Train Trax UK - 2024 July KATO news catchup!
As promised previously, there's quite a bit to say in this email.
It's a recognised fact within the industry that with an improvement in the weather, sales of indoor hobby things takes a bit of a dive. It's enough to say that this summer in the UK we haven't yet experienced that phenomenon! Here's hoping for some sunshine when it finally gets to school holiday time.
If you want some holiday reading, why not take along a KATO catalogue? We are one of the few retailers with stock of the 2024 edition. It's a lovely glossy book with lots of photos of models, ideas for layouts and visual explanations of the track geometry. Text is in Japanese, but smartphone apps can translate for you if you need it. Our price £19.95 plus postage. We might throw one in with other high value orders - get in touch if you'd like one!
Now would be an ideal time to ensure that you're up-to-date with any pre-orders for new products which you wish to buy. There's changes afoot in the way that most Kato products make their way to Europe and the UK. In the long run it sounds like it will be better for everyone, but in the short term we might see a bit of disruption.
Why pre-order? KATO models are generally produced in batches, so once a model has been produced it may not be available again for several years (if at all). Only a limited quantity of each KATO release makes it to the UK. A pre-order guarantees that the item is yours, but there is no need for you to make payment until the items are here and ready to send.
Preorder information: https://traintrax.co.uk/pre-ordering-at-train-trax-uk
We've just made pre-orders for the June Kato Japan announcements live. Due to the supply chain changes we've not been able to confirm UK pricing until now. There's some re-runs and new items for Taiwanese, Japanese and Swiss RhB railways. Arriving in stock here later this year, or early next year.
We'll be in touch about the July Announcements (which look great!) as soon as we can.
Our stock levels on most items are currently very good, with the exception of some 'Variation' track packs. We don't have an exact ETA for these at the moment, but do get in touch to see if we can help you find alternative products.
New arrivals this month include a lot of KatoUSA items, and very limited quantities of the European 'Kato by Lemke' NOHAB diesels. See our 'Just Arrived' pages.
For all the latest news, musings, and other rubbish like pictures of us, do follow our Facebook page.
Best wishes,
Ian Miller
On behalf of Train Trax UK
PS. In August we'll be announcing a new product, designed in-house, that makes use of Kato track geometry. Stay tuned for more details.
