From now on the correct name for the Japanese Bullet train will be used on this page and that is 'Shinkansen'. In Japanese it means 'new trunk line', and was used because the lines that these trains ran on in the early 1960's, were all new tracks built especially for the new service. If you see it written in Japanese, it looks like this - 新幹線
First of all, I must thank and acknowledge the efforts of Dave Fossett in Japan, who has created the ultimate reference site in English if you want to know anything about the prototype Shinkansen. The link to his page is here. What surprises most people is that there are many more different types of Shinkansen than they expect - in fact there are over a dozen different types running today, and some types that were built in the past have already reached the end of their service life and been scrapped !!! Anyone who has heard of the Shinkansen, would probably think of this type, which was the first one built for the opening of the new line in 1964, and whose front was patterned on the nose of the DC series airliners of the day. Fortunately, the Japanese model manufacturers are quite responsive in getting models of new trains released quite quickly after the prototype is introduced, so we modellers are well catered for :-) Because there are so many different models from several manufacturers available, first I will summarise what trains run where, and then who makes each model, and what you get for your money. Then you can have look at each different model in detail.
The Shinkansen lines currently being used in Japan are listed as follows, in the order of opening ...
1st October 1964 - Tokaido (Tokyo to Shin-Osaka) - operated by JNR (the Japanese National Railways) until 1987, and then JR Central (also known as JR Tokai). Train types that are running or have run on this line are the 0, 100, 300, 500, 700 & N700 series.
15th March 1972 - San'yo (Shin-Osaka to Okayama, 10th March 1975 to Hakata) - operated by JNR until 1987, and then JR West. Train types that are running or have run on this line are the 0, 100, 300, 500, 700 & N700 series.
23rd June 1982 - Tohoku (Omiya to Morioka, 14th March 1985 from Tokyo, 1st December 2002 to Hachinohe) - operated by JNR, and then JR East. Train types that are running or have run on this line are the 200, 400, E1, E2, E3 & E4 series.
15th November 1982 - Joetsu (Omiya to Niigata, 14th March 1985 from Tokyo) - operated by JNR, and then JR East. Trainstypes that are running or have run on this line are the 200, E1, E2 & E4 series.
14th March 1992 - Yamagata (Fukushima to Yamagata, 4th December 1999 to Shinjo) - operated by JR East. Train types that are running on this line are the 400 & E3 series.
22nd March 1997 - Akita (Morioka to Akita) - operated by JR East. Train types that are running on this line are just the E3 series.
1st October 1997 - Nagano (Takasaki to Nagano - sometimes also called the Hokuriku Shinkansen) - operated by JR East. Train types that are running on this line are just the E2 series.
13th March 2004 - Kyushu (Shin-Yatsushiro to Kagoshima-Chuo) - operated by JR Kyushu. Train types that are running on this line are just the 800 series.
Have a look at this map, courtesy of Dave Fossett. It shows all the current lines, and also those planned for future construction. Even though the JR Central and JR East lines both terminate at Tokyo station, they do not connect to each other. You can only see their trains next to each other at the platform. Some JR West trains do not run east past Shin-Osaka, but most of their other sets and the JR Central sets use the full length of each other's lines.
There is also a fleet of maintenance and inspection vehicles
that are used on these lines. Each JR company has had several of these over the years,
and there are also one-off experimental Shinkansen types that have had a short lifespan whilst
new technologies are being trialled.
The first N scale models of the Shinkansen were actually made under the name of Tomiyama (which became Tomy) in 1963 and were classed as '000' scale and advertised as 'The Smallest Train Set of the World' (sic). The 3 car metal set was very crude and came with an oval of track and a controller.
Kato - in 2005, now celebrating it's 40th anniversary, this well known company first released a Shinkansen model (the 0 series) in 1983. Since then they have released versions of the 100, 200, 500, 700, N700, 800, E1, E2 & E3 series. Some series do not have all cars made, so you cannot make a prototypically correct train. The early models (of the 0 & 200 series) used the standard bogie-mounted Rapido couplers, but the other model series use a coupling system that incorporates the car's diaphragms, which clip together. When the cars go around a sharp curve, you see a huge gap between the cars.
