Vol. 1 - No. 18

10th September, 2004

   

Contents


LATEST RELEASE NEWS
9th September 2004
7th September 2004
4th September 2004
1st September 2004

NOW AVAILABLE
2nd September 2004
31st August 2004
28th August 2004
26th August 2004

LATEST PUBLICATIONS
Railfan Ocotber 2004

RELEASE INFORMATION 
Tomix
Kato
MicroAce
Greenmax
Modemo
Others

OTHER INFORMATION
Key
Abbreviations
Links

MODEL OF THE MONTH
September 2004

PRODUCT REVIEWS
Kato Diotown buildings (2)
Index of previous reviews

DVD REVIEWS

Index of previous reviews

BACK ISSUES
Vol 1 No 01 - 09 May 2004
Vol 1 No 02 - 12 May 2004
Vol 1 No 03 - 15 May 2004
Vol 1 No 04 - 22 May 2004
Vol 1 No 05 - 29 May 2004
Vol 1 No 06 - 05 June 2004
Vol 1 No 07 - 17 June 2004
Vol 1 No 08 - 26 June 2004
Vol 1 No 09 - 03 July 2004
Vol 1 No 10 - 10 July 2004
Vol 1 No 11 - 14 July 2004
Vol 1 No 12 - 27 July 2004
Vol 1 No 13 - 31 July 2004
Vol 1 No 14 - 07 Aug 2004
Vol 1 No 15 - 16 Aug 2004
Vol 1 No 16 - 23 Aug 2004
Vol 1 No 17 - 03 Sep 2004


EDITORIAL

Kato have now released the first in their Diotown city building series, and they are fabulous !!!! All can be adjusted in height, and I suspect there will be other colour variations available in the future. Many of these will find a home on 'Setagaya'.

If you have any comments about this service, and would like to make suggestions as to what you do or do not want to see included, please free free to let us know. If you are paying for something, we would like to know that you are 100% happy with what you are getting, and that it is fulfilling your needs. Please write to this address with any comments you may have.


This newsletter is available by subscription, unless you are a recent customer of 'Japanese Model Supplies'. Normal rate is US$2.50 per month, payable 12 months at a time in advance. The 12 month subscription period will be from June to May inclusive. We hope to supply at least one issue per week, more if there is more news. We believe this amount is good value, and very modest for the amount of information you will receive - it represents (per month) less than 1 coffee at a 'trendy' cafe (eg Starbucks), or a burger & fries at a family restaurant (eg McDonalds).

Please do not reveal the page addresses to non- members. If they want to see it, they are free to take out a subscription like every one else. 

Also please note that the contents of this publication are copyright, and may not be reproduced without permission.


This information service is sponsored
by ...

Japanese Model Supplies
PO Box 24
Northmead 2152
Australia

o New and second-hand  Japanese trains
o Robots & Gundam 
o Dolls & Figures
o Radio Control
o Tools & accessories
o Plastic Kits - Ships, Planes, Cars, Bikes, Military
o Railway books & monthly magazines

Web page

email


Latest Release News


9th September 2004

On the 10th September, Tomix will release the 4011 island platform set, and re-release the 92801 Thomas set.

On the 17th, they will release the 1099 18.5mm/33mm Finetrack set and re-release the 2778 Koki104 container wagon.

Kato will release on the 9th the following ...

5127-3 Oha35 series PC (Blue)
6127-4 Oha35 series PC (Brown)
5128-3 Ohafu33 series PC (Blue)
5128-4 Ohafu33 series PC (Brown)
11-209 White interior light unit

Due mid-month is the re-release of the 3005-1 EH10 EL, and later in the month will be ...
11-210 White interior light x6
3047 EF66 EL
10-223 205-5000 series EC 8 car set (Musashino line)

So no big releases this month from Kato, but next month we can look forward to the new version of the 651 Super Hitachi, the 683 Thunderbird, and the 'Takara' container wagon set and cars.

7th September 2004

MicroAce's releases this month will be ....

