News

Sorry for a week delay.  Here is the summary from the monthly Kato sales meeting held on July 15.

This time, there were not many hot topics and ended up quite simple.

Feel free to contact us for those item you are interested.

Message from Mr. Kato

- Iida line variants will be available by end of July.

- Factory working hard to ship Kato 20-825 (Turntable extension track which is now out of market).

- Planning to do re-run of some of steam locomotives as realized turntable stimulating demand for steam locomotive but having resource issue as KATO already announced new American prototype "FEF" and production resource has to be assigned to it as well.

Other update

- E233-6000 Yokohama line slipped to August.

- Kato 10-1223 (E7 add-on set B) was sold out before but additional shipment done by shifting export stock and other arrangement.

New Product Information

Models displayed at sales meeting

1. 3013-2 ED76-0 Late model JR Kyushu

2. Series 14 sleeper express "Sakura"

3. 10-1224 Series 233-6000 Yokohama Line

Same model already released from Tomix.  How do you find difference?

4. 156-0954 AMTRAK Superliner II Transition

Sorry, not a Japanese prototype.

5. Eidan Series 6000

More prototype is ready now.  Destination set to Abiko.

Also got image for temporary head/tail light on car #5 and #6.  Unfortunately, they will not work actually.

6. ED75-1000 1st type

7. 10-1120 Series 485 first type "HIBARI"

Unique KURO481 is shown.

8. 10-1235 Express coach "HAKKODA"

This car is WASAFU8000.  Tail lights on guard's van end will work on actual product.  We will having some Assy parts from KATO in case you need only WASAFU8000.

9. 3069-1 EF57-1

Unique design that pantograph is placed close to each other on center of roof.

10.10-1226 Iida Line KUMOHA53-000 + KUHA47-153

11. 10-1225 Iida Line KUMOHA42 + KUHAYUNI56 (3 car set)

12. Storage Box

Multi-purpose storage box.  Available in two different design.  One is KATO EF65, which the front face is displayed at KATO factory at Tsurugashima, Saitama.  The other is Keikyu Type 230, which is the actual train is placed in front of Hobby Center Kato.  This box can also be used as chair (max. weight is 80kg).  2,000 Yen each.  Please let me know if you like them.

Request/Update from other retailers

- Some retailer suggested to change packaging of Unitrack product to reduce number of pieces to half like Tomix.  But the response was prettey negative.  The reason is that changing packaging will make the item with higher price.  Also request raised Kato to release S248 track with pack of 10 like Tomix.

- E7 is selling quite well.  Kato E7 is selling more than Tomix (this is same at ModelTrainPlus).

- Some retailer wants interior lights in bulk like 50 or more with no packaging.  Mr. Kato might consider changing existing line-up.  This model actually exists already but not much cost-effective and KATO will think something better.

- It is nice to have a mechanism to easily add motor unit to enhance like E7.  Kato E7 full 12 car formation only comes with 1 motor and some customer want 2nd motor.  There should be an easy upgrade option for adding secondary motor unit.

Other favor for re-run/ new product

- Series 115 Shonan Color

- Eidan 6000 with air conditioner model

- Kashima Rinkai Type 6000 "Girls und Panzer"

- Series E351

- DD16

Etc....

From ModelTrainPlus, raised following requet/item/question.

- Orient Express Pullman diner car having some yellowish finish on part of side of the car.

- Requested to re-run for M250 Super rail cargo

As Kato is busy with event during summer season, sales meeting for August will not be held.  Next meeting will be on September.

I have visited Tomytec Tokyo office to attend new product showcase event.

Tomytec hosting this event about 3 to 4 times in a year and this is my first time to join the event.

Please feel free to contact us if you are interested in any of the item below.  We can get all the item not only model train but also other item from Tomytec!!

Event Venue

The event is held at Tomytec Tokyo Office.  The nearest station is Aoto station on Keisei line.  The building has Takara Tomy logo.  Tomytec is a subsidiary of Takara Tomy.  The location is quite good as this is close to my home compared with Kato head office....

Event Overview

Following brand and item was on displayed.

TOMIX - N and HO scale model train

Tomytec - "Diorama Collection" series (includes car collection, bus collection, etc)

Tomica Limited Vintage - 1:64 scale mini car series

Gimix - Battle Aircrafts with additional feature

Tetsudou Musume - Railway girls related item

Buhinmokei - 1:12 scale railway item or wepons

Product Briefing, Business Update, and other information shared from Tomytec

Here is some summary picked up during briefing session.