Tomix - in 2005, now celebrating it's 30th anniversary, this company (which is the model train division of the well known Tomy toy giant) first released a Shinkansen model (the 0 series) in 1984. Since then they have released versions of the 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 700, N700, 800, E1, E2, E3 & E4, and the 923 Dr Yellow. As you can see, Tomix are the premier Shinkansen model manufacturer, with virtually all series covered. Tomix uses a 'hook & loop' coupling system attached to the bogies, and each car has a nearly full width swivelling diaphragm, so that when the train goes around a sharp curve, you do NOT see a gap between the cars. However this system, compared to the other brands, does make the train a little longer due to the slightly larger inter-car separation. The 800 series model uses a different type of coupler (the new 'TS' series), and does not have these full width swivelling diaphragms. The new 700 series model also had these couplers, but they were found to fail readily, so that with the N700, they went back to the old 'hook & loop' mechanism but with power connectors attached, so that all cars pick up power and transmit it throughout the train. The most recent Tomix Shinkansen models (100, 500, 700, 800, E4 & N700 series) have a flywheel drive mechanism.
MicroAce - this company (which is the model train division of the well known ARII plastic model kit giant) first released a Shinkansen model (the 0 series) in January 2002. They decided to do the long window version, which had not been modelled before. Since then, they have released the 922-10 series Dr Yellow, several different versions of the 200 series, and the prototype 'A' & 'B' sets. Their coupling system is different again to the other two companies, but is attached to the car body floor. They also provide representations of the small vertical rubber 'flaps' that are used to fill in the gap between the cars, however when the cars go around a sharp curve, you still see a gap between the cars. All MicroAce Shinkansen models have a flywheel drive mechanism.
There are some other manufacturers that have made Shinkansen
models in the past, notably Gaken (1975) & Endo (1979), but these are very
hard to find now. There are companies, like Train & Diapet, that produce
diecast 'toy' models in N scale that are surprising good quality, and even have
N scale wheels, but they are not powered, and usually only the end car is sold.
Also please note that this page will be concentrating on 'N' scale models only, as
'N' scale in Japan is 95% of the market. There are some 'HO' Shinkansen models, from
companies like KTM (Katsumi) & Endo, but they are usually hand made brass,
very difficult to obtain outside Japan and also frightfully expensive !!!
Tenshodo did release a plastic 'HO' model of the 500 series a few years ago
(which was released in the USA by Bachmann), but
it was still quite expensive. In 'HO' (and larger), there have also been
'toy-like' models made by companies like Lima, that can be found at second hand
markets, but the quality is usually very poor.
*** NB *** the items listed in RED are the latest items manufactured (although not necessarily in stock) - any other items will probably not be available except in the second-hand market.
Production Types
0 Series
The original Shinkansen sets that were used on the Tokaido Shinkansen when it opened in 1964 were not really called the '0 series' until the 100 series was created. Over 3,000 of these vehicles were built over a period of 20+ years - nearly 3 times that of any other class since. The trains had all powered cars and could reach a speed of 220 km/h. Originally, they started as 12 car sets but these were upgraded to 16 car sets by the 1970's. None of the series are still running in it's original configuration. Originally they were painted cream with blue stripes, refurbished sets were repainted white with blue stripes and the 6 car sets still running now are a light and dark gray with a green stripe (called the 'Fresh Green' colour scheme).
- In 1975 Gaken released models of
the 21, 22, 25, 26 & 35 class cars.
- In 1979 Endo released models of the 21, 22, 25, 26, 15,
& 36 class cars, as well as a 4 car set. They also released this 4 car set in 1982 painted
with a green stripe to look like a 200 series !!!
- Kato's first release was in 1983 and these
models have basically been unchanged since then. There was a range of individual cars, and
a 6 car set. In 1985 they also released it as a 4 car set. It was not until 2002 that the
sets were re-released in an upgraded version as an 8 car main set, 8 car add-on
set and 2 individual cars.
- Tomix's first release was in 1984 and they provided
the 21, 22, 25, 26, 37 & 16 class cars as well as a 6 car set (92612). The set was
re-released (92014) in 1988 in a new style case, and then again in 1996 (92704) with the current
version. Also in 1996 a version of the upgraded 12 car 'West Hikari' was
released as a 6 car main set (92702) and 2 car add-on set (92703). In 2000 the Tomix 6 car set
was released by Gare de Passage (a Tokyo hobby shop) as a limited edition 'Sayonara
0 series' set, together with a set of commemorative pins. In September 2001
Tomix released a limited edition 16 car set (92913) to commemorate the 25th Anniversary
of the Tokaido Shinkansen. In March 2003 the latest 'Fresh green' colour scheme was covered
with a 6 car set (92752). In July 2005 a limited edition 6 car set (92939) was released to
commemorate the 30th anniversary of the opening of the Sanyo Shinkansen.
