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I've been thinking of adding an EF66 to the fleet, what are the main differences between the Kato and Tomix models? I find this offering from Tomix interesting, anyone else has experience with it? https://www.plazajapan.com/4543736983880/

https://jnsforum.com/community/search/?q="Kato vs tomix"&updated_after=any&sortby=relevancy&search_and_or=or Lots of Kato vs Tomix chatter been had.

Hi All, I am looking at buying an E233 and was just wondering if anyone who owns both a Kato and Tomix model might have any feedback on which is the nicer model? Thanks!

Hi everyone, I'm just starting to explore the hobby and trying to understand the situation with superelevated track. After some research it seems that Kato's double slab and double normal track have superelevated curves, but Tomix has superelevated curves only in WideTrack variant, and Tomix's double slab and double normal track curves are flat and not superelevated. Could someone please confirm if this is right or correct me? I'm considering mostly Tomix track for its variety, flexibility, lower profile and more compact switches than Kato, but also want superelevated curves for the Shinkansen track and preferably in slab variant. If the above is correct, I'm thinking to go with Kato for the Shinkansen track and then maybe connect it to Tomix track at the stations using short flex track pieces due to different spacing between Kato and Tomix double track. Thanks!

Hi, One one the next rolling stock I've in sight is the EH500. Going to https://www.modeltrainplus.net/ I noticed they have both Kato & Tomix in stock (plus a third one in Pre-order https://www.katomodels.com/product/n/eh500_3ed announced by kato as released for Jan'29th). Both Kato & Tomix look great. Kato: Tomix : It seems to be a color difference but I don't know whether it's due to the shooting or not. On Kato, going to the ASSY (https://s3-ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/kato-model/schedule/pdf/202012171453135fdaf249c0d56/eh500_3ji.pdf), I love the option to replace the (ugly) standard N coupling by a most realistic one. For those having these locs, can you tell me what could be your recommendation and why (I've dropped an eye on the topic 'ED62 Tomix v Kato Opinions Please.' already) Thanks,

I have been wondering this since I decided to begin collecting shinkansen trains. Both Kato and Tomix offer "slab tracks" (concrete tracks with no ballasting) for high-speed trains or some elevated commuter tracks. I was wondering which of the two companies offers the most "anatomically" correct slabtrack rails for shinkansen lines (I have tried looking for photographic documentation but it's quite scarce unfortunately).

I've recently taken delivery of the 2011 Tomix and Kato catalogs. I looked through my Kato one first ... most of my roster is Kato ... to see what's new. I then started on the Tomix catalog. I think the Tomix catalog is superior, irrespective of what product is on offer. It got me thinking, "What makes a good catalog?" Here's my two cents worth (that's all I've got to spare - I'm saving for my Series 0, E5 and ... in a couple of years ... E6)! I'm looking at this from an international perspective. I went to high school in Japan, but left the country in 1985. I've not really written or read any Japanese since. I struggle with the catalogs. Model railroading is a global hobby. There's a pretty strong following of Japanese model railroading in the USA, UK, Europe and Australia. I've also seen Kato and Tomix product for sale in Thailand, Hong Kong and mainland China. So you would think, might think, might be lead to believe, that there is some merit in making the catalog suitable to be understood at a basic level by international customers. I think Kato really fails here. At least the Tomix catalog has the products identified in English. Things I like about the Kato catalog: Clear indication of which models are DCC Friendly Diagram to indicate organisation of formation and direction of travel Easy to understand how add-on sets are used to make larger formations Easy to understand which lighting kit to use Map to indicate where different shinkansens run on page 5 Timeline to show when different shinkansen series operated Things I don't like about the Kato catalog: No English product titles No English product descriptions Doesn't easily identify the period when the formation was in service Doesn't easily indicate where the formation operated Some symbols are not intuitive Doesn't identify motor type (3-pole or 5-pole) Things I like about the Tomix catalog: English description of product titles Diagram to indicate organisation of formation and direction of travel Easy to understand how add-on sets are used to make larger formations Maps indicate where many of the formations operated Clearly identified High Grade sets Things I don't like about the Tomix catalog: No English product descriptions - a brief paragraph would be nice Doesn't easily identify the period when the formation was in service Doesn't easily indicate where the formation operated on some models only (not all have maps) Some symbols are not intuitive Doesn't identify motor type (3-pole or 5-pole) Doesn't identify which products have the old spring drive, such as the 8800 series Not easy to understand if a lighting kit can be fitted, or which product might be used Difficult for me to work out how to extend a slab-rail shinkansen station This is just my opinion, so please don't go taking me to task. Japanese rolling stock is captivating. But not many people know much about where and when different formations run. Perhaps if the catalogs were easier to understand more model railroaders around the world might take more interest in Japanese product. Your thoughts? Cheers The_Ghan

