Train Collection Roster
This page briefly describes each train in my collection. Additional pages linked from the section headings (in some cases with direct links on the photos) describe each train in more detail.
I haven’t yet begun converting my roster to DCC (except for one), so the “DCC Difficulty” ratings are based on vendor-provided descriptions and what I’ve read online and may change as I actually do some. I’m using a 0-5 scale to rate the difficulty of conversion, where:
0 = decoder already installed by manufacturer, no work required
1-2 = drop-in decoder install without modification (2 = mechanism disassembly or similar)
3 = easy, but you need a soldering iron (drop-in board with LED modifications, or wired-in board)
4= hard, but possible for a skilled person (e.g., motor needs isolation, frame needs grinding, etc)
5= time to buy a new model
For more on this scale and its origin, see “What Does ‘DCC Ready’ Mean?”.
For information about what I do to add detail to these, see my Detailing an EMU page.
I’ve started noting the kind of motor used, for more on this see my DC Model Train Motors page.
Unless noted otherwise, all trains are Japanese Narrow Gauge (3’ 6”, 1067mm) and models are 1:150 scale.
JR East 205 Series Commuter Trains
Train: 205 Series (205-0)
Model: Kato 10-524 A & B sets (10 cars total)
Model Released: 2007
Motor: 5-pole, straight-wound, no flywheel
Line: JR East Chūō-Sōbu (Tōkyō & Chiba)
Period: 1989 - 2001
Length: 10 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 100 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)
Model Details: Working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210)
Train: 205 Series (205-0)
Model: Kato 10-284/285 sets (10 cars total)
Kato Japanese description of 10-284.
Model Released: 2006?
Motor: 5-pole, straight-wound, no flywheel
Line: JR East Keiyō (Tōkyō & Chiba)
Period: 1990 - present
Length: 10 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 100 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)
Model Details: Working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210)
JR East E217 Commuter/Suburban Trains
Train: E217 “New Color”
Model: Kato 10-843/844/845/846 sets (11+4 cars)
Model Released: 2011
Motor: TBD
Line: JR East Yokosuka & Sōbu Lines
Period: 1994 - present
Length: 11, 4 and 11+4 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 120 kph
DCC Difficulty: TBD
Model Details: Working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210)
JR E231 Commuter/Suburban Trains
See the E231 page for additional detail about the models themselves.
Train: E231-0
Model: Kato 10-551/552/553 sets (10+5 cars total)
Model Released: 2008
Motor: TBD
Line: JR East Jōban (Tōkyō/Chiba/Ibaraki), Narita
Period: 2002 - present
Length: 10+5 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 120 kph
DCC Difficulty: 2 (via EM13) - Done!
Model Details: flywheel, working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210). Set 10-553 adds a 5-car train.
Train: E231-0
Model: Micro Ace A4012 & A4013 (10 cars total)
Model Released: 2010
Motor: 3-pole skew-wound, flywheel
Line: Chūō-Sōbu (Tōkyō & Chiba)
Period: 2000+
Length: 10 car sets
Traction: 1,520 kW (2,038 hp)
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 120 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)?
Model Details: working head and tail lights, flywheel, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (model?). Rapido couplers.
(no photo - identical to above)
Train: E231-0
Model: Micro Ace A4012 & A4013 (10 cars total)
Model Released: 2010
Motor: 3-pole skew-wound, flywheel
Line: Chūō-Sōbu (Tōkyō & Chiba)
Period: 2000+
Length: 10 car sets
Traction: 1,520 kW (2,038 hp)
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 120 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)?
Model Details: working head and tail lights, flywheel, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (model?). Rapido couplers.
Train: E231-500
Model: Kato 10-261/262 sets (11 cars total)
Model Released: 2005, replaced 2009
Motor: 3-pole, skew-wound, flywheels
Line: JR East Yamanote (Tōkyō)
Period: 2002 - present
Length: 11 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 120 kph (line limit of 90 kph)
DCC Difficulty: 2 (via EM13)
Model Details: working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210). Replaced by 10-578/579/580.
Train: E231-500
Model: Kato 10-578/578/580 sets (11 cars total)
Model Released: 2009 (update of previous model)
Motor: 3-pole, skew-wound, flywheel
Line: JR East Yamanote (Tōkyō)
Period: 2002 - present
Length: 11 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 120 kph (line limit of 90 kph)
DCC Difficulty: 2 (via EM13)
Model Details: working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210).
Train: E231-500
Model: Kato Roundhouse 10-933 set (11 cars total)
Model Released: 2013 (based on existing model)
Motor: 3-pole, skew-wound, flywheel
Line: JR East Yamanote (Tōkyō)
Period: 2013 (special)
Length: 11 car set
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 120 kph (line limit of 90 kph)
DCC Difficulty: 2 (via EM13)
Model Details: working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210). This is a model of the special “green wrapped” train commemorating the fiftieth anniversary of the introduction of the 103 series trains and their apple-green color to the Yamanote line in 1963.