- In
January 2002 MicroAce released their first Shinkansen models, and they
were of a higher quality compared to the previous Kato and Tomix models. There
was a 16 car 'Hikari' version, made up of an 8 car main set and an 8 car add-on
set; a 12 car 'Kodama' made up of an 8 car main set and an 4 car add-on set and
a 12 car limited edition version of the first 12 car 'Hikari' set in
a wooden presentation box. In February 2007, they released a version of the 0
series as used by the Imperial family, as an 8 car set and 8 car add-on. The MicroAce models
have the long windows as on the
original cars, whereas the Tomix and Kato models have the smaller windows as on
later production releases.
As a replacement for some of the 20 year old 0 sets, the 100 series entered service in 1985 and was the first Shinkansen set to have double deck cars. 12 out of the 16 cars were powered, and the train could reach 220 km/h. The 'Grand Hikari' version (often called '100N') built in 1989 had four double deck cars, and could reach 230 km/h. None of this series is still running in it's original configuration - they were originally painted white with blue stripes, but the 4 & 6 car sets running now are a light and dark gray with a green stripe (called the 'Fresh Green' colour scheme).
(0 type shown here to illustrate colour scheme)
- In 1986 Tomix were the first to release a model of the 100 series, and
their 7 car set (92031) was the prototype set that had small windows, rather than the long windows of
the production sets. In 1987 they released the a production type 7 car set
(92039), as
well as individual cars. In 1988 it was re-released with a new style case
(92613), and
again in 1990 with an improved motor (92624). In 1999 a 3 car main set (92079) was released.
Until this point, not all the different types of 125 class cars were available
to make a correct consist. In July 2004 a limited edition 16 car 'Sayonara 100
series' set (92929) was released, and this had all the correct cars. February
2005 saw the release of the latest colour scheme that is used on the 100 sets,
the JR West 'Fresh Green' livery, and this set had the correct car types
converted from 100N sets. In July 2005 these cars were made available via a 4 car
main set (92286), a 4 car add-on set with either 'G' (92287) or 'X' (92288) cars, and a powered
(92289) or
non-powered (92290) 2 car add-on set. These sets had a new mechanism
including a flywheel.
- In 1996 Kato released the 'Grand Hikari' version
of the 100 series, which had 4 double deck cars rather than 2, and it was made
up of a 6 car main set, a 6 car add-on set, and a 2 car add-on set.
- In 1982 Endo released the 200 series in a 4 car set and individual cars.
- Kato
also released their version that year with individual cars, a 4 car main set and
a 6 car main set.
- Tomix also released their version in 1982 with a 6 car main
set (92013) and individual cars. The 6 car set was re-released in 1988 with a new style
case (92614) and then again in 1993 (92641) with a nose coupler for running with
their newly released 400 series.
In 1994 the 2 car add-on set (92121) was released, as well as a 226 car with a new
motor, and a 222 car with the nose coupler. In 1990 Tomix released the 200-2000
version with the longer 100 series type 'shark nose' as a 6 car set (92625), as well as
some individual cars to suit because of the extra green stripe under the window
band. In 1991, the 249 double deck car was released,
unfortunately the other 248 double deck car has never been produced. In 2001 the
main set was released as a 3 car set (92206).
- In May 2003 MicroAce released 2
versions of the 200 Shinkansen - the original 12 car 'F' set made up of a 6 car
main set and a 6 car powered add-on set, and a 10 car 'K' set made up of a 6 car
main set and a 4 car add-on set. Unfortunately the 'K' set model did not include
a nose coupler to couple to a 400 or E3-1000 set, even though this was the
purpose of these sets are being refurbished. In July 2006, they released the
refurbished 200 series, this time as the 1000 subseries, and in August 2006,
they released the 200 subseries with the longer 100 series type 'shark nose' and the single green
window band without an extra stripe. In February 2008, they plan to release a
version of the 25th Anniversary painted 'K' set.