Makes sense, appreciate your detailed explanation! Sorry everyone, I did not intend to trigger a Kato vs Tomix debate. I respect them both a lot, although do wish Tomix were easier adaptable to DCC.

Hi! which train brand got the better mileage? better tyres? engines? i have no kato and tomix distributor in my place so this is important to me. i have to send it to japan in case for repairs

Hi All Fellow Members, Here I post a new topic again. This is just for fun and sharing. This time is about comparing the great Brands of Japanese N Gauge trains manufacturers: Kato vs Tomix vs MicroAce vs GreenMax I have no idea if some people had already posted similar posts previously, but I have done the search and couldn't find any specific topics with the above subject in this forum. Or the topics that discussed about this more specifically. I think the most common topics is the "Eternal War between Kato vs Tomix", but I am sure that MicroAce and GreenMax have great points also, although I don't know a lot about MicroAce and GreenMax. Not to mention Modemo here, but I didn't put Modemo as I thought the Four are the best ones to compare, please correct me if I'm wrong.. Admins please remove this post if you think that this kind of topic had been posted before so that you can save more space for your files storage. :) Okay, let's get straight to the point. You guys can share your thoughts for everything you know about those brands so that it can be a good source for others. Some points for comparisons: - the plus or minus points, or upsides and downsides - price, designs, model qualities, motors, lighting, DCC options, storage cases / boxes, flexibility for modifications or to play together with other brands, etc - If the brands had same models, which one is better? let's say one is closer realistic than the others - The Variations/Types of the models, the history of the brands, etc (maybe it's too general) - Other things that you guys think can be added for comparisons, you can compile it as you want for more organized explanations. Look forward to have your sharings here. :) Thanks a lot! Cheers..

So, I'm pretty sure I'll "need" a 100kei Shinkansen so my 0kei doesn't feel too lonely. The only question is, which model? Kato or Tomix? I'm tempted to go for the Tomix, because it's slightly cheaper and only has four cars (which is the maximum I can reasonably run anyway). And because I don't have much in the way of Tomix stuff. Thoughts?

Using a Kato EH500 with Tomix Koki 107 car. The arnold coupler on the EH500 is about 1mm higher than the Kokis. So have 2-5 minutes, they work themselves apart, then EH500 one going upwards, and the Koki one going downwards and uncoupling. Solution? Looks like the couple on the EH500 could be lowered as there is space available. p.s. Wasn't happening with 9 cars being pulled, but 16 it was.

Hello guys... I have a simple question... which trainset is better: Tomix or Kato? If there are some pictures to make a comparison between the two models, it's appreciate! Thanks! Matteo.

I see these sets available all over the net. Can anyone tell me of their 1st hand opinions of the 2 sets? What are the pros, and cons of the 2 sets? Is one better quality over the other ?? Is one more accurate or more detailed than the other?? What are the differences between them? Kato: Tomix:

I dont wanna debate Kato vs Tomix. Using Tomix for my freight cars. Availability and cost made this decission. Using Kato for my communters. Kato has what I want that Tomix does not. Using Kato for my DE and EF/H engines. Prefer Kato modelling finishes. I would prefer Kato for Shinkansens as I think their product is slightly better quality (in my opinion, lets not debate here), but they do not offer products that I want. 8 car Sanyo/Kyushu 700 series Shinkansens. 800 series. 8 car 500 series (pantographs on car 2 and 7). Sure Kato had DCC friendly models, but none of the above are, or have been updated by Kato in X number of years. 10 years in the case of the 800s. So DCC friendly comes out of the equation when making a decision on which to buy. So power couplers is the only decision maker. And Tomix have those. I'm not gonna buy a Kato 800, a Tomix 800, a Kato 700 and a Tomix 700. As there will be differences in the modelling. So I'll pick a manufacturer for my Shinkansens now, and stick with it. Easy enough to sell off my Kato 4 car 500 series, or keep it around for a while as Tomix's version seems out of stock everywhere recently. The reason for the original question when I go looking online at other models not exampled above, I may know if they have power couplers from their release date or not. My next few purchases are gonna be Shinkansens. And I only have 1 Kato 500 series 4 car Shinkansen. So now is the time to make the decission to switch. I hope that all makes sense to those reading.

