Kato N Hiroden 1002 "Flower Train" LRV

The Kato N scale Hiroden 1002 "Flower Train" LRV (Light Rail Vehicle) is a vibrant and popular model of a modern Japanese tram. It's part of Kato's line of models based on the Hiroshima Electric Railway (Hiroden) 1000 series "Green Mover LEX" trams.

Here's a breakdown of its key features and information:

• Manufacturer: Kato (a leading Japanese model railway manufacturer).
• Gauge: N Gauge (1:150 scale for Japanese prototypes, fully compatible with 1:160 N scale layouts).
• Prototype: Hiroden 1000 series LRV, specifically Unit 1002, which is known as the "Flower Train." The real tram received this distinctive full-body floral wrapping in April 2016 to promote the annual Hiroshima Flower Festival.
• Livery: Features a gorgeous, multi-colored full-body wrap with refreshing light green and bright flower designs. This makes it a very eye-catching model on any layout.
• Articulated Structure: The model accurately reproduces the articulated, multi-section design of the real LRV, allowing it to navigate tight curves realistically.
• Low-Floor Design: The 1000 series trams are ultra-low-floor vehicles, and the Kato model captures this characteristic, making them ideal for urban tram layouts.
• Running Performance:
  • Equipped with a newly developed "combino type" power unit, designed specifically for low-floor trams.
  • Provides smooth and realistic running, even at very low speeds.
  • Capable of navigating very tight curves, with a minimum passing curve radius of R90, making it compatible with Kato Unitrack Compact and Unitram systems.
• Lighting: Features working headlights and taillights that illuminate directionally.
• Interior: Has a clear view through the passenger compartment, with details visible inside. Interior lighting can be retrofitted (using Kato LED interior light kits, often requiring two per tram due to its articulated nature).
• Destination Displays: Comes with a destination display sticker sheet, allowing you to customize the front destination display. The standard display for Car 1002 is often "7 Hiroden-mae."
• Part Number (SKU): The common Kato part number for this specific model is 14-804-6.

Usage and Appeal:

The Hiroden 1002 "Flower Train" is perfect for:

• Urban Tram Layouts: It's designed for modern city scenes and fits perfectly on Kato Unitram layouts or custom street-running setups.
• Modern Japanese Layouts: Adds a splash of contemporary Japanese railway life to an N scale layout.
• Collectors: Its unique and attractive livery makes it a popular item for collectors of Japanese trams and unique rolling stock.