These 16 car sets entered service in 1992 for use on the new 'Nozomi' service and with only 10 powered cars were still capable of speeds of 270 km/h. With the introduction of the 500 & 700 series sets, the 300's are now the stable unit for both the JR Central and JR West fleets. They are painted white with blue stripes. In 2007 with the arrival of the N700 series, sets from the 300 series started to be scrapped.
- In 1992 Tomix released a 7 car main set of the 300 series. It was not until 1997 that they added to the range with a 3 car add-on set, a 315 car, and a powered and non-powered 326-500 car. To make the full 16 car train, you needed to get both sets, 2 of the 315 car and 4 of the 326-500 car. Unfortunately, at least 5 of the cars in the set are not correct.
These 6 car sets were built for JR East in 1992 for use on the new Yamagata Shinkansen, which was an existing line converted to standard gauge. With all 6 cars powered, a top speed of 240 km/h could be reached on the Tohoku Shinkansen, however speeds were limited to 130 km/h on the Yamagata Shinkansen. These trains run together with a 200 or E4 'Yamabiko' set as far as Fukushima. In 1995 the sets were lengthened to 7 cars and in 2000 were repainted from the original light and dark gray with green stripes, to silver and light gray with a green stripe.
- Tomix released the original 6 car version of the 400 series in 1993, and this included a front coupler to attach to a 200 series set. In September 2001 when it was announced that the new colour set would be released, they also made the 429 car available separately in the old colour, so that the old colour 6 car set could be increased to the current 7 car configuration. The new colour 7 car set was released in November 2001, and then the old colour set was re-released in the full 7 car configuration in December 2003. In mid 2008, they will release upgraded versions of both styles.
Nine 16 car 500 sets were built for JR West in 1997, and with all 16 car powered, could reach a speed of 300 km/h. Used on the 'Nozomi' service, this train still holds the world speed record for the fastest (261.8 km/h) stop-to-start times for a scheduled service (not a test run). It is painted light and dark gray with a blue stripe. With the arrival of the N700 series for 'Nozomi' services, the future of these sets is uncertain :-(
- On the 13th November 1998 Kato released their version of the 500 series - a 7 car main set, and
5 and 2 car add-on sets. To make the full 16 car train, you needed to get the 7 and 5 car
sets and 2 of the 2 car set. Unfortunately, the configuration of a couple of the cars is
wrong.
- On the 1st December 1998 Tomix released their own version. It came as a 3 car main set, a
4 car add-on 'A' set, a 4 car add-on 'B' set, and a 526 car and a 527-700 powered car. To
make up the full 16 car train, you needed to get all 3 sets, the 527-700 car and 4 of
the 526 car. Each of the add-on sets came in an 8 car case, so you could store the whole train in 2 cases.
In October 2006, Tomix re-released the 500 series sets & cars, with glass in
all windows, upgraded
features and a flywheel drive.
Readers may wonder what happened to the 600 series ? As JR East's first new Shinkansen set, this number series was originally planned to be used for the E1 series, but before it was implemented, they decided to use the 'E' prefix for their new sets instead.
700 Series
These 16 car sets were built for JR Central in 1997, and with 12 powered cars can reach a speed of 285 km/h. In 2000, 8 car 700-7000 series sets were built for JR West to be used on the 'Hikari Railstar' services west of Osaka. Further 16 car sets were also built in 2001 for JR West. The train has a distinctive 'duck-bill' nose and the 16 car sets are painted white with blue stripes whilst the 8 car sets are light and dark gray with a yellow stripe. Initially used for 'Nozomi' services, they will be replaced by the N700 series, and downgraded to lower services.
- Kato released the 700 series in December 1999 as an 8 car main set, and an 8 car
add-on set. Early in 2005, the 8 car set was re-released with a new sticker sheet that included
the 'Ambitious Japan' logos, but Kato's stickers are very poor in appearance. In November 2005, the
original 8 car set was split into a 4 car main
set and a 4 car add-on set. You could also buy the 700 with the 'Ambitious Japan'
logo actually printed on the cars, in a starter set (with track, power pack etc)
only.
