At long last we have stock of the 9 car LNER Class 800/1 Azuma trains. These run up and down the East Coast Mainline so we see a lot of them here in York so it's great to have them ready to ship. It won't be for everyone, but if you have room then I highly recommend it.
We've also had the DCC Sound Fitted 5 car 'Paddington' sets arrive - sold out on pre-order but more may become available in a few days. In addition there's been some other incoming deliveries from Japan - take a look at the Just Arrived pages.
Earlier in the month KATO announced more fantastic looking things for arrival early next year (or maybe before - there's a bit of uncertainty at the moment!). We now have pricing available and I'm sure the new Japanese C11 steam loco (sound card available) and 'Winter Wetlands' coaches will be popular. See below for all the items, Available to pre-order now.
Thank you for your continued interest and support for this small UK business!
Best wishes,
Ian Miller
On behalf of Train Trax UK
PS. We're still working towards announcing a new product, designed in-house, that makes use of Kato track geometry. Stay tuned for more details in August
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.
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.
First news to share if that we've had a huge delivery from Kato USA earlier on this week. If you've been waiting for Canadian Autorack wagons, DC or DCC Chicago Metra MP36PH locos, EMD AC4400CW or SD90 locos in a variety of liveries, or indeed DCC train packs then you might want to check out our 'Just Arrived' page.
Stocks of some Unitrack and accessory items have been a bit low recently, but we're expecting significant deliveries from Japan next week. So our second piece of news is that to make shelf room for incoming stock (and to prepare for our end of year stocktake) our summer sale has just begun. This will last until the end of the month, or at least while stocks last. As my valued email subscribers I'm giving you special advanced notice and access to the sale page available now. You'll see that we've added the ability to filter by category to make it easier to find the bargain that's right for you! On Sunday a link will be sent to approximately 21,000 other people, so you might want to place your orders early...
Finally, just a note of thanks for your patience if you've tried to contact us over the last few weeks and had trouble. We've had a couple of problems with our phones and we've been a bit short staffed due to holidays and illness. We hope to do better soon.
Best wishes, Ian Miller On behalf of Train Trax UK
PS. On Saturday I'll be supporting the N Gauge Society's World Wide Group and Yorkshire Area Group with a open day/convention here in York.This is open to everyone to visit. Come and take a look at a wide range of modelling. There will be modular layouts running a variety of trains from around the world. Refreshments and chat also available! More details on the Facebook event (no FB account needed)Do come and say hello at my little stand tucked into the corner - if you're wanting me to bring along anything in particular to look at please let me know before Friday evening!
This is a quick email before the late May bank holiday. It can be a busy time of year so I hope you find some 'Train Time' during the break - whether that's a visit to a big railway or something smaller.
It's less than a month now until the N Gauge Society World Wide Group /Yorkshire N Gauge Society convention here in York. Take a look at the flyer below for full details. Members free, but non-members will be very welcome to visit, and entry charges will be refunded for anyone who joins on the day! I'll have a wee stand with a few 'world wide' models for sale, but mainly I'm thinking of it as a chance to chat with customers old and new. If you're thinking of making a weekend visit to York for this you're welcome to pop into TrainTrax HQ on Friday to peruse the full range of Kato goodies on our shelves - just let us know!
There's been a whole host of arrivals into stock recently. Why not look at our Just Arrived page? You'll see DCC Sound Fitted KatoUSA locos as well as interesting Japanese sets of animals or trains, Swiss Rhb Allegras in special liveries.
As it's school half term next week we won't be operating at full strength. Please email if you need to get in touch with us and bear with us if parcels take a day or so longer than normal to be despatched. Best wishes, Ian Miller On behalf of Train Trax UK
A few of you asked about our second hand business. You can find our current range here: https://www.ebay.co.uk/str/model-railway-magicMore items are added daily. We will buy any make, any scale, any condition.
May 2024 Kato Train news from Train Trax UK
Thank you to those who came and visited us at Model World Live. It was a bit exhausting, but as ever really good to meet customers and put faces to names. Our next big-ish show is 'The International N Gauge Show' in September.
Pre-orders for the latest announcements from Kato Japan (posters above) are now open at our usual pre-order page:
This month we see announcements of the E233 Tokaido Line sets, Classic 113 series sets, Locos and coaches for cold region sleepers, Steam Loco crew figure sets and pre-war coaches in HO. All will be arriving in the UK in the autumn.
More information about pre-ordering is here:https://traintrax.co.uk/pre-ordering-at-train-trax-uk we've had to add a note about ensuring that your details are up-to-date. If we don't hear back from you within 7 days of a pre-order arriving then we may need to cancel it.
