North Star”) red livery with a bold shooting star design. Among these, unit number 81 was unique as it was formerly an imperial train locomotive, adorned with silver decorations in various places, a major distinguishing feature. Versatile and historically rich, this locomotive ran between Ueno (Tokyo) and Sapporo (Hokkaido) from 1988 to 2015.

Pairs perfectly as the locomotive for the simultaneously reissued 24 Series Sleeper Limited Express “Hokutosei” (Deluxe Formation), bringing the golden age of Japanese sleeper trains to your layout.

Features - Details

  • EF81 No. 81 model in the "Hokutosei" red No. 2 color scheme post-2002 design.
  • Recreated Shooting star mark, silver decorations.
  • Silver front handrails, wipers, and side bars; black H-rubber parts.
  • Includes “EF81 81” number plate, “Hitachi” maker’s plate, “Hokutosei”/“Cassiopeia” quick head marks.

 

Features - Specifications

Couplers: silver Arnold couplers (silver replacement knuckle couplers).

Other:

  • Headlights lit (warm-white LEDs).
  • Slotless motor.

 

EF57 Electric Locomotives

https://static.pwrs.ca/product_images/368/368441_1.jpg?sz=91605&t=1757449679

Item Introduction

The legendary EF57 returns! First introduced in 1940, this DC electric locomotive was used for passenger service, representing pre-war JNR, hauling icons like the "Tsubame“. It later served on the Tōhoku Main Line with express trains like "Hakkōda.“Among the class, the No. 1 unit stands out with its unique square body, following the design lineage of the second production group of the EF56 (units 8–12), and centrally placed pantographs. A must-have for vintage JNR fans!

This re-release features a slotless motor and new spoked pilot wheels for enhanced realism and performance. The product number, price, and JAN code have been updated.

 

Product Features

Features - Details

  • Detailed driver's cab w/ console, seat, interior visibility.
  • Spoked pilot wheels.
  • Various selectable number plates.

 

EF57

  • Utsunomiya Depot era reproduction.
  • Extended decks, detailed pilot trucks, black roof finish.
  • Rib-less pantograph base (underframe molded down to below the deck).

 

EF57 1

  • Distinctive square body, center PS14 pantographs, rounded roof ventilators.

 

Features - Specifications

Couplers: Arnold couplers, (replacement: KATO knuckle couplers).

Other:

  • Headlights (warm-white LEDs), EF57 1: embedded taillights.
  • Slotless motor.

 

 

Looking for more Kato Electric Locomotives? Click here!

 

 

315-3000 Series Sets

https://static.pwrs.ca/product_images/368/368432_1.jpg?sz=129582&t=1757380650

Item Introduction

Introducing the 315 series: the new flagship commuter train of JR Tokai! First to feature the cutting-edge "N-QUALIS" brand, it’s already running on major lines like the Chuo and Kansai Main Lines. The sleek 4-car 3000 series includes side cameras for future one-man operation. Now available as a detailed model, perfect for coupling with popular 313 series sets. Experience the fresh face of Tokai rail travel!

The all-in-one set comes complete with UNITRACK trains, track, and control equipment. Recommended to pair with the simultaneously released 313-300 Series (Shizuoka Depot) and 313-1000 Series for passing operation with other trains active in the same region!


Product Features

Features - Details

  • Destination display stickers included.
  • Safety cameras on the sides.

 

315 Series 3000 Series 4-Car Set

Omitted door switch printings (switches as stickers included), front display: “Section Rapid Nagoya” (replacements: “Local Hamamatsu”, “Rapid Nakatsugawa”, blank option.

 

315-3000 Series + 313 -300 Series 6-Car Set

  • Omitted depot markings.
  • Printed-on door switch markings, front display: "Local Hamamatsu" (replacements: "Local Atami", "Local Shizuoka", blank version.

 

315-3000 Series N-Gauge Starter Set

  • Combinations of 315-3000 Series of the Tokai Region with UNITRACK and Power Pack (layout similar to M1-PC set).
  • Includes plan variation guide.
  • “Secret pocket” in package for additional cases.