- In February 2003 Tomix released the 700-7000 'Hikari Railstar'
version of the 700 series in an 8 car set. In October 2004, this was re-released as a 3 car
main set, and a 5 car add-on set. In July 2006, after advertising a release of the 'standard' 700
series for about 5 years, they finally released the 3000 subseries run by JR
West, and this set uses the (faulty) new 'TS' coupler system and has a flywheel drive.
This new 16 car set was built as a joint venture for JR Central & JR West in 2005, and with a tilt mechanism & 14 powered cars can reach a speed of 300 km/h. It is painted white with blue stripes and uses the 9000 subseries, and is very similar to the 700 series except for a different nose shape with a small central cab 'pod' and smaller side windows. It went into revenue service in 2007, and will the the future of the 'Nozomi' services.
- Announced in their 2006 catalogue as a future release, Tomix - released
their 'Z0' pre-production version on the 1st December 2007. Unfortunately they still
used the same type of diaphragm that all previous model have used, so it doesn't
really look like the prototype. The model also has a new coupler system (they
did not continue with the failed 'TS' style) which uses the old 'hook &
loop' mechanism but has power connectors attached, so that all cars pick up
power and transmit it throughout the train. In mid 2008, Tomix will release the
JR West N700-3000 version of this train.
- On 5th December 2007, Kato released their own version of 'Z1' in
December and it has a tilt mechanism and a proper full width
diaphragm.
800 Series
For the opening of the first section of the new Kyushu Shinkansen, 6 car sets were built and delivered in 2004. These were similar to the 700 series, but with a more rounded nose. With all powered cars, their speed is 260 km/h and are painted white with red and gold stripes & dark red roof.
- On the 13th November 2004 Tomix released their version of the 800 series in
a limited edition 6 car set. After that, the sets were released as a 3 car main set and a 3
car add-on set. This was also the first set to use the new 'TS' coupler,
and not have the full width diaphragm of all previous releases.
- Not long after on November 30, Kato also released their version as a 6 car set.
To alleviate crowding, the first all double deck E1 series was built for JR East in 1994, and was used on the Tohoku Shinkansen originally, and now the Joetsu Shinkansen. With 6 of the 12 cars powered, it can reach 240 km/h. The train was originally painted light blue and white with a turquoise stripe, but most units were refurbished from 2003 and are now white and dark blue with a pink stripe. 'MAX' stands for 'Multi Amenity EXpress'
- In 1995, Kato released a 4 car main set, and a 4 car add-on set of the E1 series.
Unfortunately,
the full train is 12 cars, so their suggestion that you buy 2 of the add-on sets to make the full
train is wrong !!!
- Also in 1995, Tomix released a 4 car main set, a 4 car add-on
set, and 4
individual cars - all of these could be used to make the correct configuration. Each of the
main and add-on sets came in a 6 car case, so 2 cases could hold the full 12 car train.
In 1999 the E146 car was released separately, so that the 3 cars in a train & track set
could be made up to the same configuration as the standard 4 car main set. In May 2001,
the configuration was changed to a 3 car main set and a 3 car add-on set. These two sets,
together with the previous 4 car add-on set and 2 individual cars, could be used to make
up the correct full 12 car train. In October 2004, the Tomix sets were re-released in the
latest colour scheme, this time as a 3 car main set, 3 car add-on 'A' (in 6 car case) and a 6 car
add-on 'B'.
The 8 car E2 series was originally built for the opening of the Nagano Shinkansen, but are now also used on the Tohoku Shinkansen as well. With 6 powered cars, they can do 275 km/h. In 2000, new E2-1000 series 10 car sets were delivered for the extension of the Tohoku Shinkansen, and all the current 8 car sets were lengthened to 10 cars as well as E2-100 series. The extra 2 cars, and the full new 10 car sets had long windows rather than small square ones. The 8 car Nagano and original Tohoku Shinkansen sets are painted white and dark blue with a red stripe, and the new 10 car sets are painted white and dark blue with a magenta stripe.
- In 1997 Kato released the E2 series in a 6 car main set and a 2 car add-on set. In
May 2006, Kato released a model of the E2-1000 series.
- Also in 1997,
Tomix released their version as a 3 car main set, 2 car add-on 'A' and a 3 car add-on
'B'. The
3 car add-on came in an 8 car case that could be used to store the whole train and the end car
had a coupler to attach to an E3 series set. In November 2004, the 8 car version was released
as a full 8 car 'Asama' set (without the nose coupler). In December 2004, a 10 car
'Hayate' version was released
in the new colour scheme, made up of a 3 car main set, 4 car add-on 'A' and a 3 car
add-on 'B'.