14th September
A0780 283 series EC 9 car set 'Super Kuroshio Ocean Arrow' (in wooden presentation box)
A0781 283 series EC 6 car set A 'Ocean Arrow'
A0782 283 series EC 3 car set C 'Ocean Arrow' (non powered)
A0783 283 series EC 3 car set B 'Ocean Arrow' (powered)

15th September
A5930 Kiha400 series DC 4 car set (JR Hokkaido)
A5932 Kiha400-500 series DC 3 car set 'Ozashiki' (JR Hokkaido)
A4022 E231 series EC 10 car set (Tokaido line)
A4023 E231 series EC 5 car set (Tokaido line)
A4024 E231 series EC 10 car set (Tohoku line)
A4025 E231 series EC 5 car set (Tohoku line)

I just hope that they have fixed the fronts and roof on the E231 cars !!!

4th September 2004

Obviously a popular release, the MicroAce 781 Doraemon set has been re-run.

In February 2005, Tomix will release 2 more items from the Shinano Railway ....

92272 Shinano Railway 169 series 3 car set - „13,500
92933 Shinano Railway 169 series EC 9 car set (Sunrise colour) - „35,600

Holy smoke Batman, these are obviously High Grade models - for only „3,400 more, I got a full 16 car 100 series Shinkansen set !!!!

1st September 2004

Due out on the 9th from Kato is the second series of the 35 series passenger cars, in both blue & brown. The re-release of the EH10 electric loco is due in the middle of the month, and later in the month should be new EF66 electric loco and the Musashino line 205-5000 electric set.

Now due on October is the 30 series passenger cars, the Takara container wagon set & cars, the 683 Thunderbird, the 651 Super Hitachi and the re-release of the Cassiopeia passenger sets & loco.

Due in November is the 800 series Kyushu Shinkansen set, the 20 series diesel cars, and the 185 Odoriko sets in the new colour.

Tomix's releases for the rest of the year include the new colour E1 Shinkansen & Kiha58 series DC in September, the 700 series Shinkansen 'Railstar' in October, the 800 series Kyushu Shinkansen 'Tsubame' & E2 series Shinkansen 'Asama' in November, and the 485-200 series EC & E2 series Shinkansen 'Hayate' in December. The E231 Tokaido line sets will be out in January.

 

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Now Available

2nd September 2004

Kato have released the second set of items in the Diotown Metro system. See review in this issue.

23-408A Town shop 1 (Red) x2 
23-433A Shopping building 1 (Blue) 
23-434A Office building 2 (Gray) 

31st August 2004

The re-release of the Kato 10-381 681 series Snow Rabbit Express has finally arrived, as well as the 3 different Taki1000 modern tank cars.

28th August 2004

Tomix have released 'The Bus Collection' #4, and the Kiha187 sets and cars. Also the Joban line E231 basic 3 car set has been re-released.

26th August 2004

MicroAce Times #8 has now arrived.

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Latest Publications


Japan Railfan Magazine 10/2004

Being the 40th anniversary of the opening of the Tokaido Shinkansen, this month the huge feature article is based on this, and specifically covers the 0 series fleet. All cars and configurations are detailed, as well as a look at the other rolling stock used up until now.

Also shown is the new E257-500 sets for use in the Chiba area. 


Product Reviews

Kato 23-408A Town shop 1 (Red) x2 
Kato 23-433A Shopping building 1 (Blue) 
Kato 23-434A Office building 2 (Gray) 

These items are the second of the new 'Diotown' city building series, and would be a fabulous addition to any layout. Even if you do not run Japanese trains, you can still use these items just by not putting any of the advertising sticker on them - these buildings will suit layouts of any nationality !!!


23-408A - this is a set of 2 buildings, which are very similar in appearance. They are based on small rows of shops that are often found in front of a station, like a convenience store etc. One building (LH one) has 4 stores inside, like small restaurants or food sellers, and the other (RH one) has 2 stores, like a book or CD/Video shop or a convenience store. The colour of the walls is a pale pink, and the roof is a dark red. The roof itself, roof edge strip, walls and base are all separate parts, which makes it easy to repaint if you wish. The roof on each store has 2 large exhaust ventilators, and 4 small air conditioning units. The back of each store has a different set of barred windows, as well as electricity/gas meters and piping. There is also a picket fence to use if you place the store against a railway line. 2 different items can be placed at the front of the store, depending if you want to have car parking, or a footpath with planter boxes. The interiors of each store has many items simulating shelving, seats, tables, counters etc. A large sheet of stickers gives you things to cover the interior details, as well as a choice of at least 2 different shop names, and other advertising etc. 


