Kato will be producing the KIHA 81 and KIHA 82-900 in HO Scale for the first time, along with a re-production of the similar KIRO 80 cars.

First produced in the 1960s, the KIHA series Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) was used on the “Limited Express Hatsukari” on the JNR. The KIHA 81 had a distinct bonnet nose design (see above), which was later simplified for the KIHA 82-900 and KIRO 80 series trains.

Being DMUs, these cars could be operated in a variety of different car configurations, thus the models will be sold individually allowing modelers to build up a train however they choose.

The KIRO 80 and KIHA 82-900 both share a more flattened cab appearance than the distintive bulldog-snout of the KIHA 81. The primary difference visually between the KIRO 80 is the number and shape of the windows on the side, as the KIHA 82-900 was originally converted from a 1st class KIRO car.

Order Due Date: September 24, 2019

Anticipated Delivery Date: March 2020