N SBB RAe II TEE new from Kato
The four pantographs, of two different types, are made of fine metal and plastic parts – they are not intended for current collection. They can be raised to a fixed position, but are not sprung. The corridor connections function as couplings; they are a bit fiddly to engage until you get the knack.
The RAe II TEE is a six car electric multiple unit built for the Swiss Federal Railways (SBB) and initially used exclusively in international service. Five sets were built, numbered 1051 – 1055. They were designed to be compatible with four different electrification systems used by various countries in Europe. Introduced in the 1960s, they operated as an international all first class Trans Europ Express (TEE) service between Zurich and Milan via the Gotthard line until 1988. The sets were then converted from first class only to two class configuration, partially rebuilt, and repainted two-tone grey for EuroCity services and continued in use until 1999.
After retirement, one set (1053) was retained by the SBB as an historic vehicle. In 2003, it was partially restored with some features modernised and returned to its original TEE appearance. The interior configuration remained unchanged from its conversion to RABe (two classes). In 2012-13 it received updates to allow it to continue to be operated. It is still in service today.
The Kato model is a replica of the SBB Historic version in the classic red and cream TEE livery. Its use can be justified on layouts set in Epoch IV or VI.
The finish is very good, with very neatly printed markings. Some of the body panels and grilles are printed, others are moulded in relief.
The body shells have flush glazing and internal fittings.
One car is motorised, powered by a five-pole motor with flywheel, driving just the inner axle of each six-wheel bogie, with all four driven wheels fitted with traction tyres. Current is collected from all wheels of the powered unit.
Performance is all you would expect of a Kato mechanism – quiet, smooth, and controllable across the speed range from walking pace to something suitably fast!
The end cars have white and red directionally controlled head and tail lights, and all cars are prepared for LED interior lighting using optional kits (refs. K11-213 and K11-214). Axle-end pickups are already in place. The table lamps in the dining car are illuminated from the factory.
The model can be converted to digital operation, with separate decoders for the motor, end lights, and interior lighting.
The sets are not through wired for either motor control or lighting.
The minimum radius is 192mm (216mm for S curves).
There is an illustrated instruction leaflet, in German and English.
Manufactured by
Kato (Sekisui Kinzoku Co.Ltd.), Tokyo, Japan. www.katomodels.com
DISTRIBUTED IN THE UK BY Gaugemaster Controls, Gaugemaster House, Ford Road, Arundel, West Sussex, BN18 0BN. www.gaugemasterretail.com
PRICE ref.K10-781 £405.00.