Kato - New releases

[Fenway Park]

Hi

The most interesting item on the poster is the completely new D51 to match the C62 and Tomix C57. These are to or close to 1/150 and not the older 1/140 compromise.

[David]

Nothing shocking. The new items where already seen at JAM, just without a release date. DE10 warm and cold reruns in N scale. I might want those wood chip carriers, they're cheap for a pair.

Does anyone know what the green text says/means? The same message is beside the ED79 and the 24 series sleepers.

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Warning...another dumb question alert!

Are those four-wheeled wagons wood chip carriers then? Is that a generic term and they are more general purpose, or are they really specialist vehicles seen on that type of traffic?

[westfalen]

Warning...another dumb question alert!

Are those four-wheeled wagons wood chip carriers then? Is that a generic term and they are more general purpose, or are they really specialist vehicles seen on that type of traffic?

The purple ones are woodchip wagons, I've seen them in Hokkaido but I don't know if they are used anywhere else. The blue ones are standard boxcars I think mainly used for newsprint these days, someone will correct me if I'm wrong. I got some video of a solid train of 17 of them heading east on the Tokkaido Line along Lake Hamanako this afternoon.

[David]

Yes, the WAMU 48000 was specificly designed for carrying wood chips and is fitted with a roof hatch. To the best of my knowledge they where made for carrying wood chips in Hokkaido from 1998 to 2008 to supply the Nippon Paper Factory.

[CaptOblivious]

By the ED79, the green text, first line reads: "Cassiopeia" (ED79's are used to haul, among other things, blue trains through the Seikan Tunnel). The second line is undoubtedly another blue train name I don't recognize—whichever one is pictured just above it :D

The Cassiopeia re-release is interesting to me. One: It includes a loco, something Kato didn't use to do very often with their PC kits, and two: It reads "new", next to the loco and the cars, which makes me wonder if this is a new tooling of the E26 series PC models? Very exciting if it is!

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Warning...another dumb question alert!

Are those four-wheeled wagons wood chip carriers then? Is that a generic term and they are more general purpose, or are they really specialist vehicles seen on that type of traffic?

The purple ones are woodchip wagons, I've seen them in Hokkaido but I don't know if they are used anywhere else. The blue ones are standard boxcars I think mainly used for newsprint these days, someone will correct me if I'm wrong. I got some video of a solid train of 17 of them heading east on the Tokkaido Line along Lake Hamanako this afternoon.

Thanks for the explanations guys...

Pretty bad news seeing them on the Tokaido line...may be tempted to get a couple of these!

[Nick_Burman]

Yes, the WAMU 48000 was specificly designed for carrying wood chips and is fitted with a roof hatch. To the best of my knowledge they where made for carrying wood chips in Hokkaido from 1998 to 2008 to supply the Nippon Paper Factory.

Somene please correct me, but AFAIK these wagons were converted from older box wagons.


Cheers NB

[David]

Sorry, I didn't mean to imply they where made from scratch. I just meant that the "48000" form was specifically put together for carrying wood chips and wasn't a general use car like the 38000. I agree that they where converted from older stock (Wamu 28000?)

[westfalen]

Warning...another dumb question alert!

Are those four-wheeled wagons wood chip carriers then? Is that a generic term and they are more general purpose, or are they really specialist vehicles seen on that type of traffic?

The purple ones are woodchip wagons, I've seen them in Hokkaido but I don't know if they are used anywhere else. The blue ones are standard boxcars I think mainly used for newsprint these days, someone will correct me if I'm wrong. I got some video of a solid train of 17 of them heading east on the Tokkaido Line along Lake Hamanako this afternoon.

Here's my video.
<a href="http://www.youtube.com/v/FIjW13v08Qo" target="_blank">http://www.youtube.com/v/FIjW13v08Qo</a>

[scott]

The lack of things I want on the November and December posters is leading me rationalize that it's OK to get another Niigata 115. 

[David]

Ok, new releases are...huh? Is it just me, or does this not look new?

113-2000. Ok, the paint scheme is new, but I suspect this is the same tooling as before.

E217, in "new" Yokosuka/Subo color. Which looks surprising like the old colors (I'm not familiar with the prototype, maybe there is an important livery change, I just can't see any change in the photo).