Train: E231-1000
Model: Kato 10-471 (8 cars total)
Model Released: 2003
Motor: 5-pole, straight-wound, no flywheels
Line: JR East Tōhoku Takasaki, Shōnan-Shinjuku
Period: w/o b-ilevel cars, 2000 - 2004, w/ 2004-present
Length: 10+5 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 120 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)?
Model Details: working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210). Set 10-470 adds 2 bi-level cars. Set 10-472 adds 2 standard cars, and 10-473 is a 5-car train (for 5 or 10+5 use).
(no photo - similar to above)
Train: E231-1000
Model: Kato 10-594/595/596 (10 cars total)
Model Released: 2010
Motor: TBD
Line: JR East Tōkaidō, Shōnan-Shinjuku
Period: 2004+ with bi-level cars
Length: 10+5 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 120 kph
DCC Difficulty: 2 (via EM13)
Model Details: working head and tail lights, flywheel, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210). Set 10-522 is a 5-car train (for 5 or 10+5 use) which I don’t have.
JR E233 Commuter/Suburban Trains
See the E231 page for additional detail about the models themselves.
Train: E233-0
Model: Kato 10-801/802/803 sets (10 cars total)
Note: model is for an Ōme/Chūō line prototype
Model Released: 2008
Motor: 3-pole, skew-wound, flywheels
Line: JRE Chūō Main line, Ōme, Itsukaichi
Period: 2006/2007 - present
Length: 10, 6 and 4 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 100 kph
DCC Difficulty: 2 (via EM13) - Done!
Model Details: Working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210).
It is not listed as DCC Friendly or flywheel-equipped, but this may be an omission.
Train: E233-1000
Model: Kato 10-543/544 sets (10 cars total)
Model Released: 2008
Motor: TBD
Line: JRE Keihin-Tōhoku (Saitama/Tōkyō/Kanagawa)
Period: 2006/ 2007 - present
Length: 10 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 95 kph
DCC Difficulty: 2 (via EM13)
Model Details: flywheel, working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210).
Train: E233-3000
Model: Kato 10-1114/1115/1116 sets (10+5 cars, plus a pair of single-level replacements)
Model Released: 2012
Motor: TBD
Line: JR East Tōkaidō
Period: 2008+ (series), 2011+ (this version)
Length: 10+5 car set (both motorized)
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 120 kph
DCC Difficulty: 2 (via EM13) - in progress
Model Details: flywheel, working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210).
Train: E233-5000
Model: Kato 10-862/863 sets (10 cars total)
Model Released: 2011
Motor: 3-pole, skew-wound, flywheels
Line: JR East Keiyō (Tōkyō & Chiba), Sotobō Line (Chiba), Uchibō Line (Chiba), Tōgane Line (Chiba)
Period: 2010 - present
Length: 10 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 110 kph
DCC Difficulty: 2 (via EM13)
Model Details: flywheel, working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210).
JR E531 Commuter/Suburban Trains
See the E231 page for additional detail about the models themselves.
Train: E531
Model: Kato 10-570/571/572 + 10-283 (10+5 car set)
Model Released: unk. (updated 2009)
Motor: TBD
Line: JRE Jōban line
Period: 2005 - present
Length: 10, 5 and 10+5 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC and 20 kV 50 Hz catenary
Top Speed: 130 kph
DCC Difficulty: 2 (via EM13)
Model Details: Working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210).
It is flywheel-equipped (per the Japanese stock page at Kato).
Limited Express Trains
Train: Series 251 (Super View Odoriko, old color)
Model: Kato 10-177 (6 car set)
Model Released: 2004 or 2006
Motor: TBD
Line: JR Tōkaidō Main Line (Tōkyō - Izukyū-Shimoda)
Period: 1990 - present (refurbished 2002)
Length: 10 car sets
Power: 1500 V DC catenary
Top Speed: 120 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3?
Model Details: Working head, tail and interior lights.
It is not DCC-ready or flywheel-equipped.
Train: Series 251 (Super View Odoriko, new color)
Model: Kato 10-474/475 (10 car set)
Model Released: 2004 or 2006
Motor: TBD
Line: JR Tōkaidō Main Line (Tōkyō - Izukyū-Shimoda)
Period: 1990 - present (refurbished 2002)
Length: 10 car sets
Power: 1500 V DC catenary
Top Speed: 120 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3?
Model Details: Working head, tail and interior lights.
It is not DCC-ready or flywheel-equipped.
Train: 253 Series (Narita Express)
Model: Kato 10-408 & 2x 10-409 (6+3+3 car set)
Model Released: 2005, reissued 2009
Motor: TBD
Line: JRE multiple lines (various - Tōkyō - Narita)
Period: 1991 - 2010 (replaced by E259)
Length: 3 & 6 car sets, operating in up to 12-car trains
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 130 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)?
Model Details: Working head, tail and interior lights.
It is not DCC Friendly or flywheel-equipped. An add-on (10-409) with an unpowered 3-car train is available.
