The instruction sheet for the 9 car Azuma is now available to view and download on the kato webpage. The inside bearing bogie is listed as a spare.

https://www.katomodels.com/product/n/class800

Chose the ASSY TABLE button.

Do we know what decoder Kato is using in the sound-equipped versions?

Quote from: Ski on April 11, 2024, 02:00:27 AMDo we know what decoder Kato is using in the sound-equipped versions?

I asked a similar question a few months ago. I think that the answer was Zimo. I believe that the sound decoders are not being fitted by Kate but by a 3rd party.

Quote from: Kris on April 11, 2024, 07:24:46 AMI believe that the sound decoders are not being fitted by Kate but by a 3rd party.

That will be Suzy then. I think Kate is otherwise engaged.

(Sorry @Kris, couldn't resist.  )

Quote from: Kris on April 11, 2024, 07:24:46 AM

Quote from: Ski on April 11, 2024, 02:00:27 AMDo we know what decoder Kato is using in the sound-equipped versions?

I asked a similar question a few months ago. I think that the answer was Zimo. I believe that the sound decoders are not being fitted by Kate but by a 3rd party.

Thanks for the information. I appreciate it!

The LNER 9 car Azuma is available in Japan now. This review in Japanese has English subtitles if you want to watch with the sound off. There are some criticisms.

Kernow Model Rail centre are have told me that the paddington GWR 800 class dcc sound is now in stock. Hopefully picking mine up tomorrow.

more than a fair review of the azuma 9 car , the biggest issue for me are those awful silver wheels , the kato ice 4 first run had these and on the second run was switched to darker wheelsets , as they are the same i will have to order some as spares but for the money you shouldn't have too, this is poor, also the cutting corners on some parts like tampo printing.  interesting dig at revolution for the 320/321s on build quality of which i have a few and i do like the models but i cant defend the build quality or lack of , hoping the 313/314s are a step up

I noticed that there is now a catalogue number for the 9 car GWR Class  800 313. No image yet.

https://www.gaugemasterretail.com/kato-10-1672-class-800-3xx-gwr-iet-9-car-train.html

Quote from: woodbury22uk on October 11, 2024, 06:02:05 PMI noticed that there is now a catalogue number for the 9 car GWR Class  800 313. No image yet.

https://www.gaugemasterretail.com/kato-10-1672-class-800-3xx-gwr-iet-9-car-train.html

Talking to Mr Kato at TINGS he said the GWR ones would be available around Easter time.

Geoff

Shame we carnt get any more of the 800 series that are now about in all the various  liveries

Release is shown as May 2025 in Japan on the Kato website.

Quote from: Spanners70 on October 12, 2024, 05:37:54 PMShame we carnt get any more of the 800 series that are now about in all the various  liveries

Absolutely.  I'd love a TPE model for example.

It's a funny thing, as with most brands I'd not sagely and say "ah yes, shrewd move, they've got loads of models to go at". But with Kato obviously the motivation is different. I'd have a pair of Avanti ones, definitely, but not sure whether to paint some LNER ones and overlook the differences.