Black Friday and Cyeber Monday is over for another year. No more sales for a while now - we're keeping plenty busy enough! Please place your Christmas order early to avoid disappointment. Last official order date will be 18th December - but I'd recommend not leaving it too late as we've already seen localised Royal Mail delays.
Manchester Show this December 9th/10th. A reminder that Train Trax will have a large stand full of Kato Unitrack in N and HO gauges, plus a variety of trains, buildings and accessories in N. It will be possible shortly to order for collection at the show. You can also drop me an email if there is something in particular you want to see. There's some really intersting looking layours on the bill too. I'm looking forward to it a lot!
See below for a few other new items to look forward to. Two special edition Allegra liveries and some more America container wagon sets.
We're expecting a significant price rise on many Unitrack items over the next few weeks. As Kato Japan put it in their charming English 'We apologize for any inconvenience caused by the price revision procedures and the increase in purchase prices, and ask for your understanding in this matter.'
Buy now to save before we pass on the price increases - we're just waiting for the new UK RRP to be confirmed.
This morning Kato Japan made their monthly announcements of new items to be produced over the next few months. I'll send another email once I've digested the contents!
Black Friday & Cyber Monday KATO deals from Train Trax UK
I'm thrilled to share our Black Friday and Cyber Monday train deals with you! As a valued Traintrax.co.uk customer, you're getting early access to these incredible savings.
We understand that modellers like you appreciate quality and value, and we strive to provide that consistently. While our prices are competitive all year round, Black Friday Cyber Monday allows us to offer special discounts on select models, particularly those that may not be in the spotlight as often.
This is your chance to grab those less popular gems at exceptional prices. We're offering discounts of up to 30% off our already discounted prices. It includes a wide range of train sets, classic analog trains and high-tech digital trains. Immerse yourself in the world of meticulously crafted train models and bring your railway dreams to life.
Whether you're a fan of the iconic power and grandeur of North American locomotives or the sleek efficiency of Japanese EMUs, we have something for every train enthusiast. Discover the awe-inspiring presence of legendary locomotives like the Union Pacific Big Boy or the Tokyo Metro, and experience the thrill of transporting passengers and freight across meticulously crafted landscapes.
Act fast! These incredible discounts are only available until November 30th. Don't miss out on this opportunity to expand your train collection with fantastic deals.
PS. Look out for another email from me next week with some new products for the RhB and North American Freight!
November 2023 Kato train news from Train Trax UK
Although I try to send an update email every two weeks, sometimes it doesn't quite work out. This time I was away for a few days with family and ran out of time before I went.
On the way back from my break I managed a quick visit to the Pendon Museum in Oxfordshire, and decided to share with you the snapshot above. The museum is well worth a visit and I was left reflecting what a broad hobby Railway Modelling can be. There's the quick and easy approach that Kato Unitrack offers or the slow but satisfying approach from the amazingly talented scratchbuilders that have produced Pendon. Personally I'm glad there's room for both within the hobby.
A wide range of modelling will be on display at the Manchester Show this December 9th/10th. I'm pleased to announce that Train Trax will have a large stand full of Kato Unitrack in N and HO gauges, plus a variety of trains, buildings and accessories in N. It will be possible shortly to order for collection at the show. You can also drop me an email if there is something in particular you want to see.
Last week saw the usual monthly announcements from Kato Japan of what's comign in the future. There's some useful road vehicles as well as a Japanese C12 Steam loco. The 283 and 287 series are ideal trains for a bit of Japanese flavour - especially with that Panda face! See below for more details.
Whilst I was away, Jonathan and Peter took in the latest KatoUSA arrivals - EMD SD70ACe in a varirty of liveries, all DCC fitted; plus the re-run of the UP FEF-3 '844' Steam Loco. Check out the 'Just Arrived' page to keep up.
Some stocks are a little low at the moment - there's been a customs hold up in Japan which we hope to be resolved shortly. Thanks for your patience.
Best wishes,
Ian Miller
on behalf of Train Trax UK
Special update from Train Trax UK - new UK Class 800 from KATO
It's been fairly well known for a while, that the next KATO British rolling stock would be another Class 800. It has now been revealed that this will be featuring the Paddington Bear GWR Livery. Here's the full annoucement:
A Brand New Livery For The Class 800
A number of the GWR Class 800s have been named since they entered service, all named after famous people who have strong connections to the places the company serves. The first named was unit 800004 on 30th June 2016 and was named after Isambard Kingdom Brunel and Sir Daniel Gooch. The second, 800003, was named after Queen Elizabeth II and Queen Victoria, and this was followed by 800010 which was named after Paddington Bear and his creator Michael Bond.