The line of conversation goes back to being the same as the other thread with the old guy comparing kato vs tomix youtube video. Tomix is available. But some are so entrenched in their ways. That they a blinkered to one product and how to purchase. I get that reading all the responses from north americans that they/you like to go into a bricks and motar shops and to purchase track pieces in hand. Hence why Kato rules in this sense compared to Tomix. While Tomix is readily available. Buying online and awaiting shipment isn't the done thing. Maybe it is an age demographic thing also? Most oldies (which are railway modellers) prefer shop over online?

That came up in a previous thread. You can say "buy HG" all you want. But they don't cover many models. The HG term is a bit of a con. Additional items included for an extra price. Still makes it no different from normal models or manufacturers. Rapidos is something you just have to live with if you wanna buy Tomix. Same if you wanna buy MicroAce or Greenmax. Same with fitting you own number decals, but that is a pro or a con depending on whom your are. In general Tomix is cheaper than Kato for a comparable models. The difference might be the couplers. But not always the case. I researched the JRW 321 series before I brought my Kato version. 7 cars in Tomix cost 1,000 yen more, and you still need to buy another 3,000 of couplers. The Kato version come standard with tight lock couplers. 4,000 extra for CL feature? No thanks. IMHO, I think Tomix are well above all others when it comes to Shinkansens. Kato rules the roost when it comes to EMU city commuters. It is about 50/50 on interurban limited expresses (although the coupler issue arises here again if not buying HG sets). It all comes back to the same answer we all give when we have the monthly Kato vs Tomix battles. The simple answer is, each does something better than the other. Pick one that has better features that suit yourself. Some will have clouded or one sided opinions, cos they are true fans of only one manufacturer.

Hello, I have always loved trains but the Japanese trains they have are in my opinion some of the best high tech advanced machines I have ever seen, would be honored just to be next to them but living in the states unfortunately its just out of the question. My favorites so far are the e259 series and e353 series. I like their aggressive and modern look. My question is I bought my first train, its the first car museum e259 series model from Tomix. I see that it says display model only and I totally dig that, I think it looks very nice on its own however I was wondering if there was any way I can convert this by buying a chassis with a motor for it? If so which part number would that be? If not I guess Ill have to buy the basic set. Another question, kato vs tomix? which is more accurate? EDIT: wow someone had almost the same exact question as mine in another thread but did not ask the question of converting the first car museum series.

About kato vs tomix. I have kato track but if it was today i would go tomix. Reason? Simple. A few days ago i was looking for viaduct (without track) for my ground tracks. I may have searched wrong but i couldn't find any from Kato. From tomix i believe i located a few viaduct only pieces. Also the stations from tomix seem more versatile as they can grow 1 section at a time, while kato "forces" you to buy expansion packs. This is from what i researched so keep in mind that I may have missed options or misunderstood offers. One thing is for sure though. In terms of track choice, Tomix has a few more options to pick from.

Jr, ive got about 150 sets and over the last 15+ years I don't think I've seen any clear leader or problem one between kato, tomix and microwace. Of course there are a few problem models from each manufacturer that can be problematic in various ways, but nothing in general. Of course each some detailing and other features that again vary by models. Newer tomix shinkansens have all wheel pickup which can help performance on dirty track. But overall with my experience I would not say any one manufacturer over another for longevity/performance. Btw for all my tomix and kato problems I've ever had I have been able to repair them myself and eventually get or modify parts w.o returning them to the manufacturer for repair. Only microwace I've had to do this as they do not supply any spare parts, most of us are in the same situation of not having a local supplier. You do need to return the product thru your supplier/shop to get repairs from the manufacturer usually. You will find a lot of kato vs tomix vs microace discussions here over the years. If you are interested in a specific model search the forum and then also ask questions on it. Cheers Jeff

