I am a big fan of model train starter sets.
For one, you get a four car model train which is usually $125+ US, but throw in tracks and a power controller and what should be $200, you are getting for about $108 US (at today’s currency). That is an amazing deal.
But for me, one of the reasons why I wanted this set, is because it features the new E235 series train on the Yamanote Line (the major loop service line in Tokyo) that began service on December 21, 2020. (NOTE: The commuter version was introduced in 2015 which were originally converted from former E231-500 series, the new E235 series trains which were released in 2020 are newly constructed).
Image Source: E235-0 series by Maeda Akihiko/Wikipedia
I don’t think I have ridden on any train hundreds of times like the ones on the Yamanote Line. I started with the Yamanote Line 205 series (1985-2005), the E231-500 (2002-2020) and now the E235 series.
With this newer train, its design was courtesy of industrial design firm Ken Okuyama Design (known for their work on the Enzo Ferrari and the Ferrari P4/5).
While many many not know the differences from the E235 series versus the E231, there are many changes, especially for the front and rear end. The E235 features wider seats, baggage racks and hand-holds lowered by nearly two inches. Car interiors now have more digital monitors for informational display and advertising. Also, the window behind the drivers cab has been lowered for children to watch the driver.
But also one cool feature is the train’s ability to monitor temperature and adjusts on its own by predicting the number of passengers at upcoming stations which is then sent to the phone app and people can decide which car they want to ride on.
I will always have a fondness for the trains on the Yamanote Line because of the frequency I had to ride on the trains.
Which leads me to review the KATO N Gauge E235 Series Yamanote Line 10-030 Starter Set which comes with:
1. Kuha E234-3 (top car): 1 car
2. Moha E235-3 (motor vehicle): 1 car
3. Saha E235-4603: 1 car
4. Kuha E235-3 (top car): 1 car
– Track
1. Straight track 248 mm: 4
2. Straight line 124mm: 1 piece
3. Relayer line 124mm: 1 piece
4. Straight line 62mm: 1 piece 5.
Feeder line 62mm: 1 piece
6. Feeder cord: 1 piece
7. Curved line R315-45°: 8 pieces
8. Relayer: 1 piece
9. Unijoiner removal: 1 piece
– Controller
10. Power Pack Standard SX: 1 unit
The E235 train is well-produced with wonderful detail, showcasing an AU737 cooler, pantograph, roof equipment and a newer form much different the E231. The wheelchair marks, stroller marks, emergency door notation are printed on all cars.
The train features headlamps,, front display and rear taillights, turn number displays when the LED is lit and it looks very good! But because I wanted this train to be lit-up, I installed four 11-212 KATO interior LED’s.
Yamanote Line is printed on the front and side display, while there are front displays “Shinagawa/Tokyo” and “Ikebukuro/Ueno” which are included.
And you get the KATO flywheel. As for coupler it uses the new type body mount close coupler and the train is DCC friendly.
The tracks are pretty much used to make an oval track, but you can also purchase other KATO track sets or tracks depending on how your layout will be. You get a re-railer, unijoiner remover but the best part is the inclusion of the KATO Power Pack Standard SX.
While standard with KATO basic sets, it’s also one of the solid power controllers that you can depend on for controlling speed, going forward or reverse and if there is a problem with the train, there is a handy reset button in red, that you can press to reset and continue playing.
And there is no speed limiter like the most basic TOMIX sets, but considering the price of this set at Y14,365 (which is $108 US), the trains alone are worth more than that.
Also, you do have choices of train sets such as the E233 Tokaido-Ueno-Tokyo Line (10-026), the E4 Series Shinikansen “Hayabusa” (10-001), KiHa 58 Series (10-023), the N700A Bullet Train Nozomi (10-019), the D51 Steam Locomotive (10-032), the 500 Series Shinkansen “Nozomi” (10-003) and more.
Make sure to check on Amazon Japan and eBay to compare costs. I wished I got mine from Amazon, because I would have saved a lot more money.
If you don’t need the tracks and just want the four E325 trains, then you can get the KATO 10-1468 basic set which comes to around $70.
It’s important to note that I am running this Japanese sent in the US with no problems whatsoever.
But overall, this is a fantastic set to own. It is based on first initial E235’s as this set was first released in 2018. It’s important to note that TOMIX will be releasing their E235-0 series in July 2023.
For the price that it’s going for now, the four trains are worth more than that and when you start to factor the costs of the power controller, the trains and the tracks, that almost puts this set close to $200 US. So, this is is an amazing deal!
The KATO N Gauge E235 Series Yamanote Line 10-030 Starter Set is highly recommended!
