News
2024.02.13
Includes special perks like access to monthly-issued catalogues and KATO News!
Introducing the Paid Membership Service
Your posts could be the start of someone’s journey
Whilst having a large model collection or possessing refined skills in alterations are both amazing things to have, what is truly remarkable is having the heart to share the joy and excitement of the railway hobby. KATO Rail-Navi is a user-posting app created to support people with this "railway hobby ambassador" spirit. It provides a space where you can freely engage in activities, both in the real world and the virtual world. We believe that your posts, from model trains to photography to railway travel, may just be the start of someone else’s journey into this fascinating hobby. Or who knows - perhaps you will find someone who can be the conductor on your journey, guiding you to your next destination.
Let’s set off together to a future filled with the fascinating railway hobby！All aboard!
Explained
01
Models, photography, travel...
Rail-Navi is an app that allows you to make posts related to all sorts of sub-categories of the railway hobby!
02
A registration-based system with a comment feature that primarily allows only 'likes.' You can enjoy posting, without worrying about negative comments or unknown users.
03
Upload and organize your model collections* by simply scanning the barcode via your smartphone.
*for KATO products and some other manufacturers.
04
Registered users can gain access to exclusive events, for example: operation events with huge layouts, the n-gauge introductory classroom, and model alteration workshops!
NEW！
New model updates via the KATO digital catalogue
KATO News Web
See what fellow enthusiasts in Japan and around the world are getting up to via KATO News Web
All registered users (free)
Exclusive to paid membership
How to Use / Components
To put it simply, the railway hobby is one that you can experience in a variety of ways – from models to railway travel to photography.
Rail-Navi is designed with 5 main components that aims to capture this variety.
Models
Organize your model collections!
Showcase your impressive collection of alterations here too!
Travel
For your railway travels！
Create schedules for train rides and record your experiences!
Photography
Come and share your railroad model photos!
Any photos related to railroad models are OK.
You can also capture lined-up models here too
Model Alterations Log
Record each step of the process for your model alterations!
Dioramas
Showcase and share your dioramas and layouts!
Discover fascinating designs that inspire you to build just from looking at them!
KATO News
Get access to news from KATO!
Announcements
Commencement of the Rail-Navi Paid Membership Service
We are pleased to announce the launch of a new paid membership service in addition to the existing free membership for KATO Rail-Navi.
Rail-Navi was first opened in 2019, with its main purpose being “to spread the joy and fun of the railway hobby to others,” as well as providing a space for enthusiasts to post about their activities and become railway hobby ‘ambassadors’. Our dream is to have a future where Rail-Navi users, elementary/middle/high school students participating in railroad model contests, local model shops, and those of us at KATO, work together to help set up local events, celebrate the activities of fellow modelers in Japan and the rest of the world, and build a new community. The new paid membership service was introduced to help support members to continue their hobby activities, and transform our dream into reality, by offering unique perks and benefits.
We look forward to welcoming you and hope that you choose to join!
Annual Membership Fee
￥3,300 (incl. Tax)
Membership will be valid for a 1 year period (365 days) starting from the date you register, and includes the following perks:
Perks
1
KATO N-Gauge and HO Gauge Railroad Model Catalogue [Digital access]
New product information will be added every month!
2
KATO News Online
Exclusive KATO News will be released as special content in the digital catalogue!
3
Model Rail Contest Free Pass
Get free entry to the National Model Rail Contest in Tokyo and the Kyuushuu Model Rail Contest in Fukuoka.
4
Exclusive Special Events for Members
We plan to organize special events (in addition to future Rail-Navi events) exclusive to paying members!
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