New Japanese Model Special Offer

N Scale Japanese Passenger Train Sets

from Kato 

 Limited Time Offer on Japanese Imports

Dear N Scalers who like Japanese Models,  Kato has just offered you the opportunity to 

reserve some new Japanese releases that are coming out, including both long distance 

express trains such as the Shinkansen, and smaller regional commuter trains like the 

brand new 321 Series stainless steel electric train.   Please see the attached new release 

and information on these trains that you can read below. Orders with Kato Japan are due 

August 30th, 2007, so don't delay in getting your orders in to us at Pacific Western Rail!  

As always, feel free to call us if you have any questions (866) 840-7777.

Japanese Express Train Prototype Information

The E3 Shinkansen “Komachi”

The E3 Series Shinkansen “Komachi” are new Japanese Shinkansen high-speed trains built for the opening 
of the new Akita Shinkansen 'mini-Shinkansen' line, converted from a regular 1,067 mm (3'6") narrow-gauge 
line between Morioka and Akita. The line joins with the Tohoku Shinkansen.
 
Like the 400 Series Shinkansen, these trains are built to a smaller loading gauge to fit on the narrower 
clearances of the 'mini-Shinkansen'. The initial units built starting in 1997 were 5-car sets, but sixth cars were 
built to integrate into the existing units by the end of 1998.
 

The name Odoriko (Dancing Girl) comes from a story of romance in Izu, written by the Nobel laureate novelist,

Yasunari Kawabata. The Series 251 Superview Odoriko made its debut in 1990 as an express train for speedy

travel between Tokyo and resorts in scenic Izu Peninsula Province. To realize superb view, the train was made to

consist of double-decker and single high-decker cars only.

 In 2002, 12 years after its debut, a renewal was made on the train with new modern painting of ivory and

turquoise colors separated with a blue line. The facilities inside the train were also then improved, including

addition of accommodations for the handicapped.

Japanese Commuter Train Prototype Information

The Series 321 Electric Train

Series 321 is a new stainless steel commuter train of JR West Japan and made its debut in 2005 in urban

areas in West Japan. The train is made of 7 cars and operated on Tokaido main line, Sanyo main line and

Fukuchiyama line, etc