The the only definite change to the E259 (which was already "new" in 2010) is that it's now in a Tomix style Basic 3 + Addon 3 set configuration instead of all 6 cars. It might have a different number then the first release.

Oh and look, another E64 in standard blue+cream livery. Didn't Kato release 2 or 3 of these as "new" in 2010 already? Isn't it Microace's job to release the same model in every tiny variation that ever existed (and that would be because Microace actually models all the details, where as apart from the number and a board there is probably no difference at all from other releases from Kato).


So January is basically re-releases posing as new products month.

[KenS]

E217, in "new" Yokosuka/Subo color. Which looks surprising like the old colors (I'm not familiar with the prototype, maybe there is an important livery change, I just can't see any change in the photo).

I don't know what's different either, but even if this is just a re-release with a trivial change I'm glad to see it. The E217 has been one of the holes in my collection.  HS has this up for reservations (10-843/844/845/846), and the description says:

"Currently vehicles are operated in common with the car not updated update can also be found in the different bands of color combinations and accessories organized and basic organization.
- KATO becoming increasingly common, including skirts and reproduced in the E217 and enhanced devices as well as an updated floor band new color changing colors of the system. Similar to the operation of the vehicle, please enjoy a combination of existing products!

- In addition to changes in vehicle design and color of the belt, Moha Reinforced skirt and top of the car's floor E217/216 created a new instrument."

According to wikipedia there was a 2006 change to 10+5 sets. Kato's old 10-495/496/497 set was of an 11+4 arrangement, and the more recent 10-574/575/576 set appears to be the same.

So I'd guess as well as the recent Kato practice of making smaller starting sets, there are differences in the under-car detail, and the stripe on the side, and perhaps the full train is now a 10+5 arrangement although whether that's more than just a different order of coupling the same cars is unclear.

Update: just realized I misred the wikipedia page and the 10+5 sets are in Orange/Green Shonan colors, which these obviously are not.

So January is basically re-releases posing as new products month.

I wouldn't argue with that.  I'm excited about the E217, but otherwise it's not exactly earth-shaking.

[CaptOblivious]

Didn't Kato just release the Akebono blue train a couple of months ago? So confused.

[scott]

Didn't Kato just release the Akebono blue train a couple of months ago? So confused.

Well, that answers my first question ("which train is that EF81 for?") 

How about the 113--what livery is that?

[David]

How about the 113--what livery is that?

Yokosuka (maybe to pair with the E217). Kato did the 4 car 115-2000 in Shonan colors (green/orange) last month, and given the truck mounted rapido couplers it was either an existing mold, or they reused with minor variations the 113-1500 mold once used.

[CaptOblivious]

So, the Akebono part numbers are the very same as the set released in May. Same for the EF81. But the EF64 is new at least…

[David]

First up is the 223-2000 limited express 4-car set for JR West fans. This set looks like a retweak of Kato's other 223-2000 4-car set (there is also an 8 car set). The difference is in makeup (3 motor cars instead of 2). This set is also labeled as cars 1 to 4, while the previous was numbered like an attachment set, 9 to 12.

Next is the new imperial train. The picture only really shows the imperial DD54, but there is also a matching new 5 car imperial train (in Showa period design) also being released for it to pull.

The last new item is a 201 Keiyo 10-car set, which I think is just a repackaged version of the previously "limited edition" set.

In the reissue department there is the C55, and then a bunch of single freight and passenger cars (there is the Mitsubishi Taki 1900, just after I bought a set of the Hitachi - maybe I'll buy them too as I was pleased with them). Nothing in HO.

[CaptOblivious]

Kind of a boring month for Kato. You had my hopes up for a moment, reading your commentary, that Kato was releasing the E655系…

[Martijn Meerts]

Might go for the C55, although I'm not sure if I already have a C55 somewhere, need to check =)

[to2leo]

Pass.

[Kumo]

Pass.

On the other side, MicroAce has great new models!! :-)

[bikkuri bahn]

A C55 in HO would make my day (spoke drivers!).  You can only dream...

[westfalen]

A C55 in HO would make my day (spoke drivers!).  You can only dream...

Looks like the motor in the cab, photo of old model? If it's completely retooled like the C62 and D51 I might consider it.

