Open Gangway Door Parts for Series E353

[bc6]

Kato introduced the gangway add-on for the E353 so I took advantage while ordering from Hobby Search to order several packages.

I tried to install several gangways but I think Im doing something wrong I could use some assistance please if you have experience with these. 

Below are some pics of installation of the gangways and fitment issues. 

Pay attention to pictures 4 and 5 there is no way a diaphragm would fit between two end cars and still be able to couple (Im not sure if it would be prototypical for it to be like that) (its is prototypical as there are pictures on the internet of a diaphragm between two end cars)

 

EDIT: I've added some updated photos after Katoftw told me about adjusting the coupler spacing. The gangway door's look much better and actually fit the two end cars. and the regular cars and end unit.

 

 

 

Edited July 18, 2023 by bc6

[katoftw]

Doesn't look like you adjusted the couplers on the end cab cars for attachments. Gives about 1mm extra per car.

 

How to is in the instruction booklet.

[bc6]

Wow really, Thanks for replying katoftw I'll check that out.

[bc6]

Here are a couple of videos of Kato E353 with Open Gangway Doors installed on them.

 

 

[Bigdog]

Just wondering does the Kato Narita express have open gangways as well?

[JR East]

I don't think so. I got the (Kato) N'EX and I did not heared about it as spare part like E353

Edited September 26, 2023 by JR East
Precision

[disturbman]

The Tomix versions do, 98459 & 98551.

[SwallowAngel]

Well, kinda? The Kato Kyoto Station Store does offer 2 Head cars with open Gangways, but you'd need to:

 

A. Be willing enough to deal with the hassle of importing it or fly out to Kyoto to get it

B. Be willing to schill out a ginormous sum of money for something that you could either do yourself or find somewhere else

 

Nonetheless, here's a link...

[Kamome]

Yep, that's the price for the 2 head cars, without any other coaches or motor, if anyone is in any doubt.  All new parts for the conversion cost around 5000 yen if you wanted to do by yourself. I believe its a permanent, non-reversible conversion so better to get the extra instead of cutting apart your base set ends, just in case you wanted to run them in single sets again. You could alternatively pay the extra 12,000 yen for the Kato staff's labour involved. Oh wait! I have overlooked the 4 car bookcase they come in.

 

I would imagine that future releases will start coming with door parts as competitor manufacturers are doing it and this option will eventually become obsolete. Can't remember whether Poppondetta or Tomix started the trend. Or as it's Kato, they may just keep churning the same design out. I would imagine that the E353 part could be a passable replacement although have neither the E259 or E353 to test the theory. Not sure if anyone produces N'EX decals either other than destination and interior options.

[disturbman]

For the mass produced option, It was Tomix with the Revaty. Popondetta, Kato and GM have since followed suit.

[Bigdog]

Is the Tomix model good?

 

12 hours ago, SwallowAngel said:

Well, kinda? The Kato Kyoto Station Store does offer 2 Head cars with open Gangways, but you'd need to:

 

A. Be willing enough to deal with the hassle of importing it or fly out to Kyoto to get it

B. Be willing to schill out a ginormous sum of money for something that you could either do yourself or find somewhere else

 

Nonetheless, here's a link...

Holy crap that’s expensive. But still i might have to buy. Might have to book another Shinkansen ticket.

[disturbman]

1 hour ago, Bigdog said:

Is the Tomix model good?

 

Define good.

[SwallowAngel]

On 9/25/2023 at 9:00 AM, Bigdog said:

Just wondering does the Kato Narita express have open gangways as well?

Not sure if anyone here is still cares about it or not, but Kato has announced an open doorway part for the E259. Going off of Google translate though, it looks like it will only be available in silver. Release slated for February 2024 

https://yimg.ngauge.jp/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/28-269-2.jpg

 

 

[Bigdog]

Hobby search seems to have them. I think their aftermarket though.

 

 

https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/m/11024485

Edited September 29, 2023 by Bigdog

[ED75-775]

11 minutes ago, Bigdog said:

Hobby search seems to have them. I think their aftermarket though.

Nope, these are genuine Kato parts. Item number 28-269. They're also listed on the Kato website along with the re-liveried E259 but Kato doesn't give the release date (according to @Bigdog's link they're due in February). 

 

These would be great for those who want to run an old and new E259 paired together. Probably best to jump on these sooner than later, otherwise they'll be scarcer than anything when you want them.

[Bigdog]

Is the only difference with the old and the new e259 the silver doors?

[Kamome]

It’s almost as if Kato are on this forum. 

 

I hope Kato also produce the older style doors. I like the N’EX logo. 

Edited September 30, 2023 by Kamome

[ED75-775]

6 hours ago, Kamome said:

I hope Kato also produce the older style doors. I like the N’EX logo.

Errr... the Kato 28-269 are the older style black doors. At least, that's what my parents' Mac translated it as.

 

The silver ones will be exclusive to the 10-1933 set but I'm sure they will also be released separately as Assy parts. Kato lists ¥1,100 as the price for the black ones and I'd expect that to be the same for the silver ones.

[Kamome]

Cheers @ED75-775

 

Thats what skim reading gets you. Good news all round.