Kato's original 253 (Narita Express) set...

[The Next Station Is...]

I’ve come into the possession of three 253 series cars which I believe are from Kato’s old Narita Express set 10-182. As this set is so old (circa 1995), I’m having trouble finding information on it. Does anyone have this set and if so, would they be kind enough to provide a scan of the information sheet that comes with it?

 

A very small amount of TLC is required – wheel cleaning and a spare pantograph as it is missing. I’ve also disassembled and confirmed that the lighting (including interior lighting) uses grain of wheat bulbs, all working but dependant on wheel cleaning for good electrical contact. Finally, I’m wondering how to add the Narita Express logo to the middle car – the logo is present on the newer set but not the older set.

[Bri]

I would imagine making your own transfers would be the only way to add a logo.

Edited January 9, 2014 by Bri

[JR 500系]

I have the old E253 NEX too, but made by Tomix: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10009582, together with it's add-on set: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10009583  

 

Apologizes so i might not be able to assist you much in this... 

 

My Add-on has the sticker, but my basic set is also missing the NEX Airplane decal...

 

Luckily for me, mine came with pre-installed interior lights on all 6 cars too ~ Sweet... 

 

Thing is, i'm also puzzled by Tomix's configuration of 3 + 3 set (4 end cars) with perhaps another 3-car set making it a 3 + 3 + 3 (6 end cars) as compared to Kato's 6 + 3 (4 end cars) configuration... So which is the prototypical correct consist? 

[kvp]

So which is the prototypical correct consist? 

According to wikipedia 3+3 or 3+6 or 6+6. The 3+3 formations were only used until the first 6 car sets arrived.

 

[The Next Station Is...]

The original Kato set (10-182) is 3+3, I'm not aware of any add-on sets for that version of the set. I have two ends but not ones that prototypically ran together!

[JR 500系]

The original Kato set (10-182) is 3+3, I'm not aware of any add-on sets for that version of the set. I have two ends but not ones that prototypically ran together!

 

Actually, if i'm not wrong, that's the older model. The newer one is Kato 10-408, Series 253 `Narita Express` (Basic 6-Car Set) http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10011986  together with its add-on 3 car set: Kato 10-409 http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10011987  

 

 

According to wikipedia 3+3 or 3+6 or 6+6. The 3+3 formations were only used until the first 6 car sets arrived.

 

 

Thanks ~ That helped to clear up some queries ~ So a 3+3, 6+3 and 6+6 are all correct, but never a 3+3+3 ~~

[Guest keio6000]

I would imagine making your own transfers would be the only way to add a logo.

 

The logo transfers were available at some point from somebody (tomix?) and so they might be available by rummaging though boxes at poppondetta or something. May be more trouble than its worth though.

 

In aviation we have a saying: "if you want to build, then build. If you want to fly, then buy." Probably the same here. 253s are available pretty cheap in japan. Sell your existing one on ebay uk or whatever and order a new used one from japan which has the specs you like. Personally, i find that the old non led lighting is nice, though perhaps for the nex led lighting is mpre apropos than for say a 485. That said, i dont think the "old" kato nex is in any way poor and if i were you id keep it, but if you dont like it, by all means "sell up."