- Tomytec sales result for 2014 Q1 (Apr. - Jun.) was 97% YoY.  Caused by sales tax increase and delay on new release.

- As written on below, Tomytec started Shinkansen promotion for TOMIX and asked retailers to utilize it to make sales.

- Sales on E7 Shinkansen was very good result.

Announcement of new item from TOMIX (pre-order now open)

- Kintetsu "SHIMAKAZE"

- JR KIHA120 (Takayama, Tsuyama, Oito Line)

- JR KIHA66 (Seaside Liner)

- Series 103 (yellow)

- (HO) Hakone Tozan Railway Type 3000

- (HO) Container Wagon KOKIFU50000

Following item will be in future roaster

- Shinkansen W7

- Sanriku Railway 36-700 and "KITTO ZUTTO #3"

- Series 500 Shinkansen "PLA-RAIL"

- Hisatsu Orange Railway - "Orange Restaurant Express"

- (HO) Series 285 "SUNRISE EXPRESS" (will be released in 4 sets)

- (Tomytec Tetsudou Collection) Keihan Series 600 "K-ON" Painting will be released in future.

TOMIX

1. Series 0 Shinkansen

Tomix will soon releasing this item.  Tomix 98929 is a limited edition of series 0 Shinkansen and only this item having lighting nose cone feature.  As this is renewed product, of course it comes with power coupler for all-wheel pickup.

2. Series 700-2000 Shinkansen

Consists with 3 sets to make full 16 car formation.  As planned to be released on Aug, seems already finalized the modeling and coloring.  It has small "A" logo next to N700 logo.

3. Series 300-0 Shinikansen

This item is already released to market and we have available item at ModelTrainPlus.  Basic set will qualify for promotion described below.

4. Tomix Shinkansen Promotion

Already shared the information through previous issue of newsletter but Tomix is now offering a special promotion with purchase of their Shinkansen train sets.  With purchase of 3 Shinkansen basic sets, Tomix will give you 2 x Series 0 Shinkansen cars.  They are used as Imperial train and having special V-shaped skirt on each car end.  ModelTrainPlus will apply for this for customers who purchased and eligible to apply.  Please check us for detail.

4. JR Series 183/189 Train

To be released with 2 different colors.  Tomix 92876 and 98930.  Tomix 98930 (the one with JNR color) is a limited edition with limited availability.

5. TOMIX 98927 KIHA48-500 "UMINEKO"

This is limited item introduced at Shizuoka Hobby Show and already sold out at Tomix.  Check us for availability.

6. Others

Tomix announced several KIHA120 variants, and Sleeper Express Akebono Set, and many others

7. HO scale

Announced Hakone Tozan Railway Type 3000.  No displayed item but series 285 "SUNRISE EXPRESS" will be released in future.  ModelTrainPlus will now start to take pre-order on HO scale model train and will also stock some HO scale item.  Stay tuned.

TOMYTEC

1. Tetsudou Collection

Showed many item coming.  Their first electric locomotive is now shown.  Also very popular trams...

2. Wakayama Railway

Tama and Ichigo train which is everyone's favorite.  We still have available item for pre-order.

3. Bus Collection

Vol. 19, Tachikawa and Hankyu Bus.  Also showed intersection for moving bus system.  I took some video as well.

Uploaded video on moving bus system on YouTube showing how to control bus.

#1

#2

4. Building Collection

New items are listed.  They are now developing huge tank and chimney which commonly seen at heavy industrial area like Tokyo bayshore Kawasaki or Yokohama area.

5. Tetsudou Musume

Keihan Otsu line series 600 with Tetudou Musume painting.  Also containers.  Tomytec will enhancing and expanding more line-up.

6. Hakotetsu

Linked with TV Anime "RAILWARS", the characters are now on Hakotetsu.

Others

Gimix series showed lots of aircraft and comes with sound and light feature.

They offer optional item to actually light up and moving propeller kit for JMSDF P-3C aircraft

Tomica Limited Vintage was expanding line-up for old TV Drama "Seibu Keisatsu" cars and motorcycles.

Here is the summary from the recently attended KATO sales meeting.

Forgot to mention on last time about detail of the event.

The meeting consists with 3 parts.

Part 1 - update from KATO (includes Mr. Kato), business update, upcoming events, etc.

