I have been looking to add a Bureau of Transportation – Tokyo Metropolitan Government Model 8000 Train to my collection and Hasegawa MODEMO had released them back in 2015.
Known for releasing railcars/trams, MODEMO’s NT143 were among the popular releases and are now quite a challenge to find, as prices have skyrocketed.
But before I get into the review, let’s get to know what the 8880 trains are all about.
Back in 2008, the 7500 trains were getting old and still operating on the Toden Arakawa Line. So, it was announced that a new model train different from the existing 9000 series would be replacing the 7500 series.
The Bureau of Transportation – Tokyo Metropolitan Government which operates the Toei Subway, Toden Arakawa Line, Nippori, Toneri Liner and Toei Bus (collectively known as Toei Transportation), held a public vote for Arakawa locals to choose which they want to see:
1. A rounded design that expresses kindness and friendliness.
2. A curved design that expresses a sense of speed and smartness.
3. A linear design that expresses an urban image.
Pre-planned illustrations were shown and on April 26, 2009, the new 8801 and 8802 in rose red were completed and entered service. The 8810 in yellow followed in December 2010.
There are currently four colors: 8801-8805 (Rose Red), 8806-8807 (Violet), 8808-8809 (Orange) and 8810 (Yellow) and in 2015, a new 8900 type featuring orange was introduced.
The new trains would feature two doors on the side, long windows running horizontally and each cart with a capacity of 61 total (20 seated).
Unlike the beloved 7500 series that were designed back in 1962 and have been operating for 50+ years, the 8800 series brought a modern look to the Toden Arakawa Line.
Which now leads me to the MODEM NT143 Tokyo Toden 8800 “Yellow”, which I chose for my respect of the two yellow 7000 series trains on the Arakawa Line. And I wanted to continue the tradition for the Arakawa Line trains on Shin Yamanote.
You can see the detail quite easily on the sides with the deguchi (enter), iriguchi (exit) signs, the handicap symbol, and of course on the top with the pantograph.
And of course, like all MODEMO products, you will see the engine inside the train.
But for the most part, I really do like the detail for this train. It just looks cool from front to back and side-to-side.
The train does come with stickers, very small destination stickers and also a “New Color” headmark.
The train worked perfectly on KATO and TOMIX tracks. Had no issues with it at all. In fact, after opening the case, this train was ready to go!
Now, with so many positives of why I loved about this train, it begs the question of what I didn’t like about it. To be truthful, I enjoyed the train a lot but I do have to let people know that MODEMO trains fetch a high price on the market because of scarcity.
For one, once they are released, MODEMO always emphasizes get it now while it’s available. The second market is also very strong for MODEMO trams. But that means for a single train, you will be paying close to what basic set with 2-3 trains goes for today or more.
The truth is that Hasegawa’s MODEMO was strong in the 2000s but have focused more on their plastic model kits which HASEGAWA are quite known for. And the fact there has been no news announced on the train side of things by Hasegawa, makes me wonder if the line is kaput.
But the next question is if people want to run streetcars or trams on their train layout. Many train owners are freight-driven, for me, I have an all inclusion diorama set for shinkansen, freight trains, trains and trams in general.
For me, my diorama was built with utilization of streetcars/trams in mind.
But the MODEMO NT143 Tokyo Toden 8800 “Yellow” was a train I really wanted and I’m glad I was able to get a brand new one affordably.
I recommend this train!