Train: E259 (Narita Express)
Model: Kato 10-821 and 10-847/10-848 (6+6 car set)
Model Released: 2010
Motor: TBD
Line: JRE multiple lines (various - Tōkyō - Narita)
Period: 2010+
Length: 6 car sets, alone or as 6+6 trains
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 130 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)?
Model Details: working head and tail lights. Not described as “DCC Friendly”. Compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210). Additional sets (10-847/10-848) to make a second six-car train with a different number, were added to the original to make a 6+6 trainset.
Train: E351 (Super Azusa)
Model: Kato 10-358 (8 car set)
Model Released: 2004
Motor: TBD
Line: JRE Chūō Main, Shinonoi lines (Tōkyō - Nagano)
Period: 1993 - present
Length: 4 & 8 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 130 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)?
Model Details: Working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210).
It is not DCC Friendly or flywheel-equipped. An add-on (10-359) with an unpowered 4-car train is available to model a 4+8 set. This is a “tilting” model.
Train: 485-1000 (Viva Aizu)
Model: Micro Ace A2880 (6-car set)
Model Released: 2010
Motor: TBD
Line: JRE Ban’Etsu West Line (possibly to Ueno)
Period: 1991 - 2002(?)
Length: 6 car sets (possib. also 4-car sets)
Power: 1500 V DC / 20 kV AC (50/60 Hz) catenary
Top Speed: 140 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)?
Model Details: Working head and tail lights.
It is not DCC-ready, but is flywheel-equipped.
Train: 485 (Nikkō/Kinugawa)
Model: Kato 10-918 (6-car set)
Model Released: 2008
Motor: 5-pole, straight-wound, no flywheels
Line: Yamanote Freight Line, Tōhoku Main Line,
Shonan-Shinjuku, Tōbu Nikkō, Tōbu Kinugawa
Period: ? - present
Length: 6 car set (unique)
Power: 1500 V DC / 20 kV AC (50/60 Hz) catenary
Top Speed: 130 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)?
Model Details: Working head and tail lights.
It is not DCC-ready or flywheel-equipped.
Train: 189 (Nikkō-go Ayano)
Model: Micro Ace A0586
Model Released: ? (re-issue 2010)
Motor: TBD
Line: Yamanote Freight Line, Tōhoku Main Line,
Shonan-Shinjuku, Tōbu Nikkō, Tōbu Kinugawa
Period: 2006 - present
Length: 6 car set (unique)
Power: 1500 V DC catenary
Top Speed: 120 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)?
Model Details: Working head and tail lights.
It is not DCC-ready or flywheel-equipped.
Train: E653 (Fresh Hitachi)
Model: Micro Ace A4811 (7 car set)
Model Released: 2009
Motor: TBD
Line: JRE Jōban line (Tōkyō - Iwaki)
Period: 1997 - present
Length: 7, 4+7 and 7+7 car sets
Power: 1500 V DC, 20 kV AC (50/60 Hz) catenary
Top Speed: 130 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)?
Model Details: Working head, and tail lights.
It is not DCC-ready or flywheel-equipped. Several sets of 4 or 7 cars are available. Rapido couplers.
Train: Nankai Electric Railway series 50000 rapi:t
Model: Micro Ace A0750
Model Released: 2004? (re-issue 2010)
Motor: TBD
Line: Nankai Main Line, Nankai Airport Line
Period: 1994 - present
Length: 6 car set (unique)
Power: 1500 V DC catenary
Top Speed: 120 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoders needed)
Model Details: Working head and tail lights.
It is not DCC-ready or flywheel-equipped.
Note: not a Tokyo train, the 50000 serves Kansai International Airport in Osaka, but it is too unique to pass up.
“Joyful Trains”
Train: E655 (Nagomi, なごみ)
Model: Kato 10-1123 (5 car set, 6th on order)
Model Released: 2012
Motor: three-pole, skew-wound, flywheels
Line: any narrow-gauge
Period: 2007 - present
Length: 5 or 6 car sets
Power: 1,500 V DC / 20 kV AC (50/60 Hz) catenary
Top Speed: 130 kph
DCC Difficulty: 2 (via EM13) - done
Model Details: Working head, and tail lights. Can take V2 LED interior lights. In the 5-car version modeled, this is the Nagomi (which translates as “to be calmed down” or “relax”), a Joyful Train used for charters, particularly for diplomatic or state purposes. With the addition of the sixth or Imperial Car, containing the Emperor’s personal suite, it becomes the Imperial Train, used if he or his immediate family need to travel by non-Shinkansen train. On non-electrified lines it is pulled by a locomotive, and has its own generator for power. The current emperor doesn’t use it much. A model of the emperor’s car was not included in the original set (Kato was reportedly denied a license by the Imperial household, although that’s unconfirmed). Thus the original model reflects the version of the train used for state guests and other important people, rather than the form used by the Emperor and his immediate family. The model does a reasonable job of replicating the prototype’s complex color, which can look brown or purple depending on the light, and which has an iridescent metallic tint.
