The "Sakura" sleeper express, which was converted to the 20 series in 1964 (Showa 39), is a legendary train name that has long represented Japan National Railways (JNR).
The formation seen in service between 1965 and 1972 (Showa 40-47) would be split and combined at Hizen-Yamaguchi (now: Kōhoku) Station on the Nagasaki Main Line, with one formation heading toward Nagasaki and the other toward Sasebo. After splitting, the Sasebo formation would include the Mayu 20, a converted simplified power car based on the Suha 32 series.
The current specifications have been updated, such as the body-mounted couplers on the Kanī 22 and Nahane 22's locomotive connection side, and the interior of the Nahane 21's conductor's room has been reproduced.
Key Features:
- The 20-series sleeper express "Sakura" Nagasaki and Sasebo formations, active from 1968 to 1972 (Showa 43-47), have been updated to current product specifications.
- The Kanī 22 and Nahane 22's locomotive connection side now features body-mounted couplers. Arnold couplers come standard, with replacement knuckle couplers included.
- The Nahane 21 has a floor that supports the attachment of body-mounted couplers at the locomotive connection side. Arnold couplers are mounted on the bogie. A set of KATO couplers (N JPA) and body-mounted coupler sets are included (installation of body-mounted couplers requires modification).
- The interior of the Nahane 21's conductor's room is reproduced.
- The seats of the Mayu 20, Kanī 22, and Narone 21 are painted in colors inspired by the actual cars (Mayu 20 and Kanī 22: light green, Narone 21: green).
- The Mayu 20 is a converted car from the Ohashi 30 series. Features such as the silver-colored fuel tank under the floor and radiator on the roof are accurately reproduced.
- The Kanī 22 in the Nagasaki formation recreates the state after the pantograph and electric generator were removed.
- Both the Nagasaki and Sasebo formations feature illuminated back signs and tail lights (LED units). The Nahane 21 includes an off switch for the lights.
- The intermediate coupling uses KATO’s N JPB couplers.
- The Nagasaki formation comes with EF65 500 series P-type express colors with Sakura (Pink) and Sakura (White) headmarks. The Sasebo formation comes with the DD51 with Sakura (Pink) and Sakura (Blue) headmarks.
- The packaging includes an 8-car bookcase for both the Nagasaki and Sasebo formations.
Included Accessories:
(Nagasaki Formation) Kanī 22 back sign x1, Nahane 21 back sign x1, off-switch screwdriver x1, EF65 500 quick headmark x1, body-mounted coupler set (for Nahane 21 Arnold) x1, KATO coupler NJP-A (for Nahane 21 bogie-mounted coupler) x1, knuckle couplers (for Kanī 22 and Nahane 21 body-mounted couplers) x2
(Sasebo Formation) Nahane 22 back sign x1, Mayu 20 back sign x1, DD51 headmark x1, knuckle coupler for Mayu 20 (coupler body and adapter) x1, knuckle coupler for Nahane 22 x1.
