Kato 10-2206 Series 583 Sleeping Express 'Kitaguni' 7 Cars Set (N scale)

The Kitaguni Express was a night express train that ran between Osaka and Niigata. Its roots trace back to the postwar revival of express services in 1947. At one time the service connected with ferry links at Aomori, serving as a key route between Kansai and Hokkaido. After the Joetsu Shinkansen opened in 1982, through travel from Kansai declined and the route north of Niigata was reorganized into daytime limited express services, leaving Kitaguni as a dedicated night express between Osaka and Niigata. From 1985 the service used 583 series EMUs, and the formation continued in regular service until March 2012. It later ran as special services until operations ended in January 2013.

LED interior light options

- LED interior light clear Part No. 11-211 JPY 792

- LED interior light clear (for 6 cars) Part No. 11-212 JPY 3,960

Key features and specifications

- Represents the B4 formation assigned to Kyoto General Depot (now Suita General Rolling Stock Center Kyoto Branch) with both end cars built as KUHA Ne581

- Recreates the condition after the life extension N refurbishment and the second livery change carried out from 1997, matching the configuration up to around 2010 when formations were still being rearranged

- Authentic JR era livery based on white with gray, blue, and gold bands, distinct from original JNR colors

- Side emergency exits are blocked off and door cock covers are unitized; reproduces handrails near the car end on the toilet side of intermediate cars

- Newly created KUHA Ne581 roof with train radio antenna; "Kitaguni Express" logo printed on the car side

- Newly created Sarone 581 converted from Saha Ne581, reproducing the exterior appearance with middle small windows closed due to the two-tier sleeping conversion

- Changeable train mark for destination/nameboard included. Includes Kitaguni, Raicho, Spur, and Spur Myoko Shiga markings

- Head and tail lights illuminate; front name display lights up using white LEDs

- Slotless motor provides smooth and quiet running performance

- Intermediate connections use body mount close coupling type couplers with hooks; end cars have dummy couplers and accurately reproduced angular coupler covers

- Pantographs fitted with snow-resistant covers; shoe assemblies are two-horn, pipe-shaped style

- DCC friendly

Use and compatibility

- Ideal for collectors and layout operators modeling the Sea of Japan corridor and night express services

- Compatible with existing KATO 24 series sleeper products and other 583 series items for extended consists and realistic operations

Additional notes

- Model accurately reproduces the Kitaguni Express appearance and details from the late 1990s to around 2010, focusing on prototype authenticity and operational realism