23-433A - this is a very impressive building !!! It has 6 floors and is a pale blue-gray colour with blue tinted window glass with silver frames. The main store entrance is at the corner, and there is also a store entrance on one side, and a main building entrance to the lifts on the other side. It is made of a base, first & second floor, 2 sets of middle floors & a roof. There are the usual meters and piping on one of the back walls, as well as waste pipes, down pipes from the roof, and 3 large gray exhaust vents that run nearly the full height of the building. On the fenced-off roof is a large lift well housing, electrical box and water tank, 3 air conditioners, and a large sign hoarding. Again, you can add as many middle floors are you like, to make the buildings as tall as you like.


23-434A - another impressive  building !!! This one also has 6 floors but is a pale gray colour with clear window glass with silver frames. The tiled walls on the two main sides are a pale green colour. The main building entrance is at 2 sides, and there is also access at the back. Stairs are visible inside one entrance. It is made of a base, first & second floor, 2 sets of middle floors & a roof. There are the usual meters and piping on one of the back walls, as well as waste pipes & down pipes from the roof. On the fenced-off roof is a large lift well housing, electrical box and water tank & 3 air conditioners. Again, you can add as many middle floors are you like, to make the buildings as tall as you like.

Each of these buildings comes with a different sticker sheet, with at least two main building names or advertising themes, and many other variations of window advertising. Even the small red triangular emergency window location signs are provided. As all are doing recently, common business names that have not been approved are changed slightly, even though the colour and shape is still familiar. Customers who purchase these buildings from 'Japanese Model Supplies', will get free translations of all the sign sheets.

With all of these items, a little touchup painting of the pipe/wiring and other details will make a world of difference. I will post photos of the completed items here when they are done, so you can see the difference. The fact that these are numbered 23-xxxA, means that Kato may later release a 'B' version in a different colour scheme. The buildings are made in China, and the paintwork is better on these items than the ones I reviewed last week.

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Model of the Month

September 2004

Due to popular demand, last month's Model of the Month has been extended. Again this month, the featured model is a prototypically full 11 car set of the Tomix E231-500 series EC (Yamanote line). See details of this set in the review above. The special deal consists of 1x 92260, 1x 92261 & 2x 92262 (which also contain the cases to store your train in).

Special price for this month will be A$399.00. The normal retail would be A$470.00 and the MSRP is A$555.00. If you would like to get this train but cannot fit a full 11 car set (1,500mm) on your layout, write directly to us and we will work out a deal on a shorter version. 

Stocks of these monthly specials will be limited, and will be sold on a 'first paid - first allocated' basis, and they are not available as separate items at these prices. 


(ADVERTISING)

As mentioned in the left hand column, this service is sponsored by 'Japanese Model Supplies', the only Japanese-only model train and other hobby item supplier in the world, outside of  Japan. It is often difficult to source these type of items and get accurate and timely information in English, when you do not live in Japan, cannot read Japanese web pages or do not have any contacts there. We have the facilities to access this information and these products, and whilst based in Australia, currently supply customers all over the world, including Australia, New Zealand, England, Scotland, Ireland, France, Germany, Holland, Belgium, Italy, Sweden, Switzerland, Israel, South Africa, Canada and the USA. Therefore you will find that the items you see presented are not just 'fantasy' items that get released in Japan and you have no way of acquiring them - 'Japanese Model Supplies' CAN get these items, and CAN ship them to anywhere in the world (unlike some other retailers of Japanese model trains) !!! See their web page at the address listed below all the information on what has been produced and how to get it. http://Japanese-Model-Supplies.com


If you are in Japan, and visit the Osaka area, I recommend you take the time to visit Railcraft Awaza. They have a large range of products available, together with friendly advice and service (in Japanese). Some photos on this site are taken by them and appear with their permission. For details of their shop location, see their web page at ... http://www.rc-awaza.com


