the JNR class ef58 was a direct current electric locomotive introduced into service immediately after wwll.......the design was conceived as a primarily passenger locomotive to meet the geometric increases in post war passenger traffic.....31 wagons were produced between 1946 and 1948 with the traditional boxy appearance; production was suspended until 1952 when an improved ef58 with its iconic streamlined shape became the standard design.......172 electrics were then produced by 1958 - the original 31 were modified to the new design - by primarily, hitachi, kawasaki and mitsubishi....the engine was deployed on the mainline passenger routes with its 100 kph maximum operating speed and lasted in service until the mid 1970s.....

i acquired this model from a very small reseller in japan who specializes in "unused" model railroad items - items from collectors".....of course, he avowed the "test run only " status of the 3020-4......inspection on arrival revealed a pristine shell and extremely clean wheel sets......the test run manifested 25% on the rheostat for n scale factored operating speed.......the head lamps were vibrant considering the pre chip led technology......the only caveat to the pattern of excellence was a 1 inch long crack on the top of the jewel case; this flaw in no way compromises the storage integrity of the case; however, as this 28-189 case is the only one which kato offers as a spare part, i can replace the cracked case if a new owner lets me know at time of purchase.......

one note of caution: the ef58 is a long locomotive which should avoid small radiused track..... 

the accessories for this model include roof mounted paraphernalia, number boards, and rail posts......kato did not provide a coupler alternative with this model; however, if a new owner wants to transition to knuckle couplers, i can provide the kato coupler recommended for this pocket..... please inform me at time of purchase..........although instructions in japanese with pictures are included, no mention of coupler exchange is present........