Kato - 14-801-8 - Toyamako Tram - Toyamako Light Rail - 0605

Model Information: See a video of this train running on youtube.

Road Name History: The Toyamako line in Toyama, Japan, was converted to a Light Rail transit system in 2006, bringing with it an opportunity for the introduction of an all new light rail street car system for servicing the costal city. These light rail cars, built through joint efforts of Bombardier Transportation and Niigata Transys, are modern, low floor (no step up) street cars which are capable of running on both light rail street tracks and main line heavy rail.

Brand/Importer Information: Kato Precision Railroad Models (関水金属株式会社 Sekisui Kinzoku Kabushikigaisha) is a Japanese manufacturer of model railroad equipment in N and HO scales. The Tokyo-based company manufactures models based on Japanese prototypes (such as the Shinkansen bullet train) for the Japanese market, North American prototypes for the North American market and European high-speed trains for European market.
The Kato (pronounced kah-toe) model railroad companies were founded by Yuji Kato, father of current president Hiroshi Kato, of the parent company Sekisui Kinzoku Co., Ltd.

The design and distribution of models for the North American market are handled by their U.S. subsidiary, Kato USA, located in Schaumburg, Illinois.
The design of special models for the European market is handled for some of them by their partner, Lemke, whereas the general distribution of Kato products in Europe is handled by NOCH; both companies are located in Germany.
As a result, some Kato European models are sold as Kato Lemke and others as Kato (alone).