introduction
“N gauge pioneer”Narrow gauge made by KATO with UK company PECO
OO-9 SMALL ENGLAND LOCOMOTIVE
The first narrow gauge race that "N Gauge KATO" took on was the Small England class, which featured an adorable British saddle tank on its back. This project began in February 2018 when I visited Devon in southwestern England, where PECO is located. When we were thinking about developing a narrow gauge, it was PECO that gave us hope. Since this is a new scale steam locomotive, a new motor is also required. However, with the support of PECO, one of the oldest companies in the UK with a history of railways and railway models longer than that of Japan, I was confident that KATO's OO-9 would be completed, even if it took some time.
18.8.2019 CAERNARFON STATION
We are often asked why British narrow gauge? To put it simply, it can be said that the roots of railways and the past and present of railway-related culture can all be found in Britain. There are still over 100There are railway heritage sites (preserved railways) all over the country, and most of them are run by local volunteers. The operation of the station cafe, track maintenance, planting along the tracks, driving, cleaning, conductor duties, and the production of goods are all carried out by people who love railways. Once the trains have finished their service on the main lines, they are moved to railway heritage sites that are loved by those communities, and are allowed to continue running with a new lease of life.
Many railway heritage sites also have engine sheds where steam and diesel locomotives can be repaired or new built. The prototype, like the Small England that was commercialized this time, is over 100 years old, but there are also steam locomotives that have been rebuilt in recent years. It is no longer a thing of the past, and events are held frequently to bring together collections such as steam engine-powered agricultural machines. It is said that the older a house is, the more valuable it is, and that buildings that are over 100 years old have a higher market value, so it is the complete opposite of Japan.
British people love old things. As can be seen in the embroidery technique called darning, Japan is a country with a culture that has a deep attachment to old things and teaches people how to enjoy using them by making their own repairs. I would like to build a locomotive from such a country. I want to make a model railway that is loved by British people. This is how Small England was born, and the new Sekisui Metal Factory's ``Sekisui Main Line'' and KATO Railway Park were also born.