New Pre Order from KATO: H5 Series Hayabusa Arrives with Expanded HO Lineup

[PO OCT 2025] KATO 3-534 (HO) H5 Series Hokkaido Shinkansen "Hayabusa" 4-Car Basic Set

Witness the sleek fusion of speed and Hokkaido's charm with this meticulously crafted HO-scale replica of JR Hokkaido's inaugural Shinkansen. The H5 Series dazzles with its signature "Ayaka Purple" accent stripe and white falcon motifs, capturing every distinctive detail of these bullet trains that revolutionized Tokyo to Shin-Hakodate Hokuto travel. Now available for the first time in HO gauge, this 4-car starter set lets you launch your own high-speed rail adventures with room to expand.

Authentic Highlights:

• Debut accuracy – Faithfully recreates the 2016 H1 formation

• Signature aesthetics – Lavender band and Hokkaido falcon motifs precisely reproduced

• Historical options – Includes both original and window-blocked configurations via stickers

• Smooth operation – Coreless motor ensures whisper-quiet, powerful performance

• Lighting features – White LED head/tail lights with switchable rear unit

Why Railfans Need This:

• Northern icon – JR Hokkaido's first Shinkansen immortalized in model form

• Expandable system – Combine with additional sets for full 10-car formations

• Prototypical movement – Tilting mechanism mimics real train dynamics

• Display flexibility – Choose between different window and destination displays

Technical Specifications:

• Scale: HO (1:87)

• Set Contents: 4 cars (motorized)

• Minimum Curve: R370mm (single track recommended)

• Special Features:

  • Coreless motor in cars 3 & 7

  • Switchable tail lights

  • Destination sticker sheet included

• Note: Some E5-series design elements remain

Own a Piece of Hokkaido Rail History
More than just a model, this set celebrates a transformative moment in Japanese rail travel. Whether displayed as a standalone piece or expanded into a full consist, the H5's distinctive livery and historical significance make it a standout addition to any collection. Pre-order now to secure this limited-edition reproduction of Hokkaido's high-speed pioneer!

[PO OCT 2025] KATO 3-535 (HO) H5 Series Hokkaido Shinkansen "Hayabusa" 2-Car Expansion Set

Extend your Hokkaido Shinkansen experience with this essential 2-car addition, meticulously designed to complement your existing H5 Series set. The expansion cars mirror the distinctive "Ayaka Purple" accents and white falcon motifs that make this train so recognizable, allowing you to grow your consist toward a full 10-car formation. Every detail aligns perfectly with the base set, from the tilting mechanism to the authentic destination displays, ensuring seamless integration.

Set Enhancements:

• Consistent detailing – Matches the base set's lavender stripe and symbol markings

• Historical accuracy – Includes both original and luggage-modified window options

• Smooth expansion – Preserves the tilting mechanism and coupling performance

• Lighting continuity – White LED lights maintain uniform appearance

Why Expand Your Collection:

• Authentic proportions – Achieve prototypical 10-car configurations

• Display versatility – Create different length consists for various scenes

• Investment protection – Designed specifically for flawless integration

• Northern rail history – Complete JR Hokkaido's landmark Shinkansen

Technical Specifications:

• Scale: HO (1:87)

• Set Contents: 2 non-powered cars

• Compatibility:

  • KATO 3-534 4-Car Basic Set

  • Other H5 Series expansion sets

• Operation Notes:

  • Minimum curve radius: R370mm

  • Single track operation recommended

Build the Full Hayabusa Experience
This expansion set transforms your 4-car starter into a more impressive representation of Hokkaido's high-speed rail achievement. Whether you're modeling specific historical consists or simply want to showcase the full-length beauty of these purple-accented trains, these additional cars deliver both visual impact and operating flexibility.

[PO OCT 2025] KATO 3-536 (HO) H5 Series Hokkaido Shinkansen "Hayabusa" 4-Car Expansion Set

Watch your Hokkaido Shinkansen come alive as this 4-car expansion nearly doubles your consist length, capturing the true grandeur of Japan's northern bullet trains. The set perfectly continues the H5's signature "Ayaka Purple" striping and falcon motifs across additional cars, while offering the same window configuration options as your base set. With two motorized cars included, this expansion doesn't just add length - it boosts pulling power for more realistic operation of your growing fleet.

Standout Attributes:

• Powerful expansion – Adds 4 cars including 2 new motorized units

• Visual consistency – Seamless continuation of purple accents and Hokkaido markings

• Historical flexibility – Matching window modification stickers included

• Performance boost – Additional motor cars improve hauling capability

• Lighting harmony – Uniform white LED illumination throughout

Why Complete Your Collection:

• Authentic proportions – Achieve true-to-life 10-car formations

• Operational realism – Multiple motor units mimic actual train performance

• Display impact – Longer consists create dramatic presentation

• Investment value – Final piece for completing the full H5 series

Technical Details:

• Scale: HO (1:87)

• Contents: 4 cars (2 motorized)

• Compatibility:

  • KATO 3-534 4-Car Basic Set

  • KATO 3-535 2-Car Expansion

• Operation Notes:

  • Minimum radius: R370mm

  • Single track recommended

  • Coreless motor operation

The Final Touch for Hokkaido Railfans
This 4-car expansion represents the crowning achievement for H5 series modelers, allowing you to finally run full-length replicas of these history-making trains. The added motor power ensures buttery-smooth operation even at full length, while every visual detail remains faithful to JR Hokkaido's distinctive design.

As seen on the movie "Bullet Train Explosion":