Kato Europe Updates: September 2025

Kato have re-introduced a european icon back into their range of high-speed EMUs. The TGV, which was produced for the SNCF by Alstom/Francorail-MTE, operated between 1981 and 2020 on the line between Lyon and Paris. It had a top speed of 300km/h (186mph) surpassing the operating speed of Japan’s Shinkansen at the time.

This model features lots of improved and re-designed details to keep as close to the real thing as possible. 

• Reproduces the mid-1980s appearance after the intermediate cars were fitted with air suspension bogies, but before the orange-painted nose had the SNCF logo painted over.

• Faithfully reproduces the distinctive front-end design from the windshield to the roof, including the coupler cover featuring the “SNCF” lettering on the nose.

• Newly designed AC pantograph (rear-side) with a complex shape is accurately recreated.

• Reproduces the trainset-specific name illustrations with printed detailing (Set 84: “DIEPPE”, Set 08: “ROUEN”).

• Equipped with a GM-5 motor with flywheel.

• Headlights and taillights light up (using warm white LEDs). Includes a dummy circuit board to turn off the headlights/taillights when running in double formation. 

• The coupler cover on the locomotive’s front can be removed, allowing use of the included drawbar to recreate the real train’s 20-car formation.

Add On Packs

To keep this model as close to the prototype as possible, Kato have also produced an additional 5 Coach Pack and a 10 Car Special Edition Set allowing you to create a full 20 car unit.

You can view the full Kato European range on our website through the button below.