Unfortunately the carry case still has only room for 8 cars.
For the opening of the Akita Shinkansen in 1997, 5 car sets were delivered to JR East, and these run together with E2 sets as far as Morioka. The 4 powered cars give a speed of 275 km/h, but like the Yamagata Shinkansen, speeds are limited to 130 km/h on the Akita Shinkansen which was an existing line converted to standard gauge. In 1995, the sets were lengthened to 6 cars. For the opening in 1999 of the Shinjo extension to the Yamagata Shinkansen, two 7 car E3-1000 sets were built to augment the fleet of 400 series sets. The Akita Shinkansen sets are painted white and silver gray with a magenta stripe, and the Yamagata Shinkansen sets are painted silver and light gray with a green stripe.
- In December 2000 Tomix released the Akita Shinkansen version of the E3 as a full 6 car set,
and in January 2001 they released the 7 car Tsubasa version. Both of these have nose couplers
for attaching to an E2 set.
- Kato had pictures of the E3 as a future new model in their catalogue as far
back as 1995, but it took until early November 2007 before they finally released the model
!!
In 1997, further all double deck sets with long distinctive noses were built for JR East to run on the Tohoku Shinkansen. With 4 of the 8 cars powered, they can run at 240 km/h, either in pairs or with a Yamagata Shinkansen set. They are also now used on the Joetsu Shinkansen and are painted white and dark blue with a yellow stripe. Like the E1, 'MAX' stands for 'Multi Amenity EXpress'
- After being lobbied by customers for almost 8 years, Tomix released their model of the E4 in November 2005.
It comes in 2 configurations - a 6 car main set 'A' and a 2 car add-on set 'B' or a
3 car main set 'B', 3 car add-on set 'A' and the 2 car add-on set 'B'. The first
configuration has couplers at both ends, and the second has a coupler at one end only.
Unfortunately, the cases for these will only hold 6 cars.
- Kato announced in 2005 that they will release their version in
September 2006, but who cares ??? - their 'me too'
copycat approach means
they were far too late !!! The release was then put back to February 2007, then
March, then May, and it finally arrived in mid-June :-(
The following JR East sets can be seen running together, and this can be duplicated with the Tomix models.
In the past you could also see ...
Depending on the date, the 200 and 400 series sets could have been in the old or new colour schemes, so there is quite a variety of possible combinations !!!
Prototypes
1000 Series
Two prototype sets were built in 1961/62 - these were the 2 car set 'A' and the 4 car set 'B'. They were run separately and together on a specially built 37km test track. One car in the 'B' set was unusual in that it had hexagonal windows. The two sets were very similar to the production '0' series cars, but had side skirts and different shaped cab windows.
- MicroAce released both these models in December 2005.
This 6 car set was built as a prototype for the 200 series Shinkansen sets in 1979, and was used for testing on the Tohoku Shinkansen test track. It was originally painted white with green stripes, but was converted to Dr Yellow 925-10 in 1982 when the line was officially opened.
922-0 Series (T1)
In 1964, the Prototype 1000 series Set 'B' was repainted, and classified as the first Dr Yellow inspection set. It was scrapped in 1976.
- In December 2005, MicroAce released their version of this train after it was converted from the Prototype Set 'B'.
This unit was built in 1974, and was a 7 car set based on the 0 series design. After 1987, it was operated by JR Central. This set has the large windows as on the original 0 series sets, and a white nose cone. It was withdrawn in 2001 when the 923-0 T4 set entered service.
- In August 2002, MicroAce released 2 versions of the 0 type Dr Yellow set with the long windows. One version was as it was originally built, and the other was as it was after being refurbished. The main differences after refurbishing was the removal of some roof detail, and the covering of a couple of windows. Each of these was also released in a limited edition set in a wooden presentation box.
This unit was built in 1979, and was also a 7 car set based on the 0 series design. After 1987, it was operated by JR West. This set has the small windows as on later models of the 0 series sets, and a yellow nose cone. It was withdrawn in 2003 when the 923-0 T4 set entered service, and then completely replaced in 2005 when the 923-3000 T5 set entered service.
