Pocket Line Hiroshima Type 3500 Green Liner Tram

Pocket Line Hiroshima Type 3500 Green Liner Tram

1:150 scale model produced by Kato. This model is ready-to-run straight out of the box and would make a excellent addition to any model railway collection.

Details

Bring the charm of Hiroshima's iconic street railway network to your layout with the KATO Hiroshima Electric Railway Type 3500 "Green Liner" Pocket Line Tram. This compact and highly detailed N gauge model recreates one of Japan's most influential modern tram designs, combining smooth operation with authentic appearance in a format perfectly suited to both large and small layouts.

Finished in the distinctive cream and green livery of Hiroshima Electric Railway, the model accurately reproduces the appearance of the famous Type 3500 articulated tram. Complete with the celebrated "Green Liner" branding, Hiroshima Electric Railway crest and authentic vehicle numbering, this Pocket Line release captures the character of one of Japan's pioneering light rail vehicles. Its compact size and reliable running qualities make it ideal for city tramways, compact layouts and street-running scenes.

Designed for excellent compatibility with KATO Unitram systems, the model can also be operated alongside other Hiroshima Electric Railway vehicles, including the Type 1000 and Type 200 (Hannover Tram), allowing modellers to recreate a realistic modern Japanese tram network.

The articulated design faithfully captures the appearance of the prototype while maintaining reliable operation on compact layouts. The lightweight Pocket Line construction makes this model particularly suitable for urban tram scenes where space is limited. Its detailed decoration and smooth-running mechanism make it an excellent addition to collections of modern Japanese trams and light rail vehicles.

Features:

• 1:150 Scale Model
• Analogue DC Model
• This model mainly operates in Japan
• Decorated in Private Owner company markings
• Best suited to 150mm radius curves
• Accurately reproduces the Hiroshima Electric Railway Type 3500 "Green Liner"
• Authentic cream and green Hiroshima Electric Railway livery
• Includes the "Green Liner" logo, Hiroshima Electric Railway crest and vehicle numbers
• Equipped with a smooth-running coreless motor
• Suitable for curves down to R150 minimum radius
• Ideal for Unitram systems and compact tramway layouts

Historical Background

The Hiroshima Electric Railway Type 3500 was developed as an experimental next-generation streetcar under the guidance of the Japan Railway Engineers' Association. Designed as a test vehicle for lightweight rail transport concepts, it incorporated several advanced technologies for its era, including chopper control, regenerative braking and a dual-hand controller system.

Built as a three-section articulated tram, the Type 3500 operated through services between Hiroshima Station and Miyajimaguchi via the Miyajima Line. Its modern design and innovative engineering earned it the nickname "Green Liner." The success of the Type 3500 played an important role in the development of later Hiroshima Electric Railway vehicles, particularly the Type 800 and Type 3700 series, helping to shape the future of tram and light rail transport in Japan.