Product Review Index

 Date

 Item

  The following reviews are found in the 'Japanese Model Train News' Yahoo! group's mail archive section, on the date listed.
13/06/2001 MicroAce A4140 185 series EC 6 car set 'Furu Furu'
Kato 10-413 183-1000 series EC 7 car set 
Kato 10-414 183-1000 series EC 2 car addon 
Tomix 92710 113-2000 series EC 7 cars set A
Tomix 92711 113-2000 series EC 4 cars set B
Tomix 92712 113-2000 series EC 2 car addon
23/07/2001 MicroAce A-5810 E751 series EC 6 car set 'Super Hatsukari'
18/10/2001 Kato 10-415 205 series EC 7 car set (Kansai area)
Tomix 6492 '25th Anniversary' Multi Rail Cleaning car
Tomix 93805 Thomas the Tank Engine series Henry loco and coach
Tomix 93806 Thomas the Tank Engine series Henry brake coach
22/01/2002 Kato 10-443 185 series EC 8 car set 'Odoriko' 
Kato 10-444 185 series EC 2 car addon 'Odoriko' 
Kato 10-445 185 series EC 5 car set 'Odoriko' 
Kato 10-189 455 series EC 3 car set 'Green Liner' 
Kato 23-402A 2 storey Apartment building (Light Blue)
Kato 23-403A 2 storey House with yard (Beige)
Kato 23-404A 2 storey House with yard (Brown)
Kato 23-405A 3 storey 2 Family residence (Gray)
Tomix 3049 Single/double track catenary pole (steel girder type) x12
Tomix 3050 Double track catenary pole (arch type) x24
21/03/2002 Kato 23-406 Family Restaurant Suburban type 'Dennys'
Kato 23-407 Family Restaurant 2 level type 
Roundhouse 10-911 103 series EC 4 car set (Senseki line)
Modemo NU504 313-8000 series 3 car set 'Central Liner'
Modemo NU505 313-8000 series 3 car addon ' Central Liner'
Tomix 92224 207-1000 series EC 4 car set (Tozai line)
Tomix 92225 207-1000 series EC 3 car addon (Tozai line)
Kato 8037-1 Taki1000 tank car (Japan Oil Terminal) x2
Kato 8037-2 Taki1000 tank cars (Japan Oil Transport) x2
Kato 8037-3 Taki1000 tank cars (Japan Oil Transport 'ENEOS') x2
MicroAce A3122 Taki1000 tank car (Japan Oil Terminal) x2
MicroAce train cases
Hogarakadou C-106A 20ft U30A Container 'Fukuyama Transport' (new color) x3
K-works Container decals
Craft S WIN350 series TEC 6 car body kit
10/05/2002 Kato 23-402B 2 storey Apartment building (Raspberry)
Kato 23-403B 2 storey House with yard (Gray)
Kato 23-404B 2 storey House with yard (Beige)
Kato 23-405B 3 storey 2 Family residence (Tan)
Modemo NT14 Tokyu Deha80 series 2 car set (second type)
31/05/2002 Tomix 92738 12 series PC 6 car set Joyful train 'Kutsurogi'
23/07/2002 MicroAce A0251 0 series TEC 8 car set 'Kodama'
MicroAce A0255 0 series TEC 4 car addon 'Kodama'
MicroAce A0252 0 series TEC 8 car set 'Hikari'
MicroAce A0256 0 series TEC 8 car addon 'Hikari'
MicroAce A0259 0 series TEC 12 car 'Hikari' (original configuration set in wooden case)
Roundhouse 3012 EF65-1065 series EL (JR Freight experimental scheme)
MicroAce A2901 ED17-19 series EL
WIN cases
Modemo NU502 313-0 series EC 4 car set
Modemo NU503 313-300 series EC 2 car addon
Kawai KG11 Hot Springs Hotel
08/09/2002 Tomix Kiha120 DC sets
Tomix Finetrack system
MicroAce A0250 922 series TEC 7 car set 'Dr Yellow' (as built)
MicroAce A0490 922 series TEC 7 car set 'Dr Yellow' (as refurbished)
24/09/2002 Platz NC1-B UF15A 12ft Container 'Yanmar' 
Hogarakadou C-2302 U30A 20ft Container 'Mizushima Transport'
Hogarakadou C-3303 U47A 30ft container 'Nishi-Nippon Transport'
Hogarakadou C-2204 U31A 20ft Container 'Sendai Transportation'
Kato 10-440 183-1000 series EC 9 car set 'Gradeup Asuza'
25/09/2002 MicroAce A-4021 E231 series EC 7 car addon
MicroAce A0073 Hokuso Kaihatsu 7150 series EC 8 car set
Tomix 92215 165 series EC 3 car set 'Moonlight Echigo'
Tomix 92216 165 series EC 3 car addon ' Moonlight Echigo'
Miyazawa Keikyu New 1000 series EC 4 car set
Miyazawa Keikyu New 1000 series EC 4 car addon
13/10/2002 MicroAce 7100 Benki
