Need Help identifying Mystery N Gauge Set

[5horizonsrr]

Hi everyone,

 

I'm new to the forum here, and love some of the posts I've seen! I'm admittedly a collector of european N scale, but I recently stumbled upon this Japanese set, and can't for the life of me figure out who made it or what it is. The train is metal, maybe brass but I'm not sure. The label in the top corner says "1979 blue ribbon" for model of the year or something like that.

 

Any advice on make, model or value is much appreciated, and thanks in advance!

[Darklighter]

The maker is Endo (エンドウ), the article number 9501 and this is the prototype: Kintetsu Series 30000.

Edited February 3, 2014 by Darklighter

[Densha]

Last year at Eurospoor in the Netherlands we actually found a 2nd hand Endo Kintetsu model from the 1980's or something. The condition was hideous but it was funny seeing how it ended up here on the other side of the world.

[5horizonsrr]

Wow thanks for the fast replies! Crazy indeed how it made its way here. I can only imagine the follow's collection it came it picked it up on one of his international travels. Thanks!