Witness steam history with D51 498 hauling the legendary Orient Express '88 from Ueno to Omiya. This N-gauge model captures the celebratory decoration, silver driving wheels, and coreless motor performance of JR East's restored flagship locomotive.
Key Features
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D51 498 manufactured 1940, retired 1972, restored by JR East November 1988
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First assignment: Orient Express '88 (double-headed with EF58 61 from Ueno to Omiya)
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Currently active on "SL Minakami" and event trains (JR East flagship)
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Restored appearance: No snow plow, no cab water spray pipe, red rod markings, tender side decorations
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Large number plate with model name attached
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Orient Express headmark factory-installed
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Silver driving wheels; pilot, trailing, and tender wheels blackened
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Boiler-to-frame gap reproduced (like real locomotive)
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Hollow box driving wheel centers and spoked pilot/trailing wheels
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Headlight illuminates
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Coreless motor power unit for stable operation
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Tender: Arnold coupler standard (includes replacement knuckle coupler)
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Front equipped with pilot / cowcatcher
Why Choose This
Own the exact D51 that pulled the Orient Express through Tokyo during its historic 1988 visit. You get the festive decoration, silver wheels, coreless motor, and factory-installed headmark. Perfect for modeling JR East's restored steam flagship on SL Minakami or special event trains.
Product Information
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Product: 2016-D N-Gauge D51 498 Orient Express 88
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Manufacturer: KATO
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Scale: N (1/150, 9mm gauge)
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Prototype: JNR/JR East D51 498
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Era: 1988 (restoration debut) to present
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Special event: Orient Express '88 (double-headed with EF58 61)
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Current service: SL Minakami (Joetsu Line) and event trains
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Lights: Headlight illuminates
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Motor: Coreless motor
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Couplers: Arnold (tender standard), knuckle coupler included (replacement), front pilot equipped
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Wheels: Silver driving wheels; blackened pilot, trailing, and tender wheels
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Special features: Orient Express headmark factory-installed, large number plate, red rod markings, tender side decorations, boiler-to-frame gap, hollow box wheel centers, spoked pilot/trailing wheels
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Exclusions: No snow plow, no cab water spray pipe (as restored)
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Material: Plastic (painted finished model)
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Power: From rails (no batteries, fuel, or paint included)
This KATO D51 498 Orient Express 88 captures JR East's restored steam flagship during its most glamorous assignment. With silver wheels, factory-installed Orient Express headmark, celebratory decorations, and coreless motor, this N-gauge locomotive brings 1988 steam history to your layout.