MicroAce Renewal 103 Osaka area renewal set
MicroAce 103 Joban Line sets
Platz NC2-A UF28A 20ft Container YANMAR x2
Platz NC3-A UF15A 12ft Container YANMAR (old style) x3
Hogarakadou C-3105 30ft U49A Container 'Zenkoku Transport' x3
21/10/2002 Kato 9600 Steam loco non deflector type
18/11/2002 Tomix 92222 415-1500 series EC 4 car set
Tomix 92223 415-1500 series EC 4 car addon
MicroAce A7107 C55-25 SL (clear)
25/11/2002 Hogarakadou C-1502 12ft UR19D Container 'JR Freight' x3
Hogarakadou C-602A 12ft UF16A Refrigerated JOT 'Cool Container' x3
Hogarakadou C-103A 20ft U31A Container 'Fukuyama Transport' x3
Hogarakadou C-204A 30ft U47A Container 'Freight Liner Kangaroo' (one line) x3
Hogarakadou C-403A 20ft U31A Container 'Freight Liner' (Three line) x3
27/11/2002 MicroAce A0342 Kiha281 series DC 7 car set 'Super Hokuto - HEAT 281' 
MicroAce A0343 Kiha281/283 series DC 2 car addon 'Super Hokuto - Furico283'
MicroAce A0344 Kiha283 series DC 6 car set 'Super Ohzora - Furico 283'
MicroAce A0345 Kiha283 series DC 5 car addon 'Super Ohzora - Furico 283'
01/12/2002 NTranced Model Railway Products - Air Conditioners / Solar Water Heaters / Witches Hats
11/12/2002 Kato 8039 Wamu80000 series FC 2 car set
Kato 10-448 165 series EC 3 car set 'Moonlight' (Green)
Kato 10-449 165 series EC 3 car set 'Moonlight' (Brown)
Kato 10-450 165 series EC 3 car set 'Moonlight' (Red)
23/12/2002 MicroAce 2003 catalog
Greenmax Kiha200 DC 2 car set
Tomix 8310 Saro125 double deck Green car
Tomix 92739 211-0 series EC 7 car set A
Tomix 92740 211-2000 series EC 5 car set B
Tomix 92741 211-2000 series EC 4 car addon
Tomix 8307 Saha211-0 car
Tomix 8308 Saro210 Green car
Tomix 8309 Saro212 double deck Green car
31/12/2002 Tomix 92918 923 series TEC 7 car set 'Dr Yellow'
07/01/2003 Tomix 92918 923 series TEC 7 car set 'Dr Yellow' (additional information)
Hogarakadou C-2303 20ft U29A Container 'Chu-etsu Transport' x3
Modemo NT22 Tokyu 309F series EC articulated 2 car set
MicroAce A0443 105 series EC 4 car set (Senseki line)
WIN B445 103  series EC 4 car body kit (Senseki line)
Tomix 4048 Round front modular office building x2 (gray)
Tomix 4049 Round front modular office building x2 (beige)
Kato 10-433 E257 series EC 7 car set 'Azusa'
Kato 10-434 E257 series EC 4 car addon 'Azusa'
Tomix 92229 211-3000 series EC 5 car set (Tohoku/Takasaki lines)
Tomix 92230 211-3000 series EC 5 car addon A ( Tohoku/Takasaki lines)
Tomix 92231 211-1000 series EC 5 car addon B ( Tohoku/Takasaki lines)
12/01/2003 Greenmax 1046T Tokyu 9000 series EC 4 car total set
Greenmax 1046M Tokyu 9000 series EC 4 car middle set
Greenmax 1007T Seibu New 2000 series EC 4 car total set
Greenmax 1007M Seibu New 2000 series EC 2 car middle set
Tomix 92219 169 series EC 3 car set 'Mitaka'
Tomix 92220 165 series EC 3 car addon 'Mitaka'
15/01/2003 Tomix 92922 443 series EC 2 car AC inspection set
Tomix 2156 EF81-300 series EL (silver)
05/02/2003 Tomix 4050 Square front modular office building x2 (green)
Tomix 4051 Square front modular office building x2 (brown)
MicroAce A0250 209-500 series EC 6 car set (Keihin Tohoku line)
MicroAce A0251 209-500 series EC 4 car addon (Keihin Tohoku line)
18/02/2003 Tomix 6493 Multicleaning car (Dr Yellow)
19/02/2003 Tomix 92751 700-7000 series TEC 8 car set 'Hikari Rail Star'
11/03/2003 Modemo NT24 Enoden 1000 series articulated 2 car set (powered)
MODEMO NT25 Enoden 1000 series articulated 2 car set (non-powered)
Platz NC4-A UM9A 12ft Container 'Nittsu Transport' x3
Tomix 92139 193 series EC 2 car DC inspection set
14/04/2003 Modemo NT26 1200 series EC articulated 2 car set 'Meiji Seika Go'
Tomix 92752 0-7000 series TEC 6 car set ('Fresh Green' colour)
MicroAce A4850 E653 series EC 4 car set 'Fresh Hitachi'
23/04/2003 Kato Dio-town components

