Kato 7008-P N Scale DD51 500 Early Stage Cold Regions

Kato 7008-P N Scale DD51 500 Early Stage Cold Regions

Featuring a two-panel front inspection door and a swivel window, we are introducing the semi-permanently coupled DD51 500 Early Stage Cold Regions locomotive!

● The DD51 has been manufactured since 1962 and is a representative diesel locomotive of the JNR, seen across the country except for Shikoku. Among these, the 500 series was built with a structure that enables multiple-unit control. The 7th to 11th
batches (units 501–592) do not have the functionality for single-valve combined brake control and are categorized as "semi-permanently coupled." Notably, the 7th to 9th batches manufactured between 1965 and 1966 feature a two-panel front
inspection door, slanted straight-shaped steps, intermediate bogies without brake equipment, and a 4,500-liter fuel tank.
They were active not only in Hokkaido but also in the Tohoku, Niigata, and San'in regions.

◆ A new lineup is being introduced in KATO's DD51 series. We will be producing the cold regions, early stage type of the 500 series designed for Hokkaido, and equipped with a swivel window. It is also recommended for use as a traction locomotive for the <10-1880 Night Local Train "Karamatsu"> and freight trains, which is scheduled for simultaneous release.

Features
① We have created a model of the 8th batch of the series, belonging to the Kushiro locomotive depot from around 1980.
② The cold-resistant equipment, such as swivel windows and whistle covers, as well as the tablet catcher and protective fences, have been reproduced.
③ The features of the early stage model, including the two-panel front inspection door, intermediate bogies without brake equipment, and 4,500-liter fuel tank, have been recreated.
④ The H rubber around each window and the rubber at the bonnet connection are represented in gray.
⑤ Headlights illuminated (using warm white LED).
⑥ Equipped with standard Arnold couplers, and a replacement knuckle coupler is included.
⑦ Optional number plates: "527," "528," "529," "530." The manufacturer’s plate is printed with "Mitsubishi."
⑧ By using the "28-260-1 DD51 motor bogie (without tires)" handled by Hobby Center Kato, you can enjoy smoother operation during multiple-unit operation. Additionally, using the "28-267 DD51 light unit set for multiple-unit operation" allows you to recreate the headlight being turned off on the second locomotive during multiple-unit operation.