[Nozomi4ever]

Hmmm.No more trams from Kato?

[David]

No surprises for March (Kato is not getting off to a fast start, hopefully after March things pick up)

There of course is the E5, Kato's one and only real new train for the month. Oddly it's a tiny 3-car basic set ala Tomix to make it affordable. Another oddity is that there is no mention of DCC compatiblity. It does have flywheel drive and a tilt mechanism, as well as the connector for joining to the E6 at some point.

There is also the replacement for Yamanote cattle cars, sold as a 2 car set so you don't have to buy a new 11-car formation. Kato is also doing a reissue of the train itself, but it looks like it's only the four car basic set (even stranger is that the basic set comes with a cattle car - another 3-car starter!).

The last "new" product is a D51 steam locomotive set with retro passenger cars - it appears to be the locomotive and cars from the 10-005 starter set. Previously the only way to get these cars was to buy the entire starter set, of which shipping was prohibitive (the ~9400 yen price tag makes this really affordable now).

And then straight reissues:

EF200 Freight Locomotive
651 Super Hitachi
Kiha52 in metropolitan paint scheme (single powered and unpowered cars)
Series 583 set and the addons

[David]

I should note, based on the price, that the D51 set is probably the older 1/140 tooling (I can't read all the Japanese text on the poster, and there doesn't seem to be anything to draw attention to it being 'new').

[Nozomi]

&lt;br /&gt;No surprises for March (Kato is not getting off to a fast start, hopefully after March things pick up)&lt;br /&gt;&lt;br /&gt;There of course is the E5, Kato&#039;s one and only real new train for the month. Oddly it&#039;s a tiny 3-car basic set ala Tomix to make it affordable.

&lt;br /

Why so negative? The real E5 will start operating in March 2010. This means that the modell and the real thing are operational the same month!!! I consider this rather cool. I never experienced something like that before. &lt;br /&gt;You can buy the complete 10-car set for just a few yen more than the Tomix N700-8000 series 8-car set (also a March 2011 release).

[David]

I guess I don't get that excited about Shinkansen since I don't model them. I am more disappointed because Kato has gone from having 2 or 3 *new* items per month, to it being lucky if Kato has 1 real new item. A lot of what is 'new' now is just an existing model sold in a different box. It's a lot like how Atlas has basically stopped new N scale development and just issues repainted models as new. Original, feature rich tooling like that in the E127s last summer got me excited, so I'm eager to see more of it.

[Bernard]

I wonder why Kato doesn't package it as a 6 or 7 car set instead of a 3 basic set plus the add on sets. Is it because it is more inviting to spend less on a 3 car basic set then adding on later?

[KenS]

The idea of a 3-car starter set for a Shinkansen does seem a bit odd.  I realize some Japanese modelers are really limited on space, and Kato clearly wants to lower the cost of entry to sell more sets. But I can't think that the three-car set would look very good on the track. And since there's no two-car add-on, the next choice is a six-car set. I have to believe that 4+4+2 would make more sense than 3+3+4, other than from the cost perspective.

[David]

Kato goes out of their way to mention that the E5 basic set is `affordable for beginners`. Maybe the reduced 4-car basic sets are still not cheap enough to compete with the Tomix 3-car introductory pricing; or just the E5 tooling is more expensive (11000 yen for 3 cars!) requiring Kato to reduce the set size to prevent sticker shock. I hope it's the second, I don't want to start seeing regular 3-car basic sets from Kato (what next, that terrible white foam Tomix uses?).

[CaptOblivious]

*drool*

I don't usually care for shinkansen models, preferring instead the exotic shapes and colors of Limited Expresses, but…I like this one :D

[to2leo]

Wake me up when E6 appears.  Also, where's Unitram???

[Toni Babelony]

Another rerun of that horrible KIHA 52 Series? Oh man... Then again, they sure are cheap and with coupler modifications (and adding some extra details) they would look a lot better, more unique and a part of your own.

[clem24]

Another rerun of that horrible KIHA 52 Series? Oh man... Then again, they sure are cheap and with coupler modifications (and adding some extra details) they would look a lot better, more unique and a part of your own.

