New Kato/Tomix/Tomytec for Spring - Kato Yamanote and Island Platform Track

[KenS]

Hobby Search's blog has mention of new models from Kato, Tomix and Tomytec in this posting on the Mokei Hobby Show (part 2).

 

The Kato announcement particularly caught my eye.  Not only are they releasing the new four-door version of the Yamanote E231-500, they're releaseing the two modified cars separately so you can upgrade the previous model. Very nice.

 

But the one that really interests me is the new V15 set, which splits a double-track line to go around an island platform.  Very useful when modeling the Yamanote (and many other lines that have stations without passing sidings).  I might use this for my Shinkansen station if it gives me something better than my current track arrangement.

[Mudkip Orange]

That doubletrack-to-island-platform piece is beautiful.

 

You know what would be cool? Is if in the future they release packs of just 6-door cars, so people can backdate the modern releases. Then I can finally realize my dream of creating an E231 of entirely cattle cars.

[KenS]

It's good to have a dream...but that seems more like a nightmare.