Tomix "High Grade" Rolling Stock

by R. D. Kerr

Starting in about 2000, Tomix began designating certain rolling stock products with the "High Grade" label (in English, with interlocked gold "H" and "G" letters in the logo). Tomix applies the term in its catalogs to "high end" rolling stock products that are manufactured to carefully follow prototype specifications to create highly accurate models, usually at a higher purchase price. Interestingly, some of these models were first produced earlier than 2000, starting with the Series 253 Narita Express in 1992.

Other than the "High Grade" description, it is not totally clear why some models get (or, more importantly, do not get) this designation. Some related areas, other than increased attention to accuracy and details, seem to be the following:

• Use of more-scale "TN" couplers, instead of the large, boxy Rapido-style couplers.
• Use of coupler mounting systems which provide for extending coupled-car spacing when negotiating curves.
• Adding separate headlight on/off switches, so that the headlight on the second set of two coupled trainsets can be turned off.
• Better underfloor details, including toilet tanks and related plumbing.

Tomix has given the "High Grade" imprimatur to both powered and unpowered items, but so far not to any shinkansen, hauled coach or HO scale models.

The list below shows "High Grade" rolling stock products through 2011, based on catalog and other information. I have tried to make this list as thorough and accurate as possible with given resources, but there may be errors and omissions, particularly with short-lived Limited Edition items in the 929xx product number series.

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