LOL they seem to milk everything for what they're worth. I suppose if they keep releasing and people keep buying, then why not? At least they're way more affordable than Tomix's HG models. If that 583 re-release is the same as the old model (i.e. no body mount couplers, same 80's tooling hahaha)...

[Nozomi]

I guess I don't get that excited about Shinkansen since I don't model them. I am more disappointed because Kato has gone from having 2 or 3 *new* items per month, to it being lucky if Kato has 1 real new item. A lot of what is 'new' now is just an existing model sold in a different box. It's a lot like how Atlas has basically stopped new N scale development and just issues repainted models as new. Original, feature rich tooling like that in the E127s last summer got me excited, so I'm eager to see more of it.

Kato seems to have a new policy: re-do the old stuff and just release a few of the most important new trains but as FIRST manufacturer! They do it with the E5 and they did it extremly successful with the E259 Narita Express.

[HST.]

 Is the Kato 583 Series the same as the Blue/Cream Train that can be seen on the Aizu Wakamatsu Web Cam?

Dave.

[CaptOblivious]

Is the Kato 583 Series the same as the Blue/Cream Train that can be seen on the Aizu Wakamatsu Web Cam?

Dave.

I do not know, but even if it is, the Kato model comes with JNR markings, and not JR markings.

[westfalen]

Is the Kato 583 Series the same as the Blue/Cream Train that can be seen on the Aizu Wakamatsu Web Cam?

Dave.

I do not know, but even if it is, the Kato model comes with JNR markings, and not JR markings.

If you could overlook the JNR markings it's the right train.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/583_series

[HST.]

 I could overlook the markings as I quite like the look of the train.  The pics of it on the HS site look ok, will just have to wait till it is released.

Dave.

[Shashinka]

Is the Kato 583 Series the same as the Blue/Cream Train that can be seen on the Aizu Wakamatsu Web Cam?

Dave.

I do not know, but even if it is, the Kato model comes with JNR markings, and not JR markings.

If you could overlook the JNR markings it's the right train.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/583_series

Interesting, I have not seen the 583 at Aizu, in the two years of religiously watching the webcam on monitor two. What times does it arrive?

[HST.]

 I usually see it at about midnight and about 9.00am (give or take a few minutes in each case), UK time, seen it every day this week, but it seems to share the duty with Red Train (485?) with the cartoon characters.   I would say 3 weeks out of 4 it's Red Train and then the 583 for a week. 

Dave.

[Shashinka]

Odd.. that's usually my prime time for aizu-watching. i might have to go through the screen shot capture archives and see if i have any on there.

[disturbman]

I'm pretty sure you have one. You just forgot about it. I remember a picture of it, sitting idle at the station and people wondering what train it was.

HST, yes the "red train with cartoon characters" is a 485 Series in Aizu-Akabei livery (the model is produced by MicroAce).

[Shashinka]

That's possible, Vince, will take a look later on. It will drive me nuts though now as I've fallen in love with the 583 over the course of the past year. I was beating myself up cause I missed on in Osaka, and never did get to see another one..

[westfalen]

Is the Kato 583 Series the same as the Blue/Cream Train that can be seen on the Aizu Wakamatsu Web Cam?

Dave.

I do not know, but even if it is, the Kato model comes with JNR markings, and not JR markings.

If you could overlook the JNR markings it's the right train.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/583_series

Interesting, I have not seen the 583 at Aizu, in the two years of religiously watching the webcam on monitor two. What times does it arrive?

There's one at Aizu Wakamatsu as I type this.

[westfalen]

It's not part of the main announcement, I guess because it's from Kato's Roundhouse offshoot, but HS are taking reservations for a Paleo Express set with C58 due in March. I've already reserved one.
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10048345

[Shashinka]

Look what I found today on the web cam. (1830 EST) I also found two pix in my archives dating back to July, 09. (PS: No interest in revising the Perpetual Aizu Wakamatsu thread)

I still need a copy of this model.

[David]

Release Poster for April 2011

Again, mostly reissues.

New is:

A 117 series 4-car issue (repaint of existing tooling).

EF62 (with matching blue train rerun)

And finally an HO DD51 (actually scheduled for the end of March, so don't miss it)


The rest is reissues, I think I already have everything that interests me. Looks like most of my money in first quarter will go toward decoders.