Kato Japan

[bill937ca]

For those interested in Japanese trains, but not wishing to buy direct from Japan, Kato USA is now offering the opportunity to order some models from US dealers. Here's the info:

http://www.katousa.com/November07-JSE.pdf

Kato USA: Precision Railroad Models

 

[TrainNut]

Oooh I love that stuff. That Super-Ozora is a pretty strange looking critter.

 

[railohio]

*boing*

 

[myltlpny]

Oooh I love that stuff. That Super-Ozora is a pretty strange looking critter.

You've got that right.
I had on of the EF-58's once. It ran smooth as silk and was a super puller, too.

 

[TrainNut]

When I first saw that one, I had to wonder what kind of minimum radius it would be able to handle. It does not look like it would be able to handle very tight curves.

 

[bill937ca]

A July 2007 Continental Modeller review lists 249mm (just under 10 inches) as the minimum radius for the Kato 10-239 and Kato 10-299 EMU train sets. Maximum grade is 4% (1 in 25) which is probably about what the inclines are to the Kato elevated viaduct sections.

 

[bill937ca]

Another point on these Japanese models. They are 1:150 except for Shinkansen models which are 1:160. Alll Japanese N scale run on the usual 9mm track.

 

[Triplex]

I was wondering if they might have any electrics with mechanisms usable for North American models. The EF58's mechanism looks interesting, but the uneven axle spacing on the power trucks is unlike any North American electric I know.