23-411 Dio-town - Station area set
23-416 Dio-town - Station area detail accessories 
23-213 Dio-town - Guard rail & fence set
23-214 Dio-town - Traffic light & street sign set
23-215 Dio-town - Telegraph pole and street light set
23-216 Dio-town - Bus & taxi stop set
28/04/2003 Kato Dio-town components

Kato 23-213 Guard rail/fence set
Kato 23-214 Traffic light/street sign set
Kato 23-215 Electricity pole/street light set
Kato 23-216 Bus/taxi stop set
29/04/2003 MicroAce A0336 Yume Kukan 24.24 series 8 car passenger set
15/05/2003 Platz NC8-A UF15A 12ft Container AFMC x3
Platz NC6-A UM9A 12ft Container Maruwn Transport x3
Hogarakadou C-1703 12ft UF15A Container JOT 'Yu-pack' x3
Hogarakadou C-1705 12ft UF15A Container JOT Cool '25deg' x3
Hogarakadou C-1702 12ft UF15A Container 'Yanmar Cool' x3
Hogarakadou C-2304 20ft U29A Copntainer Chu-etsu Transport 'Niigata Rice' x3
16/05/2003 Kato 10-455 Taki1000 bogie tank car 8 car set 'ENEOS' 
Modemo NS104 JNR 20m old style passenger 6 car set
28/05/2003 MicroAce A0511 455 series EC 3+3 car set 'Senzan 455' (Senzan line)
MicroAce A0518 455 series EC 3+3 car set 'Bandai' (Tohoku line)
17/06/2003 MicroAce A9802 C62-3 SL
07/07/2003 Kato 10-391 485-300 series EC 7-car set
Kato 10-392 485-300 series EC 2-car addon
Kato 4031-1 Saro481 Green car
Kato 4032-1 Sashi481 Buffet car
Kato 4035-1 Saha481 car
MicroAce A0313 781 series EC 6 car set 'Lilac'
Kato 10-456 157 series EC 5 car set (Imperial train)
21/07/2003 Kato 4470 Kuha E231-500 series EC (Yamanote line)
Kato 4471 Kuha E230-500 series EC (Yamanote line)
Kato 4472 Moha E231-500 series powered EC (Yamanote line)
Kato 4473 Moha E230-500 series EC (Yamanote line)
Kato 4474 Moha E230-500 series EC (Yamanote line)
Kato 4475 Saha E231-500 series EC (Yamanote line)
Kato 4476 Saha E230-500  series 6 door EC (Yamanote line)
MicroAce A0300 Maya34-2002 Track Inspector
MicroAce A0306 DE10-1524 + Maya34-2010 'type' Rail Cleaner Car Set
07/08/2003 MicroAce A5630 485-3000 Hakucho set
MicroAce A5640 485-3000 Hakucho addon
Kato 10-431 Seibu Railway E851 EL + cement hopper train
Kato 8040 Taki1900 cement hopper x2 Mitsubishi
Hogarakadou C-4102 31ft UF42A container 'Runtec' x3
29/08/2003 MicroAce A0121 151 series 'Kodama' express 8 car set
MicroAce A0122 151 series 'Kodama' express 4 car addon
14/10/2003 Tomix 1163 DC465/428-45 Double overhead curved track (Finetrack) x2
Tomix 1523 S140-RE Rerailer track (Finetrack)
MicroAce A3123 Taki1000 series bogie tank car 'Japan Oil Transportation' x2
MicroAce A3111 Taki1100 series bogie tank car 'Ube Rail Support' x8
MicroAce A3131 Hoki1000 series bogie cement hopper 'Onoda Cement' x8
MicroAce A0377 783 series EC 8 car set 'Midori / Huis Ten Bosch' 
15/10/2003 Kawai KP-136 Tora90000 series 4 wheel wood chip wagon x2
Tomix 6442 Multi-cleaning set
Kato 10-466 165 series EC 6 car set 'Nanohana'
26/11/2003 Kato 10-471 E231-1000 series EC 8 car set
Kato 10-472 E231-1000 series EC 2 car addon
Kato 10-473 E231-1000 series EC 5 car set  
Tomix 92923 115-1000 series EC 4 car set (Fukuchiyama line)
02/12/2003 Roundhouse 10-913 485 series EC 3 car set 'Kirishima & Hyuuga'
Modemo NT-31 Tokyu Deha80 series EC 2 car set 'Tamaden'
08/12/2003 Kato 10-457 Seibu 101 series EC 4 car set
