Which KATO starter set? A buyer's guide by railway, space and budget
A KATO starter set puts a train, a full loop of Unitrack and a controller in one box, so whoever opens it can be running trains the same day. The harder part is choosing one. We stock more than forty, and the right one comes down to three things: the railway they love, the space they have and what you want to spend.
This guide is about that choice. If you have questions about scale, power supplies or DCC, our KATO Help and Advice page covers those in detail.
What's in the box
Most KATO starter sets follow the same pattern. Take the E7 Series Hokuriku Shinkansen 'Kagayaki' set (10-006): a three-car train, Unitrack equivalent to one full loop of KATO's M1 set, and the Power Pack Standard SX controller with its own AC adapter. KATO even builds a storage pocket into the box for track and vehicle cases you buy later. British, North American and European sets follow a similar format, though the exact contents vary, so check each product page. If you're unsure whether a set is ready for UK use, ask us before you buy.
Start with the railway
The set that keeps getting run is the one based on a train someone cares about: one they've travelled on, grew up with or have always wanted to see. Here's how our current range breaks down.
For British modellers
The GWR Class 800/0 Paddington Bear Premium Train Starter Set (GM2000106) is a five-car Intercity Express Train with an M1 Unitrack oval, extra straight track to display it, a controller and a UK power pack. The Class 800 is the Hitachi bi-mode that runs on Great Western today, and KATO models it at the British N scale of 1:148.
At the other end of the budget, the BR Industrial Freight Starter Set (GM2000105) pairs a small BR black electric shunter, styled on the LNER's ES-1, with two grey 21t hoppers, a 1337 x 677mm oval of Unitrack and a DC controller. It's a simple, sturdy way into the hobby, and a good choice for a younger modeller.
For Japanese railways
Shinkansen are the obvious draw. The E7 'Kagayaki' set (10-006) uses the same three cars as KATO's 10-1980 basic set, so the train can be lengthened later with matching add-ons.
For everyday Japanese railways, there are commuter and limited express sets including the Series E353 'Azusa/Kaiji' (10-028), the 313 Series (10-017), the 227 Series 500 (10-030) and the 315 Series 3000 (10-003). Kieren's own modelling leans towards Japanese trains, so he's a good person to ask about these.
For North America
The Santa Fe Super Chief (106-0018) recreates the train that Santa Fe launched in 1935 between Chicago and Los Angeles, nicknamed the 'Train of the Stars' for its Hollywood passengers. For modern freight, GE ES44AC sets are available in Canadian Pacific, Union Pacific and BNSF colours (106-0022, 106-0023 and 106-0024). For steam, there's the Union Pacific FEF set (107-0002).
For Europe
Switzerland's Alps Glacier Express (10-025) is one of KATO's best-loved sets. France and Germany are represented by the SNCF TGV inOui (10-022) and the DB ICE4 (10-008A).
Then think about space
Most KATO starter sets come with an oval close to the M1 footprint of 1337 x 677mm. That fits a dining table or a sheet of board, and its R315 curves suit longer trains.
If space is really tight, look at the Glacier Express. Its compact R150 oval, with two extra straights, measures just 821 x 347mm, small enough for a desk or a shelf.
If the set is the start of a permanent layout, the M1 oval is a good foundation. KATO's V-series track sets build out from it, so the track in the box stays part of the railway as it grows.
Set a budget
At the time of writing, our N gauge starter sets range from £121.80 for the BR Industrial Freight set to £348.00 for the Union Pacific FEF steam set. Most Japanese and North American sets sit between about £190 and £280. Think of the starter set as the beginning rather than the whole railway: extra Unitrack, add-on cars and a second train can follow at whatever pace suits.
Don't leave it until December
KATO makes starter sets in production runs, and UK stock is limited. Several sets have already sold out this autumn, and many of those still on the shelf are down to their last one or two. If a particular set is on the list, it's worth ordering sooner rather than later.
Still not sure?
Tell us who the set is for, what trains they like and how much space they have, and we'll help you choose. Ian and Kieren are modellers themselves, and helping people get started is a big part of what we do. Call 01904 215416 or email help@traintrax.co.uk.