JR Central built this replacement for the aging 922-10 set in 2000 - it is based on the 700 series design, and is a 7 car set and can run at 270 km/h as opposed to the previous limit of 210 km/h.
- In December 2002, Tomix released this train as a limited edition 7 car set, and then later also released it as 3 car main set and a 4 car add-on set (with 7 car case).
This set is basically the same as the 923-0 T4 set, but is operated by JR West as a replacement for the 922-20 set. It was built in 2005.
This 7 car set was built in 1979 for use by JNR and then JR East on the Tohoku/Joetsu/Nagano Shinkansen lines. It was based on the 0 series design and lasted until 2001, when replaced by the E926 set. It was painted yellow with a dark green stripe.
This 7 car set was converted from the 962 series test train in 1982. Like the 925-0 Dr Yellow, it was used on the Tohoku/Joetsu/Nagano Shinkansen lines, and lasted until 2002. It was also painted yellow with a dark green stripe.
This 6 car set was built in 2001 for JR East as a replacement for the aging 925 series Dr Yellow sets, and was based on the E3 design. Because of it's smaller size, it can also run on the Yamagata and Akita Shinkansen lines. It's maximum speed is 275 km/h as opposed to the previous limit of 210 km/h. It is painted white with red stripes.
In 1964, the Prototype 1000 series Set 'A' was repainted, and classified as the 941 series emergency relief set. It was scrapped in 1976.
- In December 2005, MicroAce released their version of this train after it was converted from the Prototype Set 'A'.
951 Series
Built in 1969 for high speed testing on the Tokaido/San'yo Shinkansen lines, this 2 car set was used up until 1973 when it was replaced by the 961 set and then withdrawn in 1980. It was painted white with dark blue stripes.
This 6 car set was built in 1973 for testing the designs of sets to be used on the Tohoku Shinkansen, but was originally tested on the San'yo Shinkansen until the Tohoku Shinkansen was opened. It was painted white with blue stripes whilst in service, but after being withdrawn in 1990 it was painted white with green stripes.
This 6 car set was built for JR West in 1992 for testing on the San'yo Shinkansen of speeds over 350 km/h. Each end car had a different profile to test different aerodynamics. It was withdrawn in 1996 and was painted violet and white with a purple stripe.
Built for JR East in 1992, this 9 car set was used for high speed testing on the Joetsu Shinkansen. Five of the cars had articulated bogies, and each end car had a different profile to test different aerodynamics. It was withdrawn in 1998 and the cars at one end were painted pale green and the other end were light gray.
This 6 car set was built for JR Central in 1995 for testing on the Tokaido Shinkansen of speeds over 350 km/h. Each end car had a different profile to test different aerodynamics. It was withdrawn in 2002, but still holds the national speed record of 443 km/h, which it achieved on the Tokaido Shinkansen in 1996. It was painted white with blue stripes.
- Whilst Kato have had pictures of the 300X in their catalogue as far back as 1995, it has never been produced.
This new set was built for JR East in 2005 for high speed testing on the Tohoku Shinkansen. It is an 8 car set, has tilting capabilities and reaches a speed of 405 km/h. It is painted pearlescent dark green and white with a silver stripe. It's main innovative feature are extendible panels that can pop out of the roof and are used as wind brakes in emergencies. These have been likened to cat's ears, and the train is nicknamed 'nekomimi'.
This 6 car set will be built for JR East in 2006, and is a smaller size for high speed testing on the Yamagata and Akita Shinkansen lines. It will be designed to run together with the E954 'Fastech 360S'.
Taiwan High Speed Railway 700T
This new line, that traverses the length of the country, opened recently and uses a variation of the JR East E2 sets, in a 12 car configuration.
Modelling Notes
Some people just like to run their trains any way they like (which they can on their own layout) or show them off (quite rightly so) to other enthusiasts - other people like to be prototypical, particularly regarding a certain time period or area. The table below may help you to determine which trains ran at different times and also which ones could be seen together at the same time and place.
** NB ** Please note I do not claim this to be 100% accurate - if you find anything that is wrong or further information, please let me know ...
If you are interested in getting any of these models, and did not get to this page from there, please have a look at the Japanese Model Supplies home page.
Whole page contents and images copyright
2008 by Doug Coster.
E&OE - all details subject to change without notice.
Page created 27/11/2005. Details current 16/03/2008.
