I've looked at the Kato DD51 locomotive elsewhere on this blog so what follows isn't a super detailed review of this particular model. But this model was a bit of a 'white whale' for me, being attractive and unusual -- but not widely sold in the UK. So when I did come across a secondhand one at a model railway show for £45, I couldn't resist it!
Background
Built in 1971, DD51-842 was designated for use on the Japanese Imperial train in 1973. This train ran only very occasionally, no more than few times per year. This was because only the Emperor and Empress (or their Emeritus and Dowager equivalents) were allowed to use the Imperial train; other members of the royal family used less prestigious -- though presumably quite nice! -- trains.
It was primarily used when electric locomotives could not, for example on non-electrified routes. When it hauled the Imperial train, DD51-842 had the Imperial emblems placed on its front running board: two Japanese flags (Hinomaru) and the gold chrysanthemum seal (Kikumon) between them. These were removed if the Emperor was not on the train, even if the locomotive was hauling the Imperial coaches as empty stock. In addition, the locomotive differed from other DD51s in a number of cosmetic differences. These included stainless steel handrails, silver-painted exhaust stacks, polished silver rather than white running boards, and immaculately painted and polished accents (such as window frames).
The locomotive was tweaked internally in various ways to dampen down vibrations and improve reliability. The DD51s were already very reliable locomotives, but redundancy systems were added to minimise any risk of breakdown in service.
While the locomotive is famous for its Imperial service, it still did regular day-to-day work including freight and passenger turns. Latterly, it was popular motive power for special trains. Obviously, the flags were not in use then! It remained in service until 2024 until being retired. Currently at Nagano General Rolling Stock Centre there is some hope that this special locomotive will be preserved.
Kato 7008-5 DD51-842
- DD51 locomotive featuring unique Imperial train livery
- Working headlights
- Chemically blackened wheels
- Plastic sprues with hooters, jumper cables
- Imperial flags and chrysanthemum detailing parts for the loco front
- Silver (rather than black) Arnold Rapido couplers fitted
- Replacement (black) knuckle coupler
- Two passenger train headboards
- Two-page instruction leaflet (in Japanese)
While cosmetically different to the basic model, this model matches the usual Kato specification: directional lighting, see-through cabin, and a silky-smooth flywheel-equipped motor that works beautifully.
Performance and detailing
Performance is excellent. The heavy duty motor in this locomotive will handle any realistic train without problems. Response is smooth and pretty quiet. The flywheel ensures acceleration is steady and the locomotive coasts through Unitrack points without hesitation.
The headlights light up in the direction of travel -- unlike the situation with many British locomotives, Japanese models don't typically have working red tail lights. On the other hand, Japanese coaching stock and brave vans (cabooses) commonly have working tail lights, which is perhaps a more realistic approach anyway. However, out of the box, and unlike the Tomix models, you can't turn off the headlights when running this locomotive as part of a double headed train.
The detailing on this model is excellent, and the enhanced paintwork really sets it apart from the standard JNR red-liveried DD51. The chrome and stainless steel accents look beautiful.
However, the Imperial regalia at the front is an exercise in frustration. These are very brittle and the force required to clip them onto the running board seemed to exceed the force needed to damage them! Eventually, I needed to use some fine brass wire and superglue to create something a bit more sturdy, and then attached that to the running board instead. The wire is well enough hidden it isn't really noticeable.
Conclusion
If you can find one for a reasonable price -- or if Kato reissue it sometime in the future -- this is a fun addition to anyone's stud of Japanese locomotives.
With a long career and the potential to turn up almost anywhere on a 'special' train (without the Imperial emblems) or at the head of the Imperial train (with the emblems) you could justifiably use this loco on most layouts. Coupled up with another DD51 it'd be just as useful hauling a freight train, too.
While the super-brittle Imperial emblem is annoying, it does add a touch of class to the model that, possibly, justifies the efforts required to install it without breaking it! Doubly so if you choose to invest in the Imperial train pack, 10-853.
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