3D Akuden Arashiyama Railway Mobo 301-1
Watanabe Sharyo Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Neyagawa City, Osaka Prefecture; President: Teruaki Asai) has produced a precise acrylic model based on the 'Mobo 301-1,' a currently operational train operated by Keifuku Electric Railway, affectionately known as 'Randen.' The model will go on sