Kato - New Releases

[wingedwheel]

On 8/17/2024 at 1:53 AM, Kamome said:

Also releasing a turn table kit that uses their existing N scale turn table and fits over the top. 

I'm really intrigued by the HO Unitrack turntable here. Haven't been able to find any more info on it myself. Shot in the dark, but did you happen to hear any details about release date/price when you saw it?

 

It's also my understanding that the 2025 tooling D51 doesn't have any DCC capability (being meant to use Kato's soundcard system). Would you know if that's accurate? It would be incredibly strange considering the older ones (Kato 1-202) had an 8-pin socket in the tender.

[Kamome]

At the JAM event I didn’t ask about a specific release date. As it’s a laser cut kit to position over their existing n scale turntable, there obviously maybe some refinements before it’s released. Couldn’t properly see the tooling for the uni track parts necessary nor how it connects electrically to the turntable. It also wasn’t clear what the initial kit will include but I’d imagine we can expect it by Q2-3 in 2025.

 

As for the D51, it’s unclear whether they’re using the existing chassis as a starting point or it’s an all new design. Kato certainly appears to be moving away from 8 pin sockets in their newer releases which to be fair, are a bit old compared to most newer locos in overseas markets. Domestic DCC market is still limited although I would suggest the majority of interest exists in the HO market. Kato’s designs have been moving away from DCC in favour of DC sound options that compliment their soundbox so we may see this for the D51 also. 

 

 

[Kamome]

New Posters for April\May have now been uploaded to the Kao website.  

 

HO Mani 60 and 61 are a welcome and mildly irritating announcement after I finally got my Nippon Seimitsu version up to spec. 

 

Also quite interested in the Shikoku limestone train with double heading DF50s

 

https://www.katomodels.com/posters

[disturbman]

As a side note for the Yuros of the forum, the VT18/BR175 are under an export ban to Europe. The sets will be sold as Lemke exclusive and can only be gotten locally.

Edited December 10 by disturbman

[Martijn Meerts]

1 hour ago, disturbman said:

As a side note for the Yuros of the forum, the VT18/BR175 are under an export ban to Europe. The sets will be sold as Lemke exclusive and can only be gotten locally.

 

No doubt with a Lemke exclusive price tag ...

[Kamome]

Didn’t Kato make an HO version of the VT18 at some point or did I dream that?

[disturbman]

They did. It's also scheduled for re-release. I saw an handout of sort with a date announced for May iirc.

[Steve]

When I saw the announements, I was hopping for a Passenger Train Set with brown Pre-War Suha 32/33/34/35 Cars in N...

 

 

[bc6]

Heres a video on the new HO D51 steam locomotive.

 

[Welshbloke]

On 12/10/2024 at 8:35 AM, disturbman said:

As a side note for the Yuros of the forum, the VT18/BR175 are under an export ban to Europe. The sets will be sold as Lemke exclusive and can only be gotten locally.

The re-released Glacier Express and Ge 4/4 III are the same. Hopefully this won't be the norm for the RhB range now as the "official" importers charge a frankly obscene mark-up.

[disturbman]

It'll be the new norm.

I had high-ish hopes for the new Kato Europe A/S, to at least see a renewed interest into European trains, but so far, it's turning out to be a sad money grab from Kato's European partners.

Edited 14 hours ago by disturbman

[katoftw]

It's happening more and more wirh licensing agreements.  But there's always someone in Japan willing to take your yen.