Part 2 - New product roadshow by Kato rep. and also from Hobby Center Kato (item released from Kato Roundhouse brand)

(Lunch)

Part 3 - Feedback from retailers (it is kind of Dragon's den for Mr. Kato and his team... normally "roasted" by full of complaints from retailers...)

This meeting normally last for quite long time.  Starting from 11:00 and ends around 15:00.  Then we take photos on prototypes afterwards.

Anyway, here was the summary.

1. Business update

- KATO's FY13 ended as of end of May and reported YoY sales growth was almost flat.

- High School Model Railroad contest to be held on Aug. 9 and 10 at Tokyo Big Site.  KATO is primary supporter of the event and they will sell special item (like the special carriage on last year).  But the detail was not shared yet.  It will be announced on Model Railroad Show at Ginza Matsuya.

2. Market update

- Quite silent on June after release rush on end of May.  E7 release may stimulate the market.

- Planning to re-run for turntable on Aug-Sept. timeframe.  Kato realizes needs for improvement on shipping accessories for turntable.  This is because some of accessories parts are sold out and it causing slow sales of turntable.

3. New Products

- E7 Shinkansen

To be released on end of June.  Consists of 3 separate sets below

10-1221 - 3 car basic set

10-1222 - 3 car add-on set A

10-1223 - 4 car add-on set B

10-1223 is already sold out at Kato.  If you are planning to make full 12 car formation, please check us for availability.

- Series 181-1000 Asama (10-1149)

8 car complete set.

Visible nose coupler for coupling with EF63 to simulate Usui pass.

SARO180 (green car) having temporary cab

- Electric Locomotive EF63 (first type - 3057-3)

Dual type coupler equipped.

Different expression from second type.

- Electric Locomotive EF57-1 (3069-1)

Having very unique pantograph position (aligned to center of body)

- Express Coach "HAKKODA" (10-1235/1236)

Consists with mixed formation with coach, sleeper, and freight car.

Includes newly designed WASAFU covered wagon.

- Series 485 Initial Type "HIBARI"

Includes newly designed KURO481-100

SAHA481 initial type will also be released as single item (part number 4556) to help to make full 12/13 car formation.

Additional add-on sets available as 10-1129/1130

- Electric Locomotive ED75-1000 (first type)

Completely new item from previous ED75

- Electric Locomotive EF510-500 (JRF livery)

Ex-JR East locomotive now JRF.  New painting (removed shooting star).

As this is now for freight, not coming with quick headmark feature.

New Item release from Hobby Center Kato

- KIHA110 "TOHOKU EMOTION"

As using existing KIHA110 body, there may be a slight different from actual cars.

Other Update, Request, Complaints, Suggestions from retailers

- Sales on May was declined on many of retailers as there was no new product release until very end of May.

- Recently released C57 is getting good feedback from end users.

- Many retailers requested to keep more inventory of the products as there are so many item unable to get now.

- Turntable is not selling well as attachment track and other accessories are in short.

Request for new product, re-run...

- Series 201 Chuo line

- Series 115-0

- EF62 (2nd type)

- Twilight Express

- Series 185 (with "Express 185" livery)

- Steam locomotives (to play with turntable)

Couldn't get clear comments but I also raised request and feedback as below.

- Too many shortage on Assy parts and asked to keep more.  Especially pointed that assy no longer available while new product is still available.

- Requested to update DCC decoder compatibility matrix as there are limited information and sometimes had a case KATO rep on phone told me different decoder parts number.

- Raised request for release/re-run of following

E209/E231 Sobu line

Series 221

Locomotive to play with Orient Express

Product Showcase

1. 1st prototype for Eidan 6000 Chiyoda Line was displayed.

For me personally, I have a special feeling on this train.  I spent my childhood at Ayase, which is along with Chiyoda line and seeing this train all the time.  And still running...

Previously MicroAce already released this but I see KATO one is very detailed and looks very nice.  The interior will be dark red.  Some car having ivory color but that is just using other parts temporarily.

2. Roundhouse

Now roundhouse for turntable is became final prototype.  One roundhouse is for 3 locomotive.  So you might need add few to make a big yard.

3. E7 Shinkansen final prototype.

Color was fixed and package was also ready.

Extra -  treat from Mr. Kato

Lunch provided by KATO.  Same menu for every time I attend....

I would like to briefly introduce N Scale Container Lift by Fujimoto Hobby.

This item is on sale with just 500 Yen and great item to enhance your freight station.

1. Overall

I fitted all the parts to the lift.  Also comes with decal to add more detail.

