Tomix - New Releases

[disturbman]

Maybe my perception has been distorted by a few unrepresentative samples. I do think though that Tomix has been raising their prices more than Kato since 2022.

[Lessigen]

I agree, I assume that comment was made in relation to the recent announcement of price increases on TOMIXs end. I only heard/read of one KATO price increase since 2022, though they usually come in the form of re-runs getting bumped in price. Seeing a lot of the TOMIX/TOMY items jump anywhere from 10-35% stings especially since the last price increase was just about a year. ¥16,500 to ¥22,000 for the Twilight Express starter set sucks a lot, especially since it was a great deal at its original price for sure.

[Section31]

I looked at some of the releases have really jumped i agree. Some of the starter sets i noticed too have really jumped on Plaza Japan. It being more price parity with Kato makes you think more what you get for sure. It just finding the vendors who run the 20% discount on orders though in the end. The E8 net difference is pretty minor in grand scheme just matter of choosing the one you want.

[Kamome]

That's interesting that your experience has been different @Section31. Not trying to be argumentative or confrontational. Where are you shopping for trains? Many of the hobby outlets offer 30% off the RRP but Tomix trains in most are marginally more expensive than their Kato counterpart. The scenery items can sometimes be cheaper from Tomix but as Tomix trains tend to be pricier and often need some processing, (more accurate looking couplers/ coupling distances, black wheels etc..) I have often favoured Kato unless it's only Tomix that produce a certain train or it has features I'm looking for.

 

Experiences can be varied but I would say shop around if you're paying more for your RTR Kato trains than your Tomix ones.

 

Exceptions

Kato Kyoto Exclusives - Kato more expensive than Tomix Tec Station Exclusives

Cheaper Tomytec static models - able to be motorized at further cost but lack lighting features.

HO Gauge - The detailing on Tomix HO generally exceeds that of it's Kato counterpart. Locos have a wealth of details as well as metal-etched builder and number plates so the additional cost is more warranted.

[Lessigen]

19 hours ago, disturbman said:

Let me bet power-couplers and different gangway system as usual.

@Section31 31,680 vs 27,500. Not fully surprising, Tomix has been iirc consistently slightly more expensive than Kato.

 

That and visually impressive box art most certainly. TOMIX definitely has the leg up in terms of their bookcase artwork which sometimes extends to the sleeve too.

Though KATO does indeed have DCC-ready sockets and the pricing is 5-10% better through vendors (at least with RGR) even outside of that initial price difference. Tough choice for sure.

Edited 21 hours ago by Lessigen

[bc6]

Since we're on the subject of TOMIX, and I didn't see anyone mention it, TOMIX is releasing a new Yamato container on a Koki, per the poster.

https://ngauge.jp/poster/tomix202511/

[Section31]

@Kamome I buy from Hong Kong vendors and have considered Taobao for Japanese trains. The savings i get include the 20% off they give for all online orders.  

 

That and currency differences too (they are similar price otherwise after you take vat off).

 

You can just say i have been used to buying off the hong kong/china side over the japan side. It’s just something i have developed since i was an kid and what i did so often every 1-2years (and do with my kid when we go back). Almost same toy shops for last 5-10years.

 

I have done the likes of amiami and hobbylink japan for the almost 20years lol. Even playasia, yesasia and even cdjapan too.

Edited 18 hours ago by Section31

[Section31]

@KamomeI also hope one day tomix has ho e8 but prefer the upcoming e10. 

 

I have an ef66 tomix ho that is future gift for my kid. I was unsure how i would actually put it into use till now as my system is n scale tomix and ho roco z21 starter.

 

Even considered converting to dcc but not sure worth the cost. I will just run an dc and dcc system instead (use an kato controller plus one kato track just to run dc off the roco tracks)

[disturbman]

9 hours ago, Lessigen said:

I agree, I assume that comment was made in relation to the recent announcement of price increases on TOMIXs end. I only heard/read of one KATO price increase since 2022, though they usually come in the form of re-runs getting bumped in price. Seeing a lot of the TOMIX/TOMY items jump anywhere from 10-35% stings especially since the last price increase was just about a year. ¥16,500 to ¥22,000 for the Twilight Express starter set sucks a lot, especially since it was a great deal at its original price for sure.

Yes and no. I have been surveying (some) prices since 22 and the post-pandemic shocks/invasion and Tomix has noticeably increase some prices. This was before the recent announcement.

[Kamome]

1 hour ago, Section31 said:

I have an ef66 tomix ho that is future gift for my kid

Are you looking to adopt? I don't eat that much and I don't appear to have an EF66 in my collection other than a JRF EF66-100.

[Section31]

@Kamome I am ok with most of the japanese trains brands prices except for the recent endo jr500. They are still substantially cheaper to their European counterparts (even hobbytrain unless they go on big sales in europe).  I still buy the European ones but choose carefully and go back/forth till release. The japanese and changming i just go in without much thought.

 

The tomix E8 8 car full set is literally an bargain at 250cad from hong kong vendors meanwhile i am likely going to pickup the 7 set fleischmann obb nightjet siemens viaago OR Hobbytrain 6 set SBB Stadler Kiss and that can go to 1000cad. 

Edited 10 hours ago by Section31