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.
Above you can see the start of February announcements from Kato in Japan. All the items you can see are due in the middle of the year.
I've put the latest items from the Rhaetian Railway (RhB) at the top - as those are the most popular amongst Train Trax's customers. The announcement here is for a new type of wagon which can carry logs or containers. You can buy the wagons and 3 packs of log loads individually, or packs of 4 wagons with with logs ro containers. These can be pulled by either the Ge4 locos or by the Allegra sets which are due in the next couple of months. The wagons are designed such that if you buy one of each set, plus the individual one then you won't have any repeated numbers.
On the posters above you'll also see some HO rolling stock, and lit road vehicles for the 'Just Plug' system which Kato is distributing in Japan. We don't plan to stock these here but may be able arrange special orders if interested.
We will be getting the EH500 Japanese freight loco and KOKI 106/107 container wagons the 131, 787 Series, Series 205-600 and Series 235-1000. Quite a variety! All available for pre-order now.
In other news we've had deliveries of some new items this week - take a look at our 'Just Arrived' category. You'll need to be quick as there's just a few of each item left after pre-orders. More deliveries due next week - some of which I'm particularly excited about.
Not everything sells as quickly as we'd like, even though all the KATO trains are lovely. Hence we have our Sale page. Items 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.
I'm sending this email a day or so earlier than I normally would as I'll be away from HQ for a few days. There will be no despatch of parcels on Friday 9th or Tuesday 13th February. Thanks for your patience.
Best wishes,
Ian Miller
On behalf of Train Trax UK
Think you can get some of these items cheaper by buying from a big outfit in Japan? Read my thoughts on why we are better than the Japanese Elephants.
January news from Train Trax UK - 10 % off KATO 🚅!
January has been a good month at Train Trax - your stream of orders have this small business busy. It's only because of support from modellers like you that we can continue offering the UK's largest selection of KATO products. We're listening and we know that the price of your hobby is one of your greatest concerns.As a token of appreciation, we're offering you a 10% discount (off our already discounted prices) on all trains, locomotives, and rolling stock until the end of January. Expand your collection, add to your dream layout, or simply treat yourself – the choice is yours.
We've also added some additional reductions to selected items at traintrax.co.uk/sale.R emember to use code THANKYOU10 at checkout. Don't miss this chance to save!
Stock levels across the ranges are generally good - with more on the way. if you see something out of stock or there isn't quite enough for a big poroject feel free to get in touch and we can let you know when we'll have more.
My next email in two weeks time should have news from KATO Japan with their end of month announcements. I wonder what's coming next? Best wishes, Ian Miller On behalf of Train Trax UK
I don't normally send more than one email in a week, but there have been so many new arrivals I had to let you all know what's in stock now. See below for arrivals from Japan and the latest from KatoUSA. The buildings look fantastic.
We've also re-stocked on our own T-TRAK module kits. We've increased prices on these slightly for the first time. Materials aren't getting any cheaper.
Restocks of many N gauge and OO/HO Unitrack lines and general items such as the ever popular 'Variation' packs have also arrived today. We're sorry that stock levels haven't been as high as we'd want them to be recently - we've had a series of delays at UK customs.
It's been quite an exahusting week in the world of Model Railways so I'm looking forward to the weekend. I hope you enjoy yours.
Best wishes,
Ian Miller
On behalf of Train Trax UK
⚡ January 2024 Update from Train Trax UK 🚂
Happy New year! Since we returned from our Christmas break we've barely had time to sit down, so here's a slightly belated January email!
The biggest news is that amongst Kato's latest annoucements are the long awaited 9-car Class 800/1 LNER liveried sets. Class 800/1 is a 9-car train that has features that traditional 5-car trains do not have, such as an inner frame bogie, a simple roof top, and an intermediate car with all first-class passenger cars. This model is being released in three variants - Analogue, DCC Fitted, and DCC Sound Fitted. GWR versions will probably come later in the year all being well. See below for pricing.
Later this week I'm expecting several deliveries of items from Japan - I'll be sending another email once they have all been checked in. There have been some seasonal delays in UK customs which have been frustrating - I'd hoped to have more stock pre-Christmas.
Do keep an eye on our Facebook page for further new updates, photos and thoughts from us.
Best wishes,
Ian Miller
on behalf of Train Trax UK
PS. Personal bit from Ian: Today I'm feeling a bit distracted by the news yesterday that the big retailer Hattons Model Railways will be closing. It's a shock. I don't know what's going on inside that company, but it can't have been an easy decision to make. Perhaps we'll learn more in time.
For the moment are there any implications for Model Railway Magic and Train Trax UK? As a tiny business with low overheads we're a very different beast from them although I admire their innovation. Business here seems healthy and I've been thinking of doing more second hand/model recycling so perhaps we can pick up a few collections that would have gone to Widnes. If you've got any suggestions on what we can learn from all this do let me know.
In the unlikely event that any Hattons staff see this - get in touch if you fancy a move to York - I'd love to have you on my team!
Basket
Exclusively Kato!
Unitrack, Unitram and buildings.
Locomotives and Rolling Stock, North American and Japanese outline