 

Features - Specifications

Couplers: 315 Series: hookless close-couplers, 313 Series: hook-type close-couplers w/ body mounts (intermediate), hookless close-couplers (front), two-level electric couplers included for both.

Other:

  • Starter Set: same specifications as 10-2065, power pack with high-output (1.2A), with AC adapter.
  • Headlights, taillights, front destination displays lit (white LEDs, on/off switch).
  • Slotless motor.
  • DCC-friendly.

 

 

E231-0 Series Musashino Line Sets

https://static.pwrs.ca/product_images/368/368437_1.jpg?sz=157416&t=1757432324

Item Introduction

Step into the everyday rhythm of Tokyo’s urban life with the E231 Series 0 subseries, the backbone of the Musashino Line, Tokyo’s key orbital belt route!

Transferred from the Chūō–Sōbu Line in 2017, these commuter workhorses continue their journey on the Musashino Line, connecting across the Keiyō Line to Tokyo Station, and reaching key spots like Kaihin- Makuhari and Hachiōji via the Shimo-Usa and Musashino services.

KATO now brings the E231-0 to life as part of its model lineup! Pair it with the popular 209 Series (Keiyō Line) or the upcoming 205 Series (Musashino Line final formation) for even more layout fun!

 

Product Features

Features - Details

  • MU9, assigned to the Keiyō Rolling Stock Center.
  • Silver front end unique to the E231 Series, distinct from the 209 Series 500 subseries.
  • Front destination display above the windshield without film.
  • Roof-mounted air conditioning units: AU725A (Cars 1–7), AU725AG3 (Car 8).
  • Updated underfloor equipment on MoHa E230/MoHa E231 units.
  • JR front logo positioned closer to top edge of the stripe.
  • Printed wheelchair, stroller symbol markings, “mild air-conditioning”-indicators
  • Fine printed detailing: assignment mark “Chiyoda- Keiyō (千ケヨ)”, safety system code “P/Sn”.

 

Features - Specifications

Couplers: Body-mounted KATO tight-couplers with hook (intermediate cars); dummy couplers (lead cars).

Other:

  • Head-/taillights, front destination sign lit (warm-white LEDs).
  • Coreless motor.

 

 

321 Series (JR Kyoto, Kobe, Tozai Lines) Sets

https://static.pwrs.ca/product_images/368/368439_1.jpg?sz=88909&t=1757433517

Item Introduction

The 321 Series, a staple of the Kansai commuter network since 2005, now joins the lineup with newly assigned car numbers and realistic Toshiba WAU708 air conditioning units. Designed to run on key lines like the JR Kyoto, Kobe, Takarazuka, Tozai, and Yamatoji, this versatile DC commuter-type EMU is a must-have for any modern JR West collection.

It pairs well with various other Kansai-region trains such as the 683-6000 Series "Mahoroba" scheduled for release in October 2025, and the 223-2000 Series Shin-Kaisoku set to be re-released in November of the same year.

 

Product Features

Features - Details

  • Toshiba WAU708 air conditioners included.
  • Front train number display removed.
  • New JR West lightning arrester.
  • Detailed printing of wheelchair, stroller, women-only car marks.
  • Front display: “A Local Nishi-Akashi”, “A Local Kyoto”, “H Local Matsuiyamate”.
  • Realistic couplers and destination signs.

 

Features - Specifications

Other:

  • Head-/taillights lit ( w/ yellow fog lamps).
  • Slotless motor.

 

 

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

 

 

Anticipated Delivery Date: February 2026

 

