SBB RAe "Gottardo" 6-Car Train

SBB RAe "Gottardo":  Built between 1961 and 1967 the last 3 units were in use until 1999.  At a speed of up to 160km/hrs they traveled predominantly on Swiss alpine distances Zurich/Gotthard/Milan, on the distance Milan/Simplon/Lausanne/Paris (Cis-Alpin) and also as “Iris” and "Edelweiß" between Zurich/ Brussels/ Amsterdam.  Extensively modernized the rail cars traveled in the Eurocity traffic between Milan/Zurich and Stuttgart as well as Mailand/Lausanne/ Geneva.  At this time they received a light-grey/blue lacquer finish.  On behalf of the SBB Historic the Rae TEE 10.53 was revised in winter 2002/2003 to a large extent and travels since June 2003 again in its long known TEE cream-red lacquer finish on behalf of the SBB Historic. The Kato model corresponds to the RAe TEE 10.53 of the SBB Historic.

N-Scale Division Mini Review:  As many of you know the Swiss Railways are of personal interest so it's only fitting to add our own commentary to this very welcomed addition to N-Scale.  The "Gottardo" is arguably the most famous Swiss Electric Multi-Unit (MU) ever created and is loved by almost everyone who calls themselves an enthusiast.  In later years these were painted a two-tone gray and given the nickname "Gray Mouse".  In prototype form one of these even won an award for the best restoration of an MU train!  Although their service was phased out in the early 2000's one set was returned to it's original red and cream livery and retained for the Swiss Transport Museum.  This is the set that KATO has chosen to model!  This new edition by KATO is a complete redesign of the old KATO/HOBBYTRAIN offering.  It's built very much like their modern US diesels with a top quality motor driving dual drive shafts supplying power to both trucks of the center car.  The cars have full interiors and each end car is equipped with L.E.D. lighting that is directionally controlled and changes over from white (yellow) to red.  Custom interior lighting units as well as specially made drop in DCC decoders (function decoders for lighting and a motor control decoder) are available.  Note that these must be purchased directly through KATO's European agent and not through us.  You can also purchase replacement parts through them.  Full details are in the package.  Each unit is also equipped with "shock absorbing suspension" just like KATO's modern passenger car offerings. Finally, we definitely need to mention that KATO did an outstanding job capturing the very unique compound curves of the end cars.  This is an extremely rare offering, very few were imported to the USA.  Most of the production was retained for sale in Europe.  Grab one while you can!

European Models

KATO does not produce many European N-Scale items.  On average, only two new models are produced each year.  What is produced however, is of outstanding quality and value.  The models are all made in Japan at the main factory and distributed through their European agents.  Thanks to our close relationship with KATO USA, we have a relatively easy time importing these models.  The hard part is keeping them in stock.  There is no hiding the fact that we offer little to no discount on these models.  The demand is greater than the supply.  The bulk of what KATO imports into the USA is sold through us.  We do offer a slight discount for advanced reservations on new announcements.  Please check our KATO new announcements page to see if any new European prototype models have been announced.

Availability:  Unless listed as "out" items on this page are in stock for immediate delivery.

Note:  Although most of the items on this page are sold out/discontinued we are purposely leaving them listed as a reference so that everyone can see what was produced.

Epoch IV

6-Car Train

Museum Version

6 Car Train

Epoch III

4 Car Train