Direct From Paddington Station
The first two namings may be a bit more obvious than the third as they are either British Monarchs or people instrumental in the early years of the GWR. The names applied to 800010 were different, as they were the first in the class to feature a fictional character; Paddington bear. Not only that, but this unit also features iconography of the little marmalade sandwich connoisseur taken from the 'A Bear Called Paddington' book and poses inspired by his later film appearances.
For those not familiar with Paddington's tale, he made his first appearance in print in October 1958, when the Brown family found him alone at Paddington Station. Because no one could pronounce his real name (he came from "darkest-Peru") the Browns named him Paddington. This is very reminiscent of the true story as Michael saw a single, lonely bear in a shop in Paddington Station, purchased it, and became inspired.
Thus the story of Paddington was born, and will always be synonymous with not only Marmalade Sandwiches but Paddington Station and the GWR too. It was only right to name 800010, which runs out of Paddington station, after these iconic names from literature and film, and the train was unveiled in a naming ceremony by Michael's daughter Karen Jankel on 10th January 2018, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of the release of the first Paddington Book.
Kato Recreate This Iconic Livery
Kato are pleased to say that this livery will soon be coming to N Scale with the announcement of a new Class 800 model. This officially licenced model will feature all the same quality and running characteristics of the previous releases but will also be adorned with the iconography and images of this new livery too. Just like the previous models, this version will be manufactured to British N Scale 1:148 and will feature:
Beautifully recreated "Paddington Bear" illustrations along all relevant passenger doors. The "Paddington Bear" and "Michael Bond" names on both sides of the front cars. Illuminated head and tail lights lit with white LEDs. When the headlights are turned on, the top, bottom, and beacon lights are illuminated. A Selection of Kato Unitrack for display or adding to existing layouts. The front is equipped with a coupling mechanism, making it possible to recreate the 5 + 5 10-car consist of the prototype using other Kato Class 800 Units Suppied in Kato's 'bookcase' style packaging featuring a unique Paddington design.
This new Class 800 is available to preorder now through the link below, currently expecting to arrive in Spring 2024.
What About DCC Modellers?
Previously, additional DCC Decoders were required to bring the Class 800 to a digitally controlled layout, but not any more. Alongside the big announcement of this new livery, it has also been confirmed that this version and the previous LNER livery will be released DCC Fitted, and even more excitingly DCC Sound Fitted too. This will mean that, for the first time, you will be able to see and hear this locomotive whipping around your layouts and through your landscapes.
At the moment Train Trax has all three versions (DC, DCC Fitted and DCC Sound fitted) available to pre-order. We'll also have starter sets and DCC/DCC Sound versions of the LNER set available soon. These have taken us by surprise!
Best wishes,
Ian Miller
on behalf of Train Trax UK
October 2023 news from Train Trax UK - your KATO 🚅 update.
Just two things to say in this email, but both are very exciting!
1. KatoUSA annoucements:
Coming next spring are new numbers for the EMD AC4400CW in N scale. Thrun will feature new road numbers in Canadian Pacific, CSX, BNSF and Union Pacific. All new will be a 'Kansa City Southern de Mexico' (KCS) scheme in grey and yellow. Each model will be released in DC, DCC, and DCC+ Sound versions. Analog versions are set to release in Spring 2024 with DCC and Sound Versions releasing in Summer 2024.
We're also getting New Aluminium Autorack 4-Car Sets, in Canadian Pacific and 'CN' versions. Each set features 4 new road numbers with the same KatoUSA quality and detail. Arriving March(ish) 2024.
It's been a while since we've seen either of these items produced, so both are very welcome.
2. KATO Japan announcements.
Over 40 new or re-run items were announced by KATO Japan at the end of last month (I never know what's coming before it's on their website). It's taken a few days to get it all ready to pre-order.
There's plenty of wagons and buildings, which will be really useful, as well as the trains: E261 series, Hankyu 9300 series , Eidan Subway type 500, E657, E259 and Kiha 85 series.
