EH500 Kato vs Tomix - Recommendation

[JR East]

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, 

[roadstar_na6]

My two cents for most rolling stock in general: Kato > Tomix = MicroAce 😄

[Yavaris Forge]

I'd say you should consider what you are going to run with it too, especially if you want to use either Tomix TN or Kato knuckle couplers. Some cars are difficult to fit with couplers from other brands. Tomix Kokis can be fitted with both couplers relatively easy though.

[katoftw]

6 hours ago, Yavaris Forge said:

I'd say you should consider what you are going to run with it too, especially if you want to use either Tomix TN or Kato knuckle couplers. Some cars are difficult to fit with couplers from other brands. Tomix Kokis can be fitted with both couplers relatively easy though.

This would be the only real deciding factor for me.

[JR East]

Many thanks for the information. I wouldn't have imagine the couplers to be the driver of the choice but you're right. I'm not in a hurry as unfortunately, the professional exhibition I would like to go to in Tokyo in September has been cancelled due to the Covid. Any other option for me now to buy "directly" at Kato Shop thru Buy Japan Service (eg)

[disturbman]

There was a thread somewhere where someone had made a comparison of all EH500 models available - or was that EH800? I don't have the time to fish it out, but I would recommend looking for it.

Why can you only buy from the Kato shop? You can always pre-order at all the other shops.

[roadstar_na6]

Buy it here😉

[gavino200]

4 hours ago, roadstar_na6 said:

Buy it here😉

 

Wow. Great store. They have a pretty impressive range in stock. This will be a whole new danger for me.