International Railway Model Convention 2026 Roundup: KATO, TOMIX and More
The convention report consolidates the key new N, HO, and Z gauge releases across major manufacturers, giving collectors a single overview of upcoming products and their release timing.
Reporting from 1 source: Dengeki Hobby Web.
Dengeki Hobby Web summarizes new model train announcements from the 25th International Railway Model Convention held August 21-23, 2026, at Tokyo Big Sight. KATO showcased its upcoming THE ROYAL EXPRESS cruise train and Keio 5000/5100 series, while TOMIX displayed EF58 locomotives and the Salon Express Tokyo. HO and Z gauge items from other makers were also covered.
The 25th International Railway Model Convention ran for three days at Tokyo Big Sight, and Dengeki Hobby Web's after-report gathers the new product announcements that surfaced across manufacturer booths. KATO drew attention with its November release of the THE ROYAL EXPRESS cruise train in N gauge, complete with working table lamps in six of its eight cars, plus a separate passenger-car conversion set in development. The Keio 5000/5100 series, announced in August, was shown as unpainted samples ahead of a December release.
TOMIX marked its 50th anniversary with several high-profile N gauge items, including the EF58 61 locomotive and Salon Express Tokyo due in January 2027, followed by the EF58 127 and the 20-series "Ginga" express in February, and a new fine-scale 9600 steam locomotive in March. HO scale releases from TOMIX include the E231 series for the Chuo-Sobu and Musashino lines in September 2026.
- KATO THE ROYAL EXPRESS (Izukyu 2100 series): 8-car set with illuminated table lamps, November release; passenger-car conversion set with power car Mani 50 2186 in development
- KATO Keio 5000/5100 series: Unpainted samples shown; 4-car basic and 3-car add-on sets (December) plus a 7-car special set
- KATO 211系 1000/3000 series: September 2026 release
- KATO E131系 800 series (Senseki Line): October 2026 release
- KATO C57 1 (re-release): December 2026, paired with 35系 4000 series for SL Yamaguchi
- KATO automatic level crossing (improved): In development; crossing arms close one at a time
- KATO Just Plug lighting parts: Samples shown for feeder signs, yard lights, and bare bulbs
- KATO EC-1 two-hand handle and sound box expansion: In planning; possible poster announcement by winter
- TOMIX EF58 61 and Salon Express Tokyo: January 2027 release; line-painted Salon Express sample shown for the first time
- TOMIX EF58 127 and 20-series express Ginga: February 2027 release; interior parts as separate pieces
- TOMIX 9600 steam locomotive (Hokkaido type): March 2027; new fine-scale tooling with lighting
- TOMIX E231系 (HO): Chuo-Sobu and Musashino line versions, September 2026
- TOMIX E501系 (reference exhibit): Updated spec with new skirt; details to be announced
Synthesized by Yomimono from the 1 cited source below, including Japanese-language reporting where cited, then editorially reviewed before publishing.