Rail-Navi 17+

Rail-Navi is designed for all kinds of railway enthusiasts, offering various tools for a wide range of subcategories, and providing a community to share the fun!

● Rail-Navi is the app for railway enthusiasts, allowing you to explore the fun with fellow fans around the world!


Brought to you by pioneer of railroad models, KATO (Sekisui Kinzoku Co, Ltd.), the app provides the perfect platform to explore all of the wonderful aspects of the railway hobby - from railroad models, to photography, rail travel, and more! Use your knowledge to “navi”gate newcomers and share your enthusiasm with like-minded others!


Rail-Navi offers new ways to showcase your interests, for example by uploading content to your “Library,” and building your “Collections”. You can also make your uploads public, so that they can be viewed by others. By providing a platform where you can bond over your shared interests, we aim to broaden the hobby and help others to join the club!


● Model Collections


You can have your collections ready to show - anytime, anywhere - by using the app to upload your beloved models to your “Collections List.” You can upload photos together with any comments you wish to share with them. You can also view other people’s collections, and potentially discover models you haven’t seen before!


When uploading your collections, any KATO branded items can be easily added by scanning the barcode. For models not registered in the Rail-Navi database, you can enter the required information manually. Products from other manufacturers can also be uploaded in the same way. (Please be aware that due to copyright reasons, photos taken by those other than yourself cannot be uploaded). Note: some KATO products may not be registered in the database.


● Model Alterations


For those who enjoy making alterations to personalize their models, you can now create a log to record your process. This gives you the opportunity to proudly showcase your work and let other people see your unique creations! Furthermore, by learning about other people’s methods, you can continue to develop your own skills and ideas. If you have never tried it before, you can discover what is possible and begin to start making alterations yourself!


● Diorama Log


The world of model railroading allows you to re-create all sorts of scenery and landscapes on dioramas. From dioramas that fill the space of an entire room, to dainty ones that fit in the palm of your hand, Rail-Navi provides a space for you to put your dioramas on display. What’s more, you can learn about how other users make their dioramas and see the variety of methods out there! (We also plan to release information on the latest KATO diorama materials on offer and how to use them!)


● Railway Photo Library


Upload your favourite railway photos and take your photo library with you everywhere. By applying a hashtag or comment, you can easily discover more photos of the same trains and find related items. You can also share your photos publicly, to allow everyone to see. There is even the chance that your photo may be chosen for KATO’s new model posters should that train be made into a model! (If your photo is chosen, KATO will request your permission beforehand.)


● Railway Travel Log


We are currently preparing a renewed version of the Railway Travel Log. Be sure to check it out when we release the update!


● KATO Official


Being the manufacturer that we are, KATO can share all of the relevant news to fans across the globe. Rail-Navi provides exclusive content to help you enjoy model trains to the fullest, from behind-the-scenes stories of product development and hardships, to sharing our staff’s expertise and tricks!


〇 Other Railway Hobbies…


Aside from models, photography, and travel, there are tons of ways that we can explore the fun of trains. From now on, we plan to develop Rail-Navi to cater to an even larger scope of railway enthusiasts!