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The Thalys PBA is one of those trains that demands space in N scale and more than repays it. At 1267 mm total length, this Kato set deploys the full ten-coach consist: two powered driving cars and eight intermediate trailer coaches, all in the red and silver livery of the updated 2016 version. On the layout, the impression of a long, continuous train is immediate from the very first straight section.
A high-speed consist ready to run
Both powered driving cars feature a 5-pole motor with dual flywheels, delivering smooth, progressive running especially noticeable with a train of this length. Metal axles with bearings ensure stable current pickup throughout the entire consist. The Scharfenberg-type coupler between the driving car and the first coach faithfully reproduces the characteristic connection of this rolling stock, and the set includes coupling rods for double-traction configuration. A swappable base plate also allows the lighting to be switched off in that setup.
Lighting and digitalisation
The driving cars feature direction-dependent LED lighting: white at the front, red at the rear. The system is compatible with additional Kato interior lighting. For digitalisation, both powered units include a NEM 651 6-pin connector, allowing a DCC decoder to be fitted without structural modifications. The set comes in DC as standard, ready to go digital whenever the modeller decides.
Layout presence and planning
With a minimum radius of 216 mm, the Kato Thalys PBA fits into N scale layouts without requiring especially wide curves though the total length of the consist calls for careful planning of straight sections and station turnouts. On a layout with a long platform, the ten coaches lined up deliver that long-distance train feeling that shorter consists simply cannot match. The luxury Buch-style case protects the set and makes it equally suited to storage or display in a cabinet.