Although they were announced from Japan, there's also sound cards for Big Boy and 'North American Train Travel' - which apparently includes the sound of a toilet flush.
There was another train announcement from Japan too, but I'm waiting for the official UK hat to be raised before I can tell you more.
Why pre-order? Only a limited quantity of each KATO release makes it to the UK. Recently there have been instances where locomotive releases have completely sold out before arrival. A pre-order guarantees that the item is yours, but there is no need for you to make payment until the items are in the UK.
I hope you find these regular emails from Train Trax HQ useful. More regular insider updates are on our Facebook page If you don't want to get the messages any more, please do use this Unsubscribe link rather than mark the email as 'spam'.
Best wishes
Ian Miller on behalf of
Train Trax UK
PS. One more thing to add today: There's a new face in HQ a few times a week, Peter will be helping out with various tasks during the next few busier months, so you may speak to him on the phone or get emails from him.
End of September 2023 news from Train Trax UK
I hope you find these regular emails from Train Trax HQ useful. Perhaps you know of someone else who might be interested - feel free to forward the message. [If you've had this forwarded, then you can subscribe yourself at https://manage.kmail-lists.com/subscriptions/subscribe?a=RMTHfg&g=TYzmVK ].
If you visit www.traintrax.co.uk today you might notice that the homepage has been in for an overhaul - hopefully it's a bit easier to navigate now. Thanks go to my web designer at Firepages. Our programme of improving photos continues - do let us know if you find something that doesn't look right.
The other news this week has been a series of incoming parcels from the USA, containing the latest EMD SD70 locos and also some more N Gunderson MAXI-I Double Stack Car sets. These are now in stock and ready to be despatched.
Stock levels of track boxed sets, most accessories and starter sets is also good. Structures and track will get a top-up early next week when the latest box from Japan clears customs.
On Facebook earlier in the week I asked about whether there was any interest in us offering some services such as DCC or lighting fitting and repairs. Contact us for a quote if you'd like to take advantage of this.
As part of this, we've been exploring the availablitity of spares. Unfortunately parts for older models aren't available from KATO or their distributors. However, I'm sure that many of you will have 'part-worn' models which could be stripped for useful bits. Get in touch if you do - I'm particularly looking for Eurostars at the moment.
Lastly, the bit you've been waiting for. As stocks are good we can offer free UK delivery for this weekend on any order over £150. Now is an ideal time to stock up - no doubt for some of you it's payday weekend! No voucher code needed - just place your order as normal.
Best wishes
Ian Miller on behalf of
Train Trax UK
More September 2023 News from Train Trax UK
I seems like yesterday that I was writing the previous of these emails - the last few weeks have flown by.It was great to meet some of you at The International N Gauge Show (TINGS). Despite the heat we had a great time and sold more that we have at any other show previously. I'll bring more stuff next year if they'll have us back! Many thanks to David L who helped out on the stand over the weekend.
Since then I've been keeping a low profile due to having a mountain of emails and admin to catch up on, but today I found time to get the latest announcments from Kato USA available to pre-order.See below for direct links. To summarise there's N gauge EMD SD90/43MAC locos in UP and CP liveries. As normal there's a range of running numbers and the choice of DC, DCC or DCC Sound fitted. All arrive in the first part of next year.
The second announcement from the USA is the Amtrak Phase III Viewliner II coach pack. This is 4-car set including 2 Sleepers, 1 Baggage-Dorm and 1 Diner. I think this one will be popular, so I'd highly recommend pre-ordering.
I mentioned the KATO Japan annoucements in my last emails, but to summarise there is a Shinkansen N700 series (8 car), N700 2000 series (8 car set and add on pack), C56 160 Japanese Steam Loco and appropriate rolling stock.For UK modellers, we also have a new OO9 Small England, and a 'new' Large England.On the Swiss side there's a re-run of the RhB Allegra and a newly numbered RhB Open Panoramic car.Finally, four bridges in a new light green colour.
Train Trax and Model Railway Magic are keeping busy, so I'm again on the lookout for some part-time help (12-15hr pw) with packing orders and customer service at our York HQ. If you'd like to know more and feel you might have some useful skills, then please do get in touch.
Best wishes Ian Miller on behalf of Train Trax UK
September 2023 news from Train Trax UK
The phone has barely stopped ringing today, so my plan to write this earlier didn't work out. You're getting the quick and dirty version, rather than the carefully crafted words I'd hoped to send!
