When it comes to “patrol trains”, there are two trains that are available that stick out for me and are two that are worth owning. The Modemo NT129 Keifuku Electric Railway Mobo 101 Randen Patrol Train and the KATO 14-503-3 POCKET LINE SERIES TRAM (CHIBI-DEN TRAM).
For today’s review, I am going to discuss the KATO version of their patrol tram. For those who are unaware, Japan has patrol trams/trains that can be seen such as the Keifuku Electric Railway Mobo 101 Randen Patrol Train.
They usually have messages on the side of the trains and for the KATO 14-503-3, you have messages on both sides of both train cars.
One reads, “Beware of bank transfer scvams! STOP! Wait a minute after transfer” and an other with “Protect your child’s safety! 5 Promises [Squid Sushi]. In Japan, grade schoolers are taught “five promises” and “Ika no Sushi”: Don’t go with strangers (ika), Don’t Ride with strangers (No), Make a loud noise (O), Flee Immediately (Su) and Shi (Inform your teach or your parents).
Another is “Dangerous! Annoying! Look Around! Stop Using Smartphones while Walking!” and “We Aim for Zero Traffic Accidents! Don’t Drink and Drive! Do not allow it” and these messages are relevant even for those who live overseas.
The KATO Pocket Line Series, a series designed to showcase N-Scale trains trams and smaller trains for those who don’t have much room in their home but still want to get involved in trains. And it’s a perfect solution for modelers who are beginners or are experienced.
And it’s great for those who want to integrate a compact tracks in their diorama setup.
The series has become so much of a success that the trains themselves have become collectibles and very hard to get their hands on or demand has made resellers increase the price for them.
While we hope KATO will continue these releases, back on October 2022, they released their KATO 10-504-3 Chibi Convex Country Town Freight Set (Pocket Line Series) but unfortunately, there really hasn’t been any announcements for 2023.
For the most part, the trains run perfectly well on both KATO and TOMIX tracks but I use this on a special tram track and using my slower power controllers. TRAMS don’t run quick and for the most part, it works well for my inside track.
But I absolutely enjoy this tram. It may not have the bells and whistles of the Modemo releases but for a Chibi release being small and running perfectly fine, I think that it’s definitely a tram worth the purchase! That is…if you can stili find it affordable and inexpensive.
Recommended!
