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Oct 15, 2025 - N Scale
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - October 2025 Releases
Dear N Scale Customers;
Kato (Japan) is excited to announce the October 2025 Releases
Nankai Electric Railway 6000 Series Car Sets
● Item Introduction
First introduced in 1962, the Nankai 6000 series is a rugged stainless steel commuter train that continues to serve the Koya Line after more than 60 years. Designed in collaboration with the Budd Company and built by Tokyu Car (now J-TREC), these trains feature unpainted corrugated bodies and a uniquely vintage look.
Refurbished in the 1980s with AC systems and updated bogies, the 6000 series gained a distinctive heavy-roofed profile. A livery update in the ’90s added signature blue and orange stripes and “NANKAI” logo badges.
◆ Though retirements began in 2019, 20 cars are still going strong — operating everything from local to rapid express services alongside new-generation trains.
◆ Product Features
Features - Specifications
Couplers: Hookless body-mounted close-couplers (one-stage electric connectors, body mounts incl.)
Other:
- Functional LED lights (head/tail), classification,destination displays (switchable lighting modes).
- Slotless motor.
Features – Details
8-Car Set
- Modeled on 6th & 7th batches, authentic "NANKAI" logos, blue number plates.
- Front destination signs: "Local Express Namba“, "Express Hashimoto“, "Local Kawachinagano“, blank.
6-Car Set【Special Edition】
- From 1992, featuring vintage emblems, green plates, name plates on lower body.
- Corrugated stainless steel body, roof-mounted AC units, close-coupler conversion, and accurate bogie types post-refurbishment.
- Front destination signs: "Local Express Namba“, "Express Hashimoto“, "Semi-Express Senboku Komyoike“, blank.
Anticipated Delivery Date: Feb/Mar 2026
683-2000 Series "Noto Kagaribi" 3-Car Set
● Item Introduction
Before the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension to Tsuruga in 2024, the Hokuriku Main Line was famous for its many limited express trains, including the Thunderbird and Shirakami. After 2024, these services shortened to Tsuruga, while the Noto Kagari-bi continues as the region’s sole conventional limited express.
◆ This model features the 683 series 2000 subseries, currently running the Noto Kagari-bi service. It’s perfect for recreating pre-Shinkansen Thunderbird trains when combined with other 683 series models, and complements the Happy Line Fukui 521 series for authentic Hokuriku setups.
◆ Product Features
Features - Details
- Detailed model of the Kanazawa-based R12 3-Car Set.
- Realistic black window band, blue striping, openable front gangway, and JR West-style lightning arrestor.
- Doors positioned toward the Kanazawa end.
- Destination display stickers (from before the Hokuriku Shinkansen Tsuruga extension).
Features - Specifications
Couplers: KATO's close-coupler (hookless, with double-level electric connector) on lead cars, standard body-mounted close-couplers (with hook) on intermediate cars.
Other:
- Head-/taillights lit (on/off switch).
- Slotless motor.
- DCC-friendly.
Aichi Loop Railway 2000 Series Type 2-Car Sets
● Item Introduction
The Aichi Loop Railway 2000 series, active since 2002, runs the full line from Okazaki to Kozoji. Based on JR’s 313 series, it’s a key commuter EMU in the region.
To celebrate the 20th anniversary of Expo 2005 Aichi, a special livery train entered service in March 2025, recreating the design from that memorable event!
◆ This release features three liveries: standard blue, green, and Expo 2005 Revival. The green and Expo versions are the first to include double-pantograph setups. Combine sets to recreate real-life coupled train formations!
◆ Product Features
Features - Details
- 2025 versions of Sets G7 (Blue Stripe), G10 (Green), G9 (Expo 2005 Revival Design).
- The Expo 2005 Revival Design features the original Aichi Expo livery featuring the official mascots.
- Double pantographs (PS27-type single-arm pantograph for the Blue Stripes version).
- Interior seating is represented in blue.
- Destination display stickers.
Features - Specifications
Couplers: Body-mounted KATO close-coupler (hookless, incl. two-level electric connector).
Note: To couple with previous models, the coupler on the lead car must be replaced with the hookless type used in this release.
Other:
- Head-/taillights lit (warm-white LEDs, on/off switch).
- GM-5 motor.
Anticipated Delivery Date: March 2026
JR Shikoku 8000 Series Starter Set
● Item Introduction
Based on the concept of “Making your N-Gauge debut with your local train,” this starter set features JR Shikoku’s 8000 Series limited express train Shiokaze / Ishizuchi.
It’s an ideal introductory set that includes everything you need to start running N-Gauge trains — the train cars, Unitrack, and controller all in one package.
◆ Product Features
◆ Includes trains, UNITRACK PC-ties, and a Power Pack. Ideal for newcomers, collectors, and anyone ready to explore Japan’s railways in miniature!
Looking for more Kato Passenger Cars & Sets? Click here!
Automatic 3 Color Signal SX Left-handed Straight Track 2 ½
● Item Introduction
N Scale UNITRACK Automatic Signal — now with updated power connectors and revised track length configuration! The straight track used for the signal unit is now 64 mm long, offering greater flexibility in signal placement compared to previous models. When combined with the included auxiliary track, it can also function as a 124 mm straight track. Additionally, it can be paired with a stop signal button for expanded operation options.
◆ The signal’s power supply has been updated to draw power directly either from the accessory terminals of the Power Pack Standard SX, Power Pack Hyper DX, or from any external power source.
◆ Product Features
Features - Details
- Compact design with realistic, true-to-scale appearance, mounted on a 64 mm straight track.
- Advanced functions available when used with the separately sold Stop Signal Button (24-848). Pressing the button while the signal is green will switch it to red.
- Compatible with both standard layouts and DCC layouts.
Note: On DCC layouts the signal always displays green regardless of train direction. To show red when running in reverse, the Stop Signal Button (24-848) is required.
Others
- Can be powered via the accessory terminals of the Power Pack Standard SX (22-018BK), the Power Pack Hyper DX (22-0117), or by connecting with the Power Supply Connector (22-081).
Caution: Not compatible with the 22-012 Standard S Controller or earlier models. Use may result in malfunction.
Looking for more Kato Accessories, Parts & Tracks? Click here!
Anticipated Delivery Date: December 2026
Order Due Date: October 23, 2025
Product Details
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