SubwayHypes, I have 2 full sets of kato 700s and they run fine and i have had no problem with the coupling. i have the tomix dr yellow 700 and its a wonderful runner also. its a bit cranky right now but thats due to it getting ALOT of running time over the years at shows (its one of the most popular trains to run). it was the n700 that had very different coupling and running problems kato vs tomix. the kato n700 coupling is a tad tricky (but does look better with the articulated diaphragm between the cars) and it like to derail a lot on our kato double track viaduct. The tomix n700 has the standard two hinged flat diaphragms pieces (like most tomix shinkansens which some dont like the look of), but runs w/o problem on our double viaduct track. in addition the full tomix set has 2 motor cars and the big, big nice thing is the all wheel pickup that is shared through the coupler fingers. really makes this a wonderful runner! so for the n700 i would definitely go tomix (i sold my kato!) but on the 700 ether seems great. this is part of the Kato vs Tomix vs MicroAce debate. all have their strong and weak points, model differences, and personal needs and experience. Nothing for me has pointed to one being a huge difference over all for all my experience, preferences and needs between the three. for interesting things and higher detail its usually microace as the winner. for coupling with other shinkansens its tomix (although kato is trying to catch up here), for easy multi power car its tomix. so it goes on a model by model basis for me... cheers jeff cheers jeff

Matrix, as squid points out probably better to keep it as a desk toy and get a basic set to play with on the tracks. kato vs Tomix is a running debate that involves a lot of variables and personal preferences. No clear choice in my book as I have a few hundred trains and both are great and each have their problem children. For some models where both make the same train some detailing, coupling etc May be different so you need to look at specific models to get a good comparison. Some folks tend to just stick to one brand, again there is a lot of personal preference here. the good news is all the Japanese train manufacturers are really good quality and a reasonable prices (for the most part) so a good value compared to us and euro models, so it’s hard to go really wrong! Plus there are gobs and gobs of trains to choose from! cheers jeff

Oooh damn, another excuse to look at my Kato and Tomix catalogues... I guess the E259 (Narita Express) is a popular train so both manufacturers offer it as a 3-car set (which is a very reasonable thing to do in my opinion, speaking as someone who would have trouble running 6 cars). Looking at the catalogues there's only one version of the E259 from each manufacturer and the 3-car set price is not exactly cheap, so I'm pretty sure you won't be getting a lower-quality version. Kato vs Tomix - no idea, start flame war here. Maybe Greenmax or Microace has something better, but I can't possibly comment on that (yet). What I do now know is that the Kato 3-car 103 "Kokuden" sets are cheap "starter" sets (which is why I bought a couple), they lack front/tail lights (at the time I wasn't aware this is now a pretty standard feature) and the detailing around the windows is pretty primitive compared to the "standard" versions. But whatever, I still don't regret buying them.

None taken. I don't want to model a particular era or area. I just want the trains I like, thankfully 0 series was one of them. Iif I can, later I even plan to add some Swiss trains to what I own but compared to Jtrains, they are sooooo expensive (1 loc = 1 Shinkansen set...). What I could advice is: take the one you like! Take your favorite train and you'll be happy with it. On Kato vs Tomix, if your not into DCC (I'm not) just think if you want to order all your tracks on the web or if you can have the Kato on the local store. Again, it was not a problem for me as Kato and Tomix are both not easy to find in Switzerland and I'm used to order a lot on the internet. I have Tomix tracks, 2 Tomix trains (Shinkansen) and 2 local Kato trains and still addicted! Too bad I'm broken at the time to keep goin' !

The monthly kato vs tomix debate! I've found over the years and a pile of trains that its a mixup in my opinion. Some I like kato, others tomix or micro ace. Many you only have one choice in some trains. Tomix has some fearures like all wheel pickup that i really love. micro ace and green max mostly do trains no one else does. Never found it worthwhile to me to be an exclusive snob on one brand. But this is sort of a to each his own topic with no right answer overall. Cheers Jeff