In 2014 Kato released a model of the sixth, or Emperor’s, car for this train (part 4935-1), due in May. I have one. With this added in the middle of the train, and the flag-and-chrysanthemum marker on the front of the cab car, the model replicates the train as used by the Emperor.
Train: JR East 485 “Hana” Joyful Train
Model: Micro Ace A2270
Model Released: 2007 (re-issue 2011)
Motor: TBD
Line: varies
Period: 1997 - present
Length: 6 car set (unique)
Power: 1500 V DC, 20kV AC (50/60 Hz)
Top Speed: 140 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoders needed)
Model Details: Working head and tail lights.
It is not DCC-ready or flywheel-equipped.
Train: JR East 485 “Yamanami” Joyful Train
Model: Micro Ace A2271
Model Released: 2007 (re-issue 2011)
Motor: TBD
Line: varies
Period: 1999 - present
Length: 4 car set (unique)
Power: 1500 V DC, 20kV AC (50/60 Hz)
Top Speed: 140 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoders needed)
Model Details: Working head and tail lights.
It is not DCC-ready or flywheel-equipped.
Train: JR East 485 “Seseragi” Joyful Train
Model: Micro Ace A2271
Model Released: 2007 (re-issue 2011)
Motor: TBD
Line: varies
Period: 2001 - 2010 (being rebuilt as Resort Yamadori)
Length: 4 car set (unique)
Power: 1500 V DC, 20kV AC (50/60 Hz)
Top Speed: 140 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoders needed)
Model Details: Working head and tail lights.
It is not DCC-ready or flywheel-equipped.
Other Passenger Trains and Locomotives
Train: JR East 12/14-Series Super Express Rainbow
Model: Kato 10-306
Model Released: TBD (re-issue 2011)
Motor: none
Line: varies
Period: 1987 - 2000
Length: 7 car set (unique)
Power: loco-hauled
Top Speed: probably 110 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoders for headmark)
Model Details: Lit headmark on trailing end.
Train: JR East EF65-1118 “Super Express Rainbow”
Model: Kato 3019-9
Model Released: 2008
Motor: TBD
Line: TBD
Period: 1965+ (type), 1997 - present (this color)
Traction: 2550 kW (3420 hp)
Power: 1500 Volt DC
Top Speed: 110 kph
DCC Difficulty: TBD
Model Details: Working head lights, flywheel. Kato knuckle couplers.
Train: JR East EF65-1019 “Super Express Rainbow”
Model: Kato 3019-7
Model Released: 2004
Motor: TBD
Line: TBD
Period: 1965+ (type), 1997 - present (this color)
Traction: 2550 kW (3420 hp)
Power: 1500 Volt DC
Top Speed: 110 kph
DCC Difficulty: TBD
Model Details: Working head lights. Rapido couplers.
Train: Izukyū 2100 R-4 “Black Ships Train”
Model: Micro Ace A6273
Model Released: 2010
Motor: TBD
Line: Tōhoku Main Line (near Tōkyō), Izu Kyūkō Line
Period: 1985 (train), 1999 (black livery) - present
Length: 8 cars (original), 7 cars (present)
Traction: unknown
Power: 1500 Volt DC
Top Speed: unknown
DCC Difficulty: TBD
Model Details: Working head lights and tail lights, interior lighting, flywheel. Rapido couplers.
(no photo)
Train: JR East / JR Hokkaido 25-Series Hokutosei
Model: Kato 10-
Model Released: TBD (re-issue 2011)
Motor: none
Line: Tōhoku Main Line
Period: 1988 - present
Length: 12 car set
Power: loco-hauled
Top Speed: 110 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoders for lighting)
Model Details: Lit dining car.
Train: JR East EF510-500 Passenger Locomotive
Model: Kato 3065-1 Blue “North Star” version
Model Released: 2010
Motor: TBD
Line: Tōhoku Main Line (near Tōkyō)
Period: 2010+
Traction: 3,390 kW (4,500 hp)
Power: 1500 Volt DC & 20 kV (50/60 Hz) catenary
Top Speed: 110 kph
DCC Difficulty: TBD
Model Details: Working head lights, flywheel. Rapido couplers.
Non-JR Trains
I have some other non-JR trains (as well as a couple of JR West trains) listed elsewhere on this page. This section is for non-JR trains operating in or near Tōkyō which don’t interoperate onto JR East lines.
Train: Tōkyū Series 6000
Model: Greenmax 4210 (6 car set)
Model Released: 2011
Motor: TBD
Line: Tōkyū Ōimachi Line
Period: 2008 - present
Length: 6 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: Max design speed 120 kph; 95 kph Ōimachi Line, 110 kph Den-en-toshi Line
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)
Model Details: Working head, and tail lights.
