Japanese N gauge model railway specialists Kato have just released a nine-car version of their successful LNER Azuma model.
The Class 800 first entered service as the successor to the diesel high speed train, and now runs on the GWR and LNER main lines in the UK. The Class 800 is characterized by its body being ‘tucked in’ near the bottom to match the UK railways clearance limit, and the yellow pattern on the front car, which enhances visibility. It is a bi-mode electro-diesel vehicle which collects power through the pantographs in electrified areas and uses diesel engines or power supplied from its generators in none-electrified areas, making it possible for it to run in both.
The Class 800 is a rare case of a Japanese train being selected to run on UK main lines. Hitachi Rail had to apply sophisticated railway technology to meet the high conditions set out by the UK Department for Transport. These included high fuel efficiency, a weight limit, operating at a maximum speed of 200 km/h, and switching the power supply source during operation. Incidentally, ‘Azuma’ means ‘East’ in Japanese.
The model is built to the UK N gauge standard of 1/148 as opposed to the continental 1/160 scale, making it perfect for use on British layouts. The model features directional head and tail lights, and the carriages are ready to be fitted with optional internal lighting and DCC chips.
For those with less space or wanting to get started in N gauge, Gaugemaster have teamed up with Kato to produce a five car train set complete with track and power supply.
This train set represents excellent value for money combining as it does a large oval of Kato's renowned UNITRACK and controller along with a stunning five car model.
The Kato LNER Azuma Nine Car Train Pack and the Gaugemaster Kato LNER Azuma Five Car Train Set with UNITRACK and controller are both available from Amazon.
For those with more space and bigger wallets Hornby has released its five-car Azuma in OO scale along with a four-car coach pack.
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