Kato 10-458 Seibu 101 series EC 4 car addon
Kato 10-459 Seibu 101 series EC 2 car set
05/01/2004 Tomix 92254 E231-1000 series EC 3 car set A (Tohoku / Utsunomiya / Takasaki lines)   
Tomix 92255 E231-1000 series EC 5 car set B  (Tohoku / Utsunomiya / Takasaki lines)   
Tomix 92256 E231-1000 series EC 4 car add-on  (Tohoku / Utsunomiya / Takasaki lines)   
Tomix 8338 E231-1000 series EC SahaE231-1000 car  (Tohoku / Utsunomiya / Takasaki lines)
 (includes comparison with Kato version)
14/01/2004 Kato 10-460 Seibu 301 series EC 8+2 car set
Kato 3019-5 EF65-1000 1st series EL
Kato 10-481 205 series EC 10 car set 'Kato Train'
Bandai Itchome 'My Home Town' set
MicroAce A0740 255 series EC 9 car set 'Bozo View Express - View Wakashio'
MicroAce A0346 Kiha283 series DC 6 car set 'Super Hokuto'
MicroAce A0347 Kiha283 series DC 3 car addon 'Super Hokuto'
MicroAce A4651 415 series EC 4+4 car set (old colour)
29/01/2004 MicroAce A0842 789 series EC 8 car set 'Super Hakucho' (in wooden box)
05/02/2004 MicroAce A0651 9800-9812 Mallet SL (original type)
MicroAce A0652 9800-9801 Mallet SL (modified type)
22/02/2004 Kato 3019-6 EF65-1000 1st series EL (JR Freight version)
Kato 10-349 185 series EC 7 car set 'Express 185'
Kato 10-474 251 series EC 6 car set 'Super View Odoriko' (new colour)
Kato 10-475 251 series EC 4 car add-on 'Super View Odoriko' (new colour)
Modemo NT32 Enoshima Railway 500 series EC 2 car articulated set (powered)
Modemo NT33 Enoshima Railway 500 series EC 2 car articulated set (non-powered)
01/03/2004 Tomix 92249 455 series EC 3 car set (Banetsu line)
08/03/2004 Tomix 92257 E231-0 series EC 3 car set A (Joban line) 
Tomix 92258 E231-0 series EC 5 car set B (Joban line) 
Tomix 92259 E231-0 series EC 3 car add-on (Joban line) 
Tomix 8357 SahaE231-0 EC (Joban line)
Tomy 'Machinami Collection' series 1 - shops
13/04/2004 Kato 3020-7 EF58 series EL 'Tokkyu'
Kato 10-368 20 type Asakaze 7 car set
Kato 5098-1 Nahane20 car
Kato 5100 Narone21 car
Tomix 92757 25 series PC 5 car set 'ELM' with EF81 EL
Tomix 8505 Ohanefu25-0 PC 'Hokutosei'
Tomix 8506 Ohane25-0 PC 'Hokutosei'
Tomix 8507 Ohanefu25-200 PC 'Hokutosei'
Tomix 8508 Ohane25-100 PC 'Hokutosei'
26/04/2004 Kato 10-485 883 series EC 5 car set (Sonic 883)
  The following reviews are found in the 'Japanese Model Train Newsletter' issue as listed. 
Vol. 1-No. 1 Kato 3000 EH200 series EL
Modemo NT35 Enoden 1500 series EC 2 car articulated set (Sea Breeze)
Vol. 1-No. 4 Kato 3019-7 EF65-1019 EL (Rainbow)
Modemo NT36 Tokyu 300 series 2 car articulated tram
Tomix 91069 Y track set
Vol. 1-No. 5  Kato 10-358 E351 series EC 8 car set 'Super Azusa'
Kato 10-359 E351 series EC 4 car addon 'Super Azusa'
MicroAce A0664 Keihan 3000 series EC 8 car set 'TV Car'
Vol. 1-No. 6  Kato 10-401 Kiha85 series DC 5 car set 'Wide View Hida'
Kato 10-402 Kiha85 series DC 3 car addon 'Wide View Hida'
Vol. 1-No. 7 Hogarakadou C-4103 30ft UF47A Container 'Kyushu Milk'
Platz NC14-A UF25A container Miyago 'Cool Express'
Vol. 1-No. 9 Tomix 5536 Selector Switch Box N
Tomix 5535 Reverser Switch Box N
Tomix 5560 5 light colour light signal
Vol. 1-No. 10 Platz & Hogarakadou Hakodate Transport container sets 
Tomix 5560 5 light colour light signal (update)

