Kato 3-516 E5 Series Shinkansen "Hayabusa" Model Train Pack (HO Scale) Review HD
112This is my review of the very first HO scale Japanese Shinkansen (Bullet Train) to from Kato in this particular scale. This is the Kato E5 Series "Hayabusa" Shinkansen in the very stylish and colourful metallic green livery and I believe this Shinkansen operated between Tokyo and Sendai on the "Tohoku" line. I must say, what a stunning set from Kato indeed and I am very pleased that Kato have decided to make a HO scale Shinkansen as there is a lack of these type of trains available in this scale. Although Lima did make a "Series 0" Shinkansen in the 1980's but the model is getting hard to find now and the brass KTM models are about the same price as a 2012 Ford Focus! Which is way out of my league unfortunately. This train pack from Kato will vary from 220 Euros to 480 Euros and I did import my set directly from Japan as despite the CST (Consumer Sales Tax) charge being slapped on top of the 220 Euro price that the seller was charging for this model. I was still about 60 Euros better off than if I bought it from a UK specialist dealer as I got this pack back in January 2014. There is some add-on carriages for this set which are 3-517 and 3-518 that are required if you wish to make the full set which is my intentions later. This is a fantastic set with very smooth handling and performance. The model boasts high quality with features such as a fully working external coupler with a fully working drawbar and cover doors on the rear trailing driving unit which is a first that I have seen on a HO scale model train and its a great amazing feature in my opinion. The set is NOT DCC ready at default but you can hard wire 3 or four decoders into the models for use on DCC. Apart from that, there is nothing negative to say about this model and the quality is the best I have seen from Kato.
Overall Rating: 10/10.
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