And now for something completely different...
In my last email newsletter I mentioned that I'm looking for some help with a new project.
A bit of background first: I'm quite often asked about other Japanese model railway manufacturers. In particular I'm asked about Tomix finetrack.
Now I've become very fond of Kato Unitrack over the last couple of years, but there's no denying that the Tomix range shares many of the same benefits but does have a few extra pieces that would help with the geometry of some layouts. With a bit of thought you can even use the two types together.
Once you start looking into Tomix (and the related Tomytec) products you can see that there's quite a lot of interesting items in their catalogue.
The problem for the UK modeller is that it isn't possible to get these products easily, without resorting to the 'Japanese elephant' online stores.
So, could we help with this? Is there enough interest to make it worthwhile for us to start 'TomTrax'? Which are the most interesting things on offer?
Sign up here for updates on this, and to tell us what Tomix and Tomytec product lines you might want to buy. Your feedback is always very useful.
Thanks for your continued custom and interest in what we do. As the weather improves here in the UK, it's often the case that the model railway hobby gets 'put away' for a while and our little online shop gets a bit quieter. However, we'll still be here if you need us! Stay tuned for some summer offers...
This new event combines modelling disciplines with the best model railways as well as the best scale modelling displays from IPMS groups and Special Interest Groups, demonstrations, presentations, manufacturer support and traders offering the best in both worlds.
We'll be having our biggest Train Trax stand yet - expect more trains and track than ever before. From the floor plan it looks like we're right next to the 1:1 scale armoured vehicles, which will be a bit different!
If you want to order something for collection then you can do so in the normal way from the website and choose 'Collect at Model Word LIVE' on the checkout page, before 9am Friday. If you want to see something in particular, with no obligation to buy, drop us an email before 9am Friday and we'll see what we can do. We don't have space in the van to take every single item in the range!
Also this week we've had some new arrivals in stock. From KatoUSA we've had the Amtrak Phase I loco and rainbow era coaches, as well as SD90/43MAC locos and MP36PH EMD Chicago Metra locos. From Japan we've finally go the 2024 Catalogue & the latest versions of the RhB Allegra and Open Panoramic passenger car. Check the Just Arrived category to find out more, or see below for direct links.
The most important arrival for the week is our new General Assistant. His introduction in 50ish words:
"Hi guys, I'm Kieren. I'll probably be the person answering your calls and emails regularly so I've been asked to say hello! I'm an avid lover of all things Japanese trains and trains in general so this is a dream job, I'm really looking forward to hearing all about your layouts and starting my own TTRAK modules very soon!"
Kieren will also be working on the second-hand side of the business, so take a look at the eBay store over the coming weeks.
Best wishes,
Ian Miller
On behalf of Train Trax UK
PS. In my next email there should be news of more great products from KATO Japan, but I'll also be asking for some help with a new project.
We had a great weekend at the York Model Railway Show. Thanks to those who came and shopped from us, and also to those who just chatted! I think we've just about recovered and caught up with emails, so now thoughts turn to the next event.
We're going to try out a NEW SHOW FOR 2024!
Brand-new for 2024, Model World LIVE is brought to you by the organisers of the Great Electric Train Show to bring together railway and scale modellers at the National Exhibition Centre in Birmingham. The event will take place on April 27/28 2024 in Hall 12 and advance tickets are on sale now.
This new event combines modelling disciplines with the best model railways, the best scale modelling displays from IPMS groups and Special Interest Groups, demonstrations, presentations, manufacturer support and traders offering the best in both worlds.
We'll be having our biggest Train Trax stand yet - expect more trains and track than ever before.
April Announcements from KATO
Announced in Japan this morning by KATO Precision Railroad Models and available to pre-order this afternoon.
There's 381 series “Super Kuroshio", Yokohama High Speed Railways Y500 8-Car Set , D51 Hokkaido type with coal wagons, some more road vehicles and a re-run of the ever popular Pocket Line Steam Loco set.
From Kato USA, Inc. there's the 'Milwaukee Road Olympian Hiawatha' in Post 1955 livery (UP) with passenger cars and FP7 locos to match.
In addition there is a new Christmas livery Pocket Line Steam Loco set - hopefully it will arrive by 25th December!
Arrivals
Over the last week we've also had some Large incoming deliveries. Occasionally our stock runs short, but it's looking healthy right now. Why not check back on the site?