Order Due Date: September 18, 2025

new gukrefer


Product Details

Kato (Japan) - N Scale - 315-3000 Series N-Gauge Starter Set - Light Gray/Orange/Gray with White Lettering - Ideal for Modern Rail Technology & JR Tokai Fans Beginner Modelers (Starter Set) - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-10003-run3
$263.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - Old Passenger Car 4-Car Set (Brown) - Brown/White with White Roof - Ideal for Vintage Japanese Rolling Stock Fans Classic Layouts - Expected Release Date: 2026-10-01
3811-10034-run4
$77.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - Old Model Coach 4-Car Set (Blue) - Blue/White with Gray Roof - Ideal for Vintage Japanese Rolling Stock Fans Classic Layouts - Expected Release Date: 2026-10-01
3811-100341-run4
$77.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - 321 Series (JR Kyoto, Kobe, Tozai Lines) 3-Car Basic Set - Silver/Dark Blue/Orange/White/Light Gray - Ideal for JR West EMU Collectors Kansai Commuter Rail Fans - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-101837
$126.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - 321 Series (JR Kyoto, Kobe, Tozai Lines) 4-Car Add-On Set - Silver/Dark Blue/Orange/White/Light Gray - Ideal for JR West EMU Collectors Kansai Commuter Rail Fans - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-101838
$120.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - 315-3000 Series 4-Car Set - Light Gray/Orange/Gray with White Lettering - Ideal for Modern Rail Technology & JR Tokai Fans Beginner Modelers (Starter Set) - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-102065
$169.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - 315-3000 Series + 313-300 Series 6-Car Set ※Special Edition - Silver/Orange/White/Gray - Ideal for Modern Rail Technology & JR Tokai Fans Beginner Modelers (Starter Set) - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-102066
$263.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - 313-300 Series (Shizuoka Depot) 2-Car Add-On Set - Silver/White/Orange/Gray - Ideal for Tokai Region Commuter Modern JR Central Layouts - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-102067
$71.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - 313-1000 Series Tokaido Line 4-Car Set - Silver/White/Orange/Gray - Ideal for Tokai Region Commuter Modern JR Central Layouts - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-102068
$172.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - E231-0 Series Musashino Line 4-Car Basic Set - Silver/Orange/White/Gray with White Lettering - Ideal for Fans of Japanese EMUs, Tokyo Rail Network Modelers - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-102140
$144.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - E231-0 Series Musashino Line 4-Car Add-On Set - Silver/Orange/White/Gray with White Lettering - Ideal for Fans of Japanese EMUs, Tokyo Rail Network Modelers - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-102141
$120.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - 43 Series "Hakkoda" 7-Car Basic Set - Brown/Blue/White/Gray/Gold with Gold Lettering - Ideal For 1960s–70s Expresses Heritage Train Enthusiast - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-102181
$172.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - 43 Series "Hakkoda" 7-Car Add-On Set - Brown/Blue/White/Gray/Gold with Gold Lettering - Ideal For 1960s–70s Expresses Heritage Train Enthusiast - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-102182
$147.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - 24 Series Sleeper Express "Hokutosei" (Deluxe Formation) 6-Car Basic Set - Blue/Yellow with Gray Roof & White Lettering - Ideal for Deluxe Sleeper Train Fans 2000s JR East Modelers - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-10831-run2
$175.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - 24 Series Sleeper Express "Hokutosei" (Deluxe Formation) 6-Car Add-on Set - Blue/Yellow with Gray Roof & White Lettering - Ideal for Deluxe Sleeper Train Fans 2000s JR East Modelers - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-10832-run2
$156.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - "787 Series" Sound Card - Black/White with Black Lettering & Big Green/Red Letters Logo - Ideal for “787 Series“ Fans JR Limited Express Collectors - Expected Release Date: 2026-12-01
3811-222438
$39.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - Natural Light Color Filter for LED Interior Lighting Kit (White) - Ideal for Layout Realism and Lighting Customization DIY Enthusiasts - Expected Release Date: 2026-12-01
3811-28297
$9.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - EF81 81 "Hokutosei" Colour Electric Locomotive - Red/Gray/Blue/White/Silver with White Lettering - Ideal for Deluxe Sleeper Train Fans 2000s JR East Modelers - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-3066E
$82.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - EF57 Electric Locomotive - Brown/Black/Gold with Gold Lettering - Ideal for Classic JNR Loco Collectors Showa-Era Layouts - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-30692
$91.00
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - EF57 1 Electric Locomotive - Brown/Black/Gold with Gold Lettering - Ideal for Classic JNR Loco Collectors Showa-Era Layouts - Expected Release Date: 2026-02-01
3811-30693
$91.00

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