2. Active lift feature

Can move lift's width and heights.  Also can hold actual containers. 

3. In the scene

Just locate this at your freight station or container terminal.  Really small investment but will definitely make your layout something more.

This should be the last post on Shizuoka Hobby Show.

BANDAI

Their primary showcase was Gun-Pla and "Youkai Watch", which is TV series now getting popular among school kids.  So the display for B Train is relatively small.

KATO

Mostly same item shown at sales meeting on same week, so nothing particular.  Only packaging of Eidan Type 500 is new.

Very common Marunouchi line scene on both package.  Basic set is at Ochanomizu and add-on set is at old Korakuen station.

Extra

This is the souvenir sold at the site.  This is "Abekawa-mochi" and it is kind of rice cake.  Having Hobby Show special packaging.

Checked other vendors

1. Sankei

Displaying papercraft model.  They now have papaercraft kit with Ghibli characters.

Small papacraft in a box.  Non scale but seems fun.

Other standard papercraft kits

ModelTrainPlus will start lineup Sankei products soon.  Please stay tuned.  If you have any particular item want to purchase, please let me know.   I will try to get with priority.

2. Aerobase

Basically this vendor creating metal etched model aircraft and bicycle but just found they are displaying N scale bicycle with parking lots.  Sorry I bought this item but they are all sold out.  Please let me know if you are interested.  I will check if I can purchase more.

Following are what I purchased from Aerobase.  They are brass etched aircrafts.  Each are with 2,000 Yen.  Please let us know if you are interested.  Sorry if sold out as I only have one each.

Now going to Z scale model.

For Z scale model train, there were 2 vendors at the site.  Platz and Crown Model (Prmloco)

1. PLATZ

On the center, they are showing apology for their delay on DMU KiHA40 release.  This was due to redesign of the powertrain.  There is no specific release date yet but development is in progress.

Series 0 Shinkansen

They previously selling Shinkansen model.  Now they are going to re-run and power units and other optional part to run on Z scale model railroad will also be re-run at same time.  It say sometime in this summer.

2. Crown Model (PRMLOCO)

They are planning to release EF58 electric locomotive on December.  Also some painted z-scale structure.  The interesting part is some of their structure item has magnet inside and able to fix figures from Prmloco as I seems they have metal part inside to stick with magnet.  So no need to glue and easy to move the figure around.   They are planning to release following structures on August to October timeframe

- Restaurant

- Convenience store

- 5 people figure

- cars (not sure how many)

Microace displayed those models under developing.

Talked with Microace rep. and product release should be stabilize in future as they resumed releasing some of the product which were on hold.

Odakyu MSE

Still the color is not yet finalized.  As you can see from the photo, the color is a bit light.

The parts for door and hood between car #4 and #5 will be a separate parts and using double sided tape by end user.

Other trains waiting to be released....

Saitama Railway Series 2000

Isaburou & Shimpei

Misuzu Shiosai

Keio 9000

Greenmax announced Plasser & Theurer Multiple Tie Tamper.

As talked with Greenmax rep, they are planning to release this by end of FY14.  And the item will be having new motor which should work very smooth on slow speed as this kind of rolling stock doesn't run with speed.  Also comes with lighting feature.

Modemo was showing Tokyo Tram Arakawa Line Type 8800

Just attended annual Shizuoka Hobby Show.

This is one of the biggest hobby show in Japan and the show is held at Shizuoka, Japan, where is the capital of model industry.

- Going to Shizuoka

Roughly 250 kilometers away from my home.  Just take Shinkansen to Shizuoka.  As JR Tokai increasing number of new shinkansen rolling stock, many Kodama service trains are operated with N700 series.  This time took Green Car seat.  Actually the newer is better, so I prefer E7 Green Car seat.

It was about 90 minutes travel by Shinkansen to Shizuoka.

May 15 and 16 is only for trades, so no consumer.

Overview

The biggest display is by TAMIYA.  Other big players were Tokyo Marui (only for model guns), Bandai (mainly Gundam), Hasegawa, and Aoshima.  As you can see plastic models are majority and model train is relatively small.

TOMIX/Tomytec

Displaying new prototypes and announcing future release.

Tomix 98927 KIHA 48-500 UMINEKO.  This is limited release and order only accepted at this show.

New release announcements

Tomytec new release

Yuri Kogen Railway, Sangi Electric Loco, New tram....

Moving ropeway... scheduled to be released on late 2014.

Battery operated using 1 x AA battery