It is not DCC-ready or flywheel-equipped. Compatible with Tomix, not Greenmax, narrow interior lights, either the Warm White 0734 set (available in a six-pack as 0738) or the White 0733 (0737) set (per manual). Rapido couplers.
Tōkyō Metro Subway/Commuter Trains
Train: Tōkyō Metro 10000 Series
Model: Greenmax 4128/4129 (10 car set)
Model Released: 2009 (limited edition)
Motor: TBD
Line: Tōkyō Metro Yūrakuchō & Fukutoshin, others
Period: 2006 - present
Length: 8 & 10 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 80/100/105 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)?
Model Details: Working head, and tail lights.
It is not DCC-ready or flywheel-equipped. Compatible with Greenmax lighting kit (unverified). Rapido couplers.
Train: Tōkyō Metro 10000 Series
Model: Kato 10-866/867 (10 car set)
Model Released: 2011
Motor: 3-pole, skew-wound, flywheels
Line: Tōkyō Metro Yūrakuchō & Fukutoshin, others
Period: 2006 - present
Length: 8 & 10 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 80/100/105 kph
DCC Difficulty: 2 (via EM13)
Model Details: flywheel, working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with the v.2 LED car lights (11-211/212).
Train: Tōkyō Metro 01 (Ginza) Series
Model: Kato 10-864 (6 car set)
Model Released: 2011
Motor: Three-pole, skewed
Line: Tōkyō Metro Ginza line
Period: 1983 - present
Length: 6 car sets
Power: 600 Volt DC Third-rail
Top Speed: 60 kph service speed, 75/80 kph max depending on age
DCC Difficulty: 3 (cabs take FL12, but motor decoder needs wire-in)
Model Details: Working head, and tail lights.
It is partially DCC-ready and flywheel-equipped, but the body is too narrow for the EM13, and there is no receptacle for it. The set is compatible with the v.2 LED car lights (11-211/212).
Train: Tōkyō Metro 02 (Marunouchi) Series
Model: Kato 10-1126 (6 car set)
Model Released: 2013
Motor: Three-pole, skewed
Line: Tōkyō Metro Marunouchi line
Period: 1988 - present
Length: 6 car sets
Power: 600 Volt DC Third-rail
Top Speed: 75 kph (mainline), 65 kph (branch)
DCC Difficulty: 3 (cabs take FL12, but motor decoder needs wire-in)
Model Details: Working head, and tail lights.
It is partially DCC-ready and flywheel-equipped, but the body is too narrow for the EM13, and there is no receptacle for it. The set is compatible with the v.2 LED car lights (11-211/212).
(second train, shown in picture above)
Train: Tōkyō Metro 02 (Marunouchi) Series
Model: Kato 10-1126 (6 car set)
Model Released: 2013
Motor: Three-pole, skewed
Line: Tōkyō Metro Marunouchi line
Period: 1988 - present
Length: 6 car sets
Power: 600 Volt DC Third-rail
Top Speed: 75 kph (mainline), 65 kph (branch)
DCC Difficulty: 3 (cabs take FL12, but motor decoder needs wire-in)
Model Details: Working head, and tail lights.
It is partially DCC-ready and flywheel-equipped, but the body is too narrow for the EM13, and there is no receptacle for it. The set is compatible with the v.2 LED car lights (11-211/212).
Train: Tōkyō Metro Series 05
Model: Greenmax 4217, 4218, 4219
Model Released: 2011
Motor: TBD
Line: Tōzai Line
Period: 1988 - present
Length: 10 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 100 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)
Model Details: Working head, and tail lights. Compatible with Tomix, not Greenmax, narrow interior lights, either the Warm White 0734 set (available in a six-pack as 0738) or the White 0733 (0737) set (per manual). Rapido couplers.
Train: JR East E231-800
Model: MicroAce A8460/A8461
Model Released: 2011
Motor: TBD
Line: Chūō-Sōbu Line and Tōkyō Metro Tōzai Line
Period: 2003 - present
Length: 10 car sets
Power: 1500 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 120 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)
Model Details: Working head, and tail lights. Rapido couplers. Compatible with G0001/G0002/G0003/G0004 lights and F0001 gray couplers.
Trams (Light Rail Vehicles)
Train: Tōkyū 300 Series articulated tram
Model: Modemo NT80 (304F, apple green)
Model Released: 2008
Motor: TBD
Line: Tōkyū Setagaya line
Period: 2000 (this model) - present
Length: two-car articulated sets
Gauge: 1372 mm (4’ 6”)
Power: 600 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 40 kph
DCC Difficulty: 4 (due to space)
Model Details: It has a flywheel, but no lights. The color doesn’t photograph well; it’s darker in person.
Train: Tōkyū 300 Series articulated tram
Model: Modemo NT85 (303F, blue)
Model Released: 2008
Motor: TBD
Line: Tōkyū Setagaya line
Period: 2000 (this model) - present
Length: two-car articulated sets
Gauge: 1372 mm (4’ 6”)
Power: 600 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 40 kph
DCC Difficulty: 4 (due to space)
Model Details: It has a flywheel, but no lights.
