The Sekisui Main Line is a newly built narrow-gauge railway that opened in June 2024 and circles the KATO factory (also known as SEKISUI WORKS) in Saitama, Japan. The railway is a non-electrified single-track line approximately 630 metres in length and features a distinctive dual-gauge (three-rail) track system, allowing both 762 mm (2 ft 6 in) and 610 mm (2 ft) gauge rolling stock to operate on the same line.
A variety of rolling stock is preserved and operated on the railway, including the Emeslett OSCAR, Japan's newest steam locomotive. Oscar was built in Japan by the RASSCHIJIN Railway Society and completed in 2024. Its design draws inspiration from two highly distinctive sources: the whimsical steam locomotives illustrated by Rowland Emett and the iconic Hunslet engines that have come to symbolise British narrow-gauge railways.
Emett's influence can be seen in Oscar's tall chimney, unusual fittings, and decorative detailing, while a number of mechanical features draw inspiration from British industrial and narrow-gauge locomotives. Many of Oscar's fittings were also sourced from antique shops and auctions in Britain, including a ship's wheel that now serves as the regulator and a century-old whistle.
Adjacent to the line is KATO Railway Park (Tsurugaoka Park), home to Inarimae Station and its distinctive three-track locomotive shed, where the railway's locomotives are housed. The station building and locomotive shed, both constructed in an eye-catching brick style, have become iconic features of the Sekisui Main Line.
The Emeslett OSCAR is now being released as a narrow-gauge model, alongside RACHEL, a small passenger coach fitted with yellow back-to-back seats and regularly hauled by OSCAR on the Sekisui Main Line.
A Sekisui Main Line Diorama Kit will also be available, allowing modellers to recreate this unique railway, including its distinctive brick-built station and locomotive shed.
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The perfect complement to the above, and ideal for running the Oscar locomotive and Rachel coach alongside other Narrow Gauge products, the Kato OO9 track clips together like their standard Unitrack ranges and is directly compatible with the N Scale range for further expansion.
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KATO has announced an exciting expansion to its Sekisui Main Line range, headed by the characterful 0-4-0ST Emeslett locomotive OSCAR. This compact steam locomotive is joined by the matching RACHEL open coach, giving modellers the opportunity to create an attractive small railway scene with plenty of character. KATO will also release a separate 0-4-0ST Emeslett locomotive chassis, providing additional possibilities for modellers looking to customise or develop their own projects.
KATO is expanding its popular N Scale Unitrack range with two new PC concrete sleeper track sections – the PC Curved Track R348-45° and PC Sliding Track 78-108mm. Featuring realistic concrete sleepers, these new additions are ideal for creating contemporary railway scenes and expanding modern layouts.
Kato USA has announced an exciting expansion to its N Scale collection, with a selection of new locomotive and rolling stock releases. Leading the latest announcements are a range of E8A diesel locomotives, available in Analogue, Digital and Sound-fitted versions, alongside a matching eight-coach add-on set, giving modellers the opportunity to create an impressive passenger consist.
A selection of new KATO N Scale Amfleet and Viewliner passenger stock is expected to arrive in the UK during September 2026, offering more choice for modellers of American passenger railways. Leading the arrivals is the Limited Edition Amfleet I Coach 7-Car Set – All Phases, accompanied by the Amfleet I 4-Car Bookcase Set in Phase VII and Amfleet II 2-Car Set in Phase VII. Together, these releases offer plenty of scope to create or expand Amtrak passenger formations.
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