E4 Series Shinkansen "Max" 8-Car Set

● Item Introduction

The double-deck legend returns! KATO brings back the E4 Series “Max”, Japan’s only double-deck Shinkansen and a true symbol of the high-speed era, in both its yellow “Max” and pink “Max Toki” liveries. It is most famous for its massive 16-car, 1,634-seat formations and graceful two-story profile. It concluded its regular operations on October 1st, 2021, closing a proud chapter of Japan’s high-speed history. Even now, the E4 remains one of the most distinctive and beloved Shinkansen trains ever built.

◆ Now updated with slotless motors and refined detailing, this nostalgic express embodies the power, style, and innovation of Japan’s bullet train heritage.

 

◆ Product Features

Details

E4 Series Shinkansen “Max”

• E4 Series P5 formation.
• Detailed emblems displayed on the sides of the cars.

 

E4 Series Shinkansen “Max Toki”

• Pink stripe livery and three-crested ibis (toki) logo adorning the car sides.
• PS201-type pantograph, lightning arresters, and antennae on the roof.
• Printed car numbers, body markings, and door-side information stickers (on cars No. 7 and 8).
• See-through lower deck windows on the motor car for added realism.

 

Specifications

• Slotless motor.
• Tip: Cars No. 7/8 come pre-fitted with light guides for interior illumination. Combine with LED interior lights to reproduce the different lightings tones between Green (First Class) and Standard Class Cars.

 

 

Anticipated Delivery Date: April/May 2026

 

 

E259 Series "Narita Express" (Renewal Color) 3-Car Basic Set

● Item Introduction

The E259 Series “Narita Express”, introduced in 2009 as the second-gen airport express linking central Tokyo and Narita Airport, returns! This modern EMU captures the elegant look of Tokyo’s airport express with its latest silver design, faithfully reflecting JR East’s 2024 real-world updates! A timely, accurate model of one of Japan’s most recognizable express trains — perfect alongside other JR East fleet models, such as the E5, E6, and E231 Series, in your collection.

◆ Combine with the KATO Sound Box and Sound Card for an immersive experience that brings the Narita Express to life in both motion and sound!

 

◆ Product Features

Details

• Updated livery without “N’EX” logo and aircraft marks.
• Separately molded signal flare, train radio antenna, and protection radio antenna.
• Add-on set: uses 6-car bookcase design, can store the basic set.
• Tip: Basic set is part of KATO’s Best Selection lineup — ideal for beginners.

 

Specifications

Couplers: intermediate cars: body-mounted KATO tight couplers (with hook), body damper representation; lead car cab end : KATO tight couplers (without hook), one-stage electrical connector (optional open-door part for double-set coupling).

Other:

• White HID lamps (upper), warm-colored sealed beams (middle), and red taillights (lower, with switch).
• Slotless motor.

 

 

681 Series “Thunderbird” (Renewal Car) Add-on Formation 3-Car Set

● Item Introduction

The elegant 681 Series “Thunderbird”, JR West’s first limited express EMU, now joins KATO’s Thunderbird lineup! First introduced in 1992 as JR West’s first purpose-built limited express EMU, over the years it was modernized with expanded doorways for accessibility, crew room removal, and refreshed in the elegant black-and-blue livery shared with the 683 Series. ◆ Ideal for combining with the 683 Series “Thunderbird” to recreate the powerful 12-car formation connecting Osaka and Kanazawa!

 

◆ Product Features

Details

• Newly reproduces Moha 681-300 (expanded passenger area after of conductor’s room removal), Kuha 681-200 (widened passenger door for barrier-free access).
• Black window band, blue front/side stripes, Thunderbird emblem spanning the inter-car connections.
• Underfloor equipment details, open front-end door parts.
• Destination display stickers included.

 

Specifications

Couplers: close couplers (hookless type), two-level electrical connectors on cab ends; body-mounted close couplers (with hooks) for intermediary cars.

Other:

• Head-/taillights lit (warm-white LEDs).

 

 

 50-2000 Series Passenger Cars & Sets

● Item Introduction

Introduced in 1977 to replace aging passenger coaches, the 50-2000 Series (JR Style), nicknamed “Red Train”, represents the early JR era with its iconic red body and JR logo. Equipped with electric heating and a guard’s compartment, this versatile car can form anything from short locals to long regional trains.

◆ Combine it with ED78, EF71, or ED75 700 (JR) to recreate the classic Tohoku “Red Train” scene!

 

◆ Product Features

Details

• JR-era version of the beloved “Red Train” 50 Series with OhaFu 50 and JR markings.
• Newly printed car number and depot code (Aki / 秋アキ) markings in addition to the JR logo.
• Integrated ventilators, replacable with optional 11-551 50 Series Passenger Car Grade-Up Parts Set.
• 3-car bookcase can store two additional locomotives (except Class H) and two passenger cars for convenient set organization.

 

Specifications

Couplers: truck-mounted Arnold couplers as standard; can be converted to body-mounted couplers.

Other:

• OhaFu 50: directional taillights with switch-off function.

 

 

E233-7000 Series Saikyo Line 40th Anniversary Edition 2-Top-Car Set

● Item Introduction

Celebrate 40 years of the Saikyō Line with this special edition! This set of the currently active E233 Series 7000 Hae-117 has been specially decorated in a retro-inspired livery paying homage to the trains which served the Saikyō Line at its opening.

The front ends and side panels are wrapped in Yellow-Green No.6 (“Uguisu Green”, used on many JNR commuter trains of the 1960s–1980s), a color rarely seen on modern rolling stock.

◆ Includes both cab cars and can be combined with the E233 Series 7000 Saikyō Line (10-2109 / 10-2110) to recreate the real commemorative formation. A perfect addition for collectors and Saikyō Line fans alike!

 

◆ Product Features

Details

• Nostalgic Uguisu Green wrap, green front band, and commemorative logos inspired by past Saikyō Line trains.
• Attachable headmark, printed logo marks.
• Roof-mounted ATACS antenna, air conditioners differ between cars: Car 1 with AU726A, Car 10 with AU726B.
• Front destination signs: “1182F / Rapid Shinkiba”; replacements: “Local Shinjuku”, “(blank)”.

 

Specifications

Couplers: body-mounted KATO coupler tight-coupling type (with hook); dummy couplers on cab ends.

Other:

• Head-/taillights lit (white LEDs).
• Coreless motor.
• DCC friendly.

 

 

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

 

 

 EF71 1st (JR Style) Electric Locomotive

● Item Introduction

The EF71 and ED78 capture the essence of Japan’s vintage electric locomotives, famous for their reliability and distinctive deep red color. Originally designed to tackle steep mountain routes in northern Japan, these locomotives combine compact size with impressive pulling power — perfect for both passenger and freight operations. With their finely detailed bodies, smooth and quiet performance, and nostalgic coloring, they make outstanding centerpieces for any model railway layout or classic collection.

◆ Pair them with the 50-2000 Series Passenger Cars to recreate the nostalgic red formations once seen on Japan’s northern mountain lines!

 

 

Looking for more Kato Electric Locomotives? Click here!

 

 

Anticipated Delivery Date: April 2026

 

Order Due Date: November 22, 2025

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