Train: Tōkyū 300 Series articulated tram
Model: Modemo NT96 (305F, cherry red)
Model Released: 2008
Motor: TBD
Line: Tōkyū Setagaya line
Period: 2000 (this model) - present
Length: two-car articulated sets
Gauge: 1372 mm (4’ 6”)
Power: 600 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 40 kph
DCC Difficulty: 4 (due to space)
Model Details: It has a flywheel, but no lights.
Train: Tōkyū 300 Series articulated tram
Model: Modemo NT113 (310F, turquoise green)
Model Released: 2010
Motor: TBD
Line: Tōkyū Setagaya line
Period: 2001 (this model) - present
Length: two-car articulated sets
Gauge: 1372 mm (4’ 6”)
Power: 600 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 40 kph
DCC Difficulty: 4 (due to space)
Model Details: It has a flywheel, but no lights. The color doesn’t photograph well; it’s darker in person.
Train: Tōkyū Type 2000 articulated tram
Model: Modemo NT115
Model Released: 2010
Motor: TBD
Line: Enoshima Dentetsu (“Enoden”) Line
Period: 1990 - present (this livery 2009+)
Length: two-car articulated sets
Gauge: 1067 mm (3’ 6”)
Power: 600 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: unclear, but 60 kph or less
DCC Difficulty: 4 (due to space)
Model Details: The “chocolate” color is exactly that, an advertisement for Meiji Milk Chocolate applied in 2009. Although the line is not strictly in Tōkyō (its on the coast to the south, in Kamakura) it is close enough for me).
Train: Toden Arakawa 7000 Series “Normal Paint” version
Model: Modemo NT45
Model Released: 2005
Motor: TBD
Line: Tōkyō Metropolitan Bureau of Transportation (Toden) Arakawa Line
Period: 1954 - present? (Japanese Wikipedia suggests 2011/2012 end of service)
Length: unknown
Gauge: 1372 mm (4’ 6”)
Traction: 120 kW (60 kW x 2) (161 hp)
Power: 600 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 40 kph
DCC Difficulty: 4 (due to space)
Model Details: This is the older of two very similar paint schemes produced by Modemo (there’s also a “2009 version”).
Train: Toyama Chihō articulated tram #9001
Model: Kato 14-802-1
Model Released: 2010
Motor: TBD
Line: Toyama City Tram Line
Period: 2009 - present
Length: two-car articulated sets
Gauge: 1067 mm (3’ 6”)
Power: 600 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 70 kph design, 40 kph operating
DCC Difficulty: 4 (due to space)
Model Details: The model has working head and tail lights, as well as interior lighting. With the large windows and interior lights, it really needs figures to look realistic.
Train: Toyama Portram articulated tram TLR0601 - Tetsudō Musume wrapping
Model: TomyTec TLR0601
Model Released: 2013
Motor: TBD
Line: Toyama City Toyamakō Line
Period: 2013 - present
Length: two-car articulated set
Gauge: 1067 mm (3’ 6”)
Power: 600 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 70 kph design, 40 kph operating
DCC Difficulty: 4 (due to space)
Model Details: This is a normally unpowered display model, equipped with a TM-LRT01 motot assembly to make an operational train. It has no lights, and the motor assembly completely fils the body. It does, however, run quietly and smoothly.
Train: Toyama Portram articulated tram TLR0606 - Tetsudō Musume wrapping
Model: TomyTec TLR0606
Model Released: 2013
Motor: TBD
Line: Toyama City Toyamakō Line
Period: 2013 - present
Length: two-car articulated set
Gauge: 1067 mm (3’ 6”)
Power: 600 Volt DC catenary
Top Speed: 70 kph design, 40 kph operating
DCC Difficulty: 4 (due to space)
Model Details: This is a normally unpowered display model, equipped with a TM-LRT01 motot assembly to make an operational train. It has no lights, and the motor assembly completely fils the body. It does, however, run quietly and smoothly.
JR Shinkansen Trains
All Shinkansen and Mini-Shinkansen trains are Standard Gauge (4’ 8.5”, 1435mm) and models are 1:160 scale.
Train: 500 Series (Nozomi)
Model: Kato 10-510/511/512 (16 car set)
Model Released: 2006, reissued 2009, 2010
Motor: 5-pole, straight-wound, no flywheels
Line: JR Tōkaidō & Sanyō Shinkansen lines
Period: 1997 - 2010
Length: 8 or 16 car sets
Power: 20 kV AC (60 Hz) catenary
Top Speed: 270/300 kph (design max 320 kph)
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)
Model Details: Working head, and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210). It is not DCC Friendly or flywheel-equipped.