'The International N gauge Show' (TINGS) - next weekend! I'm looking forward to chatting with folks and perhaps introducing Train Trax to some new people. If you already have a shopping list, then you can now place orders for collection from the website - look for 'Local Pickup (TINGS)' at checkout. This ensures that you'll get what you want, and saves us all the hassle of postage.
Stock levels are generally good at the moment, with more arriving from Japan in the middle of next week (depending on customs etc).
KATO Japan made their monthly annoucements this morning - the 'posters' are below. Pre-orders will open as soon as I can confirm pricing during next week. Keep an eye on our Facebook page to be kept informed. I'm sure that re-released RhB Allegra will be popular, as will the KATO/PECO OO9 models which you may have already heard about. The Japanese C56 steam loco also looks like it will be a lovely model.
I shouldn't complain about the phone ringing - it's great to speak to customers.
This weekend I'm off for a family jolly on the NYMR. Do enjoy your railway, whether it's little or big!
Best wishes,
Ian on behalf of
Train Trax UK
KATO trains - more August News from Train Trax UK
I try to send these regular update emails every other Friday, I hope you continue to find them useful. I hate unwanted email as much as you. If you decide you'd rather not receive them, please unsubscribe using the link at the bottom and they'll come no more!
Yesterday we had more arrivals and re-stocks from KatoUSA. It includes a few more of the sound fitted locos, normally only available for pre-order.
'The International N gauge Show' (TINGS) gets ever closer. I'm looking forward to chatting with folks and perhaps introducing Train Trax to some new people. My understanding is that representatives from KATO will also be present at the show alongside Gaugemaster, but I think we'll probably have a wider range of stuff on sale. However, it's tricky to know what items to take along with us as the stand is smaller than HQ so we can't take everything. Let us know in plenty of time if there's anything in particular you fancy a look at and we'll include it. If you already have a shopping list, then you can now place orders for collection at the show from the website - look for 'Local Pickup (TINGS)' at checkout.
I sent a special email earlier in the week to open pre-orders for the latest annoucements from KATO Japan. There's also some more new stuff (more Chicago Metra locos) due early next year from KatoUSA, which you'll find here.
I was away in the north last week for a few days with family, enjoying the always excellent West Highland line to Oban and on our return taking a first visit to the Riverside Museum in Glasgow. This is a fantastic modern transport museum - I'm hoping for a return trip sometime. Jonathan did a great job to keep orders moving back at HQ.
At the end of next week and over the bank holiday both Jonathan and I will be 'out-of-office', so please make sure orders are placed before 1pm Wednesday 23rd if possible. Any orders placed after that won't be despatched until Tuesday 29th August.
Best wishes,
Ian on behalf of
Train Trax UK
August 2023 News from Train Trax UK
Hello,
Summer is a quieter time for many modellers, so you'd think we'd be able to put out feet up a bit at Train Trax HQ. However, there's been plenty going on.
There have been two fairly recent annoucements from Kato USA. All available to pre-order now, with arrivals expected around the start of next year. See pictures below.
Two Chicago MP26PH locos in DC and DCC, with new Metra paint schemes and re-issued coach sets.
Two EMD E8 locos in Amtrak Phase I livery, and 4316 in the 'Day One' livery, both in DC or DCC, plus a re-release of an interesting eight car set of coaches for the Amtrak 'Rainbow' Era.
There's also been a lot of arrivals from KatoUSA. See the 'Latest Arrivals' section.
We've begun to prepare for our debut at 'The International N gauge Show' (TINGS). It's tricky to know what items to take along with us as the stand is smaller than HQ so we can't take everything. Let us know in plenty of time if there's anything in partular you fancy a look at and we'll include it. You will also be able to pick-up orders at the show if pre-booked.
As mentioned last time, we've been improving the photographs that appear on the website. These have now also been updated on our ebay shop. We'd still love to know what other photos or information would be most useful. Do you have any other ideas for how we can improve the website? Get in touch
Our normal target is to despatch same working day (for order places before 1pm-ish), but deliveries may be slower than normal for the next few weeks, as it's the school summer holidays. Please allow for orders to be shipped 2-3 days after ordering. Thanks for your patience!
Best wishes,
Ian on behalf of
Train Trax UK
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