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Jan 13, 2026 - N Scale
Kato (Japan) - N Scale - January 2026 Releases
Dear N Scale Customers;
Kato (Japan) is excited to announce the January 2026 Releases
DB ET 425 Regio 4-Car Set
● Item Introduction
The DB Class ET425 is a modern German suburban EMU that forms the backbone of regional passenger transport across Germany. Operating in major metropolitan areas such as Stuttgart, Frankfurt, and Berlin, it is used on Regional Express services (comparable to Japanese Rapid trains) as well as S-Bahn commuter routes.
◆ Its sleek articulated 4-car design and flexible multiple-unit operation allow for realistic operation alongside iconic European high-speed and international trains such as the ICE 4, Thalys PBKA, and various TGV formations, creating authenticmodern German railway scenes.
◆ Product Features
Details
- Authentic DB Class ET425 with new car numbers and updated detailing.
- Articulated construction with realistic multiple-unit operation.
- Modern red-and-white DB Regio livery without “REGIO” logos.
- Interior seating molded in blue.
- Destination stickers included, printed in black.
Specifications
Other:
- Head-/taillights lit (on/off switch).
- Slotless motor.
- DCC-friendly design.
Anticipated Delivery Date: September 2026
24 Series 25 Type Sleeping Car “Seto / Asakaze” Sets
● Item Introduction
During the early JR era, Seto and Asakaze sleeper expresses operated with a shared, highly distinctive car formation. Instead of the standard Kani 24 power car, these distinctive formations supplied electricity via a SuHa 25 lounge car equipped with a pantograph, while a OhaneFu 25-300 with a luggage compartment was incorporated to replace the power car’s baggage function. This unique configuration resulted in a highly characteristic and memorable Blue Train formation.
◆ Product Features
Details
- Configuration w/ pantograph-equipped SuHa 25 lounge car supplying onboard power.
- OhaneFu 25-300 w/ luggage compartment, replacing the conventional power car.
- Decal-based destination signs allow greater layout and era flexibility.
- Recommended locomotives include the simultaneously released EF65 1000 Late Form (JR Specification, Gray H-Rubber) and EF66 0 Series Late Form Blue Train Locomotive.
681 Series "Shirasagi“ Sets
● Item Introduction
The 681 Series “Shirasagi” (“White Heron,” a traditional Japanese bird name) represents JR West’s elegant intercity express service linking Nagoya with the Hokuriku region. Transferred and refurbished from “Thunderbird” and “Hakutaka“ express service duties, these trains received various modifications that reflect their transitional role in the development of modern Japanese intercity rail transport.
◆ This model captures the “Shirasagi” both before and after the Hokuriku Shinkansen extension to Tsuruga, making it ideal for recreating modern JR West mainline scenes together with Special Rapid and regional EMUs.
◆ Product Features
Details
- Accurately modeled W14 and V41 JR West formations.
- Newly tooled SaHa 681-300 with updated interior layout.
- Grey window framing (KuMoHa 681, KuHa 680), underfloor equipment, front-end detailing.
- Cars 3, 6, 8: disc brake–style wheelsets.
- Realistic interior seat coloring.
- Optional open-position front gangway door parts.
- Destination display stickers included.
- Expandable storage: basic set case fits the add-on set as well.
Specifications
Couplers: close-coupling system (through-type cars: hookless, intermediate cars: bogie-mounted, with hooks), basic set includes front-end jumper cables, coupler covers.
Other:
- Head-/taillights lit (warm-white LEDs, except car No. 7).
- GM-5 motor.
E657 Series "E653 Series Revival Color (Blue)" 10-Car Set (Special Edition)
● Item Introduction
Introduced in 2011 as an AC/DC limited express EMU, the E657 Series remains a flagship train of the Joban Line (Joban Line: a major intercity railway corridor connecting Tokyo with northeastern Japan). For the 2023 Ibaraki Destination Campaign, it received a special “Fresh Hitachi”-inspired livery based on the classic E653 Series, drawing strong attention from railway fans.
◆ As the fourth release in KATO’s series, the blue K1 formation joins the expanding five-color collection and pairs perfectly with other JR East models operating in the Sendai area.
◆ Product Features
Details
- Revival livery inspired by the E653 Series “Fresh Hitachi” (Blue) and formation-specific emblem (Blue version: Shioyasaki Coast and lighthouse).
- Detailed AC/DC EMU roof equipment, including insulators, high-voltage gear around the pantograph, train radio and iMAX antennas.
- Correct gray underfloor and bogie finish.
- Green-tinted windows.
- Destination display stickers included.
Specifications
Couplers: body-mounted KATO close-coupler (w/ inter-car dampers).
Other:
- Slotless motor
- DCC-friendly design.
211-3000 Series (Bōsō Color) 5-Car Sets
● Item Introduction
The 211 Series that served the Bōsō area (the large peninsula forming the southern part of Chiba Prefecture) from 2006 to 2012 is now reproduced in model form. Originally surplus 211-3000 series units were repainted in the striking yellow-and-blue Bōsō Color and played a key role in replacing older 113 Series trains.
◆ Features both the two-pantograph and single-pantograph formations, capturing the unique mixed-pantograph appearance seen in actual operation. With detailed destination displays and the ability to form 10- car consists, this model offers an authentic recreation of a memorable regional commuter train.
◆ Product Features
Details
- Distinctive PS35 single-arm pantograph, detailed rooftop equipment on Formation 507.
- Train radio antenna with round base.
- Striking yellow-and-blue Bōsō Color striping.
- Beading on car-end fascia, MR161A main resistors (3+3 configuration), asymmetrical front light frame.
- Snowplows on lead car bogies.
- Multiple destination and train number options included for flexible era and route modeling.
Specifications
Couplers: body-mounted close couplers (hookless) on control/intermediate cars, includes single-stage jumper cable, dummy coupler.
Other:
- Head-/taillights, front destination displays lit (on/off switch).
- Slotless motor.
- DCC friendly design.
Looking for more Kato Passenger Cars & Sets? Click here!
ED71 1st Electric Locomotive
● Item Introduction
The ED71 was a pioneering AC electric locomotive that supported passenger and freight services on the Tōhoku Main Line for over two decades. Introduced in 1959, it laid the foundation for later AC locomotive designs such as the ED75. With the introduction of the more powerful ED75 in 1965, ED71s were gradually reassigned from faster services. In their later years, some locomotives received dual sealed-beam headlights, and the class remained in service until final withdrawal in 1982.
◆ This model depicts the early production type, recognizable by its distinctive side filter layout! Often seen in multiple-unit operation and mixed consists on steep northern mainlines.
◆ Product Features
Details
- “Field-grid” side filters, shorter rain gutter unique to first-production units, electric train heating indicator.
- Wraparound body stripe, silver-finished step edges.
- Highly detailed roof equipment typical of early AC electrics.
- Pre-installed front handrails, release levers, train protection flare, and whistle.
- Multiple number and maker plates for customization.
Specifications
Couplers: Arnold couplers (knuckle couplers for replacement).
Other:
- Warm white single headlight lighting.
- Slotless motor.
Looking for more Kato Electric Locomotives? Click here!
Anticipated Delivery Date: June 2026
Order Due Date: January 22, 2026
Product Details
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