Kato Japan have announced a new model of the ultra-iconic TGV Sud-Est Electric Multiple Unit in N Gauge - with an all new tooling for the first time in over 40 years!

The original TGV Sud-Est, launched in 1981, was the flagship high-speed train of France – and one that set an unprecedented world speed record of 380km/h, capturing attention and sparking fascination worldwide. Among those captivated was Yuji Kato, founder of Sekisui Kinzoku (KATO). Even without a distribution network in Europe at the time, he felt strongly that “this train needs to be made in N scale.” In 1983, just two years after its debut, the TGV Sud-Est was brought to life in model form – in an era when even the design blueprints were still drawn by hand. Now, more than 40 years later, KATO will bring the original TGV Sud-Est back to life – revived through the latest, refined technologies built on over six decades of expertise.

When KATO first released the TGV Sud-Est model in 1983, it was composed of a basic 6-car set and an additional 4-car add-on set, packaged in a wide, cardboard box. The upcoming release of the TGV Sud-Est 【Special Edition】will come in bookcase packaging and will feature a special slipcase design that pays homage to the original 1983 packaging. Pre-order now for release in Spring 2026!

In 1972, the prototype for what would become the TGV — the TGV 001 — was unveiled. It used a gas turbine engine system for propulsion, and on December 8 of that year, it set a world speed record at the time by reaching 318 km/h.

With its unprecedented speed, rounded aerodynamic design, and striking orange body, the TGV 001 gave people a glimpse of “the train of the future.”

In 1978, in the wake of the 1970s oil shocks, the gas turbine propulsion system had to be abandoned. Instead, a new electric locomotive system was adopted — and from this shift, the TGV Sud-Est was born.

The first two pre-production trainsets, Unit 001 and Unit 002, were nicknamed “Patrick” and “Sophie.” The trains featured a distinctive configuration: two electric locomotives at either end (M1 and M2), with eight intermediate passenger cars (R1–R8) in between. Unlike the distributed power system of the Shinkansen, the TGV adopted a concentrated power system, where only the end cars provided propulsion.

Additionally, the lead cars were equipped with couplers, enabling two trainsets to be joined together — allowing for 20-car operations when needed.

On 27th September 1981, the LGV Sud-Est Line was officially opened, and the TGV Sud-Est made its full-fledged debut as a new high-speed train.

Its maximum operating speed was 260 km/h. On the busy Paris–Lyon route, double-heading was used to operate impressive 20-car trainsets, achieving great success in both speed and passenger capacity.

In pursuit of a new world speed record, high-speed test runs were conducted on 26th February 1981, prior to the start of commercial operations. The train reached an astonishing 380 km/h — a remarkable achievement that stunned the world.

TGV Sud-Est trainset No. 016 was specially modified for these tests. The number of passenger cars was reduced to five, and both the gear ratios and overhead line voltage were adjusted for high-speed operation. The groundbreaking speed couldn’t even be monitored on the speedometer in the driver’s cab, which maxed out at 280 km/h — a striking reminder of how unprecedented the challenge truly was.

“It felt as if the train had taken off and was flying high above the Atlantic and Mediterranean.”

“Before I even had a chance to look at the scenery outside, it quickly disappeared behind the train window one after another."

”Torn between nostalgia for the steam locomotive and admiration for this wingless airplane that passed by faster than I could even gasp, I was overwhelmed with tears.” 

Those who witnessed the test watched the train rush past, sensing the dawn of a new era.