Train: E1 Series (MAX Toki) Shinkansen
Model: Tomix 98903 & 92835 (12 car set)
Model Released: 2013
Motor: TBD
Line: JR East Jōetsu Shinkansen lines
Period: 1994 - 2012
Length: 12 car sets
Power: 25 kV AC (50 Hz) catenary
Top Speed: 240 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)
Model Details: Flywheel-equipped, multi-car electrical pickup, two motor cars, compatible with Tomix interior lights
Train: E3 Series (Komachi) Mini-Shinkansen
Model: Kato 10-221 (6 car set)
Model Released: 2007, reissued 2010
Motor: 3-pole, skew-wound, flywheels
Line: JR Tōhoku & Akita Shinkansen lines
Period: 1997 - present
Length: 6 car sets
Power: 20/25 kV AC (50 Hz) catenary
Top Speed: 275 kph (Tōhoku), 130 kph (Akita)
DCC Difficulty: 2 (via EM13)
Model Details: Working head, and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210). To my surprise, it is DCC Friendly and flywheel-equipped, both odd on a model with this early a number, although it is a recent (2010) example.
Train: E5 Series (Hyabusa)
Model: Kato 10-857/858/859 (10 car set)
Model Released: 2011
Motor: 3-pole, skew-wound, flywheels
Line: JR Tōhoku Shinkansen line
Period: 2011 - present
Length: 10 car sets
Power: 25 kV AC (50 Hz) catenary
Top Speed: 300 kph (320 kph in 2013)
DCC Difficulty: 2 (via EM13)
Model Details: Working head and tail lights, and the set is compatible with LED car lights (11-209/210). To my surprise, it is DCC Friendly and flywheel-equipped.
Freight Locomotives
Train: DE10
Model: Tomix 2220
Model Released: 2007
Motor: TBD
Line: JR Freight (multiple lines)
Period: 1966 - present
Traction: 1,350 hp
Power: Diesel-Hydraulic
Top Speed: 95 kph
DCC Difficulty: 4? (Tomix has a bad reputation)
Model Details: Rapido couplers. Recent paint scheme.
Train: DE10 (I have two of these)
Model: Kato 7011-2 (Warm Region version)
Model Released: 2009 (re-run 2010)
Motor: 3-pole, skew-wound, flywheels
Line: JR Freight (multiple lines)
Period: 1966 - present
Traction: 1,350 hp
Power: Diesel-Hydraulic
Top Speed: 95 kph
DCC Difficulty: 4 (using DN163K1D, see notes)
Model Details: White LED headlights and flywheel. Rapido couplers. Older (but still used) paint scheme.
(no photo - nearly identical to above)
Train: DE10 (I have one of these)
Model: Kato 7011-1 (Cold Region version)
Model Released: 2009 (re-run 2010)
Motor: 3-pole, skew-wound, flywheels
Line: JR Freight (multiple lines)
Period: 1966 - present
Traction: 1,350 hp
Power: Diesel-Hydraulic
Top Speed: 95 kph
DCC Difficulty: 4 (using DN163K1D, see notes)
Model Details: White LED headlights and flywheel. Rapido couplers. Plows and circular windshield wipers distinguish this model from the “Warm Region” one.
Train: EF65 (JR Freight Color)
Model: Kato 3033
Model Released: 2003
Motor: TBD
Line: JR Freight (Tōkaidō Main Line)
Period: 1965+
Traction: 2550 kW (3420 hp)
Power: 1500 Volt DC
Top Speed: 110 kph
DCC Difficulty: TBD
Model Details: Working head lights, flywheel. Rapido couplers.
Train: EF66 (first version)
Model: Kato 3047-3
Model Released: 2006
Motor: TBD
Line: JR Freight (Tōkaidō Main Line)
Period: 1966+
Traction: 3900 kW (5230 hp)
Power: 1500 Volt DC
Top Speed: 110 kph
DCC Difficulty: TBD
Model Details: Rapido couplers.
Train: EF210-100
Model: Kato 3044
Model Released: 2007?
Motor: TBD
Line: JR Freight (multiple lines)
Period: 2000 - present
Traction: 3,390 kW (4,500 hp)
Power: 1500 V DC catenary
Top Speed: 110 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (likely using DN163K0A)
Model Details: Flywheel, working head, and tail lights. Rapido couplers.
Train: EH200
Model: Kato 3045
Model Released: 2004
Motor: TBD
Line: JR Freight (multiple lines)
Period: 2001 - present
Traction: 4,520 kW (6,100 hp)
Power: 1500 V DC catenary
Top Speed: 110 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (using DN163K0A)
Model Details: White LED headlights. Rapido couplers.
Train: EH500 (3rd Edition)
Model: Kato 3037-1
Model Released: 2005
Motor: TBD
Line: JR Freight (Tōhoku Main Line)
Period: 1997+
Traction: 4000 kW (5364 hp)
Power: 1500 Volt DC & 20 kV (50/60 Hz) AC
Top Speed: 110 kph
DCC Difficulty: TBD
Model Details: Rapido couplers, flywheel, headlight.