Vol. 1-No. 12

Tomix 92929 100 series TEC 16 car set 'Sayonara100'
MicroAce A0311 781 series EC 6 car set 'Doraemon Undersea Train'
Vol. 1-No. 13 Kato 10-476 Kiha283 series DC 6 car set 'Super Ohzora'
Tomix E231-500 series EC 11 car set (Yamanote line)
Vol. 1-No. 14 Modemo NT38 Enoshima 1500 type 2 car set
Modemo NT39 Enoshima 1500 type 2 car set (non-powered)
Vol. 1-No. 15 MicroAce A0750 Nankai Railway 50000 series EC 6 car set 'Rapi:t'
MicroAce A0751 Nankai Railway 50000 series EC 6 car set 'Rapi:t' (in wooden box)
Vol. 1-No. 17 Kato 23-235 Railroad workers house x2
Kato 23-431A Office building 1 (Brick) 
Kato 23-432A Business building 1 (Gray) 
Kato 23-435A Business building 2 (Ivory) 
Vol. 1-No. 18 Kato 23-408A Town shop 1 (Red) x2 
Kato 23-433A Shopping building 1 (Blue) 
Kato 23-434A Office building 2 (Gray) 

DVD Review Index

 Date

 Item

  The following reviews are found in the 'Japanese Model Train News' Yahoo! group's mail archive section, on the date listed.
03/01/3004 Sony - Highvision Shonan Shinjuku Line - A cab ride in an E231 set on this line from Kozu to Omiya, as well as information on the E231 trains.
30/01/2004 Teichiku - JR 500 - Comprehensive information (including English narration) of the JR West 500 series Shinkansen, including a multi angle cab ride from Kobe to Okayama.
22/02/2004 Vicom - Shinkansen Electric Train - Comprehensive selection of segments from this companies regular railway news releases, covering all the Shinkansen types running today, as well as footage of several services now sadly just a memory.
  The following reviews are found in the 'Japanese Model Train Newsletter' issue as listed. 
Vol. 1-No. 8 Color Tec - Enoden Roman Kido - A compilation of articles covering various interesting aspects of the Enoshima Electric Railway.
Vol. 1-No. 16 Sony - Highvision Hayate - A cab ride on the Tohoku Shinkansen in an E2 set all the way from Hachinoe to Tokyo.

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***** KEY *****    

This Coloured entry indicates a 'Limited Edition' release
This Coloured entry indicates a 'High Grade' release (Tomix)
This Coloured entry indicates latest addition or information update
Type 'N' = new release - 'R' = re-release - 'NR' = upgraded re-release of previously released item

 

Abbreviation Explanation
TEC Shinkansen (Bullet train)
EC Electric car (EMU)
DC Diesel car (DMU)
PC Passenger car
FC Freight car
SL Steam loco
EL Electric loco
DL Diesel loco

 

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4 - Doug Coster
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