Best wishes,
Ian Miller
On behalf of Train Trax UK
PS. The DC/Analogue version of the 'Paddington' Class 800 has arrived. Whilst similar to the smooth running five car GWR Class 800 previously released, these trains are really special. They include an eye-catching bookstyle-box and precision printed 'Paddington' livery details.
😁Easter 2024 KATO news from Train Trax UK 🚅
The weather is starting to look a bit for Spring-like here in York. That can only mean that it's nearly time for the York Easter Show. We'll be trading at the show on the first floor again - do come and say hello. It's a great chance to take a look at any products in person and have a browse at what's new. If there's anything in particular you want to see then let us know. You can also place orders on the website for collection.
Do you want to be paid to test trains, take some photos and chat to people about railways? This is just a reminder that we're recruiting for someone to help with customer service and the second-hand side of the business. Details here.
The latest items announced by KatoUSA are now available to pre-order.
They are all EMD SD70MAC locos, but in some new liveries and road numbers. I can see these 'Alaska Railroad' livieries inspiring some new layouts featuring the Frozen North!
Pre-order now for delivery in Autumn/Winter. All available in DC/Analogue, DCC, or DCC Sound.
I've been doing a bit of 'big picture' thinking recently to understand the business and our customers better. It's been an fascinating process to develop our story.
We've found that many of us want to re-create something from our childhood or re-connect with something fun.
There's always the barriers of time, money and sometimes there's social pressures too, so it's easy to make the mistake of never getting started with finding a hobby - putting it off for another day. Sadly that means you might never get the chance to enjoy it.
So while some people may think of model railway as
a harmless bit of escaspism
a time-consuming eccentricity
an expensive waste of space
we know that actually it's about
the magic of realising dreams small and big
re-creating a sense of play and wonder
re-connecting with the magic of making.
The heart of it seems to be that Model Railways can put you on track to well-being. So that's something we're going to develop a bit over the coming months.
I'd be interested to know your thoughts!
Best wishes,
Ian Miller
On behalf of Train Trax UK
I've recently been expanding my network on LinkedIn. If you're associated with the modelling industry I'd love to connect. https://www.linkedin.com/in/ianomiller/
March KATO news from Train Trax UK 🚅
When I originally sent this, it was a long email, for reasons which will hopefully become clear, settle down with a brew of your choice and have a browse through.
Each month, Kato announce what they are going to be producing over the next few months. It's always a mix of re-runs and new items. At the beginning of this month they announced the most items I've ever seen.In the original I tried to break it all down for your easy consumption, but you don't get that version here!
In other news, we've had plenty of arrivals over the last few days. We have a couple of DCC Sound Fitted KatoUSA "Big Boys" remaining due to pre-order cancellations. At the time of writing we're the only UK retailer to have any stock of these. Some have been lucky enough to also receive their Paddington Class 800 sets. These are lovely, but sold out on pre-order. I'm hoping for a second batch to be delivered soon! Other new arrivals are listed here and include a lovely Japanese steamer.
We've also re-stocked on many essenytial Unitrack accessories that have been out of stock for a while.You may have seen that we're recruiting for someone to help with customer service and the second-hand side of the business. Details here.
We send out this news email every couple of weeks, but only to the 3,200 (ish) folk who have actively subscribed. If you don't want to get the emails anymore then please let us know and we'd be happy to remove your email address, or use the Unsubscribe link. Please DON'T mark the emails as spam, as that messes things up for other people. You may receive some emails asking you to confirm your subscription over the next few weeks. I want to be sure that these emails only get to the people who want them.
Best wishes, Ian Miller On behalf of Train Trax UK
More February 2024 KATO train news from Train Trax UK
The latest announcment from KatoUSA is a re-run (with new numbers) of the SD40-2. I'm not a 'railroad' expert, but this is always the loco I think of when I think of North American Railways - tough and utilitarian looking, but colourful! A bit of classic Americana, available in various liveries. As you might expect it will be available in DC, DCC and DCC Sound versions. The DC version will be coming around September time, with the others in the following months.
Available right now are the 'My Tram Classic' - also available in four simple liveries. These arrived last week and they are great fun and lovely runners. There's a quick video on our Instagram account which you can see below. A range of buildings have also arrived recently.
We're doing a bit of work behind the scenes to improve how we communicate and understand our customers, so over on Facebook I'm asking some wierd and wonderful questions over the next few weeks. Your comments and contributions are very welcome.
As mentioned in my last email, our rolling sale page is now live. We've added some new Japanese Items so it's worth another look. Products on this page are unlikely to be re-stocked, but as they go out of stock we'll try to add something different throughout the year.