Train: M250 Super Rail Cargo
Model: Kato 10-565, -566, -228 (16 cars total)
Model Released: 2009
Motor: TBD
Line: JR Freight (Tōkaidō Main Line)
Period: 2004 - present
Length: 16-car fixed sets
Traction: 3,520 kW (4,720 hp)
Power: 1500 V DC Catenary
Top Speed: 130 kph (81 mph)
DCC Difficulty: 4 (limited space)
Model Details: Head and tail lights, and “tight-coupling” Kato couplers.
Special Trains
Prototype railroad equipment other than passenger/freight.
Train: E491 “East-i E”
Model: Micro Ace A3390
Model Released: 2008
Motor: TBD
Line: JR East Inspection Train (Electric)
Period: 2002 - present
Length: 3-car set
Traction: unknown
Power: 1500 V DC catenary
Top Speed: 130 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3? (wired decoder needed)
Model Details: Working head-and-tail lights. Rapido couplers. Dummy end couplers.
Train: E926 “East-i”
Model: Micro Ace A8470
Model Released: 2013
Motor: TBD w/ flywheels
Line: JR East Inspection Train (Shinkansen lines)
Period: 2001 - present
Length: 6-car set
Traction: 3,000 kW / 4,023 hp (5M1T, 300 kW/motor)
Power: 50/60 Hz, 25KV DC catenary
Top Speed: 275 kph (130 kph on mini-Shinkansen lines)
DCC Difficulty: 3? (wired decoder needed)
Model Details: Working head-and-tail lights. Working roof lights on cab cars, working (?) spotlights on roof of motor car. Couplers are a non-standard hook type.
Maintenance Equipment, Etc.
Things that run on the layout, that aren’t based on prototypes.
Train: Tomix Track Cleaning Car
Model: Tomix 6421
Model Released: 2001
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)
Model Details: It is not DCC-ready. Rapido couplers.
This car has three operating modes: vacuum cleaner, wet-pad cleaner, and abrasive-pad cleaner. It is sold stand-alone.
Train: Tomix Track Cleaning Car
Model: Tomix 6442
Model Released: 2003
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)
Model Details: It is not DCC-ready. Rapido couplers.
This car has three operating modes: vacuum cleaner, wet-pad cleaner, and abrasive-pad cleaner. It is sold as part of a set with a bottle of cleaner and Tomix’s wheel-cleaning track element.
Other Trains
Some Japanese trains from other places or eras, or non-Japanese N-gauge trains I own.
Train: JR West Series 125 (Japanese)
Model: Greenmax 4165 (motor car) and 4166 (trailer)
Model Released: 2011
Motor: TBD
Line: JR West
Period: 2003 - present
Traction: 440 kW (590 hp) per car
Power: 1500V DC
Top Speed: 85 kph (120 kph on the Hokuriku line)
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)?
Model Details: Dummy Shibata body-mount couples; optional body-mount drawbar.
The prototype operates in 1-4 car sets (1-3 car at present if Wikipedia is correct) in western Japan, providing commuter service to several mountain villages.
I bought this to use on my Tram Layout because I needed a one or two-car commuter train, and I liked its looks. I bought a motor car and trailer, but because it uses body-mount close couplers rather than Greenmax’s usual couple-mount Rapido’s a coupled set won’t negotiate a 177mm curve, so I’ll be using the motor car alone.
Train: JNR/JR ED75 (links are Japanese)
Model: Kato 3028, 3029
Model Released: c. 2007
Motor: TBD
Line: JNR, JR (incl. JRE), JRF (multiple lines)
Period: 1963/1965 - present(?)
Traction: 1,900 kW (2,550 hp)
Power: AC 20 kV, 50 Hz (Northern Japan)
Top Speed: 100 kph
DCC Difficulty: 3 (wired decoder needed)?
Model Details: Rapido couplers.
These are two separate versions of the same locomotive. 3028 represents the original version, and 3029 a cold-weather version with icicle cutters above the windows. The models reflect the original series, which may not still be in use.
As it is AC-powered, this train is not prototypical for Tōkyō (which uses DC on the narrow-gauge lines). It also doesn’t really fit the time period I’m modeling. I picked them up on impulse when I found them on sale in a hobby shop, only realizing later that they weren’t really useful for me.
Train: Pennsylvania GG-1 (#4935, green, five-stripe)
Model: Kato 137-2001
Model Released: c. 2008
Motor: 5-pole, straight-wound, flywheel
Line: Pennsylvania RR, PC, Amtrak, Conrail
Period: 1934 - 1983
Traction: 11kV AC catenary
Power: 4,620 hp (3,450 kW)
Gauge: Standard (4’ 8.5”, 1435mm)
Top Speed: 160 kph (100 mph), in passenger use
DCC Difficulty: 1 (via DN163K1D),
Model Details: lighted headlight, number boards.
Rather obviously, this doesn’t belong on Japanese rails. Still, perhaps a rich collector bought one and converted it to narrow gauge and 1500 VDC. Not too likely, but any excuse to run a GG1 is a good one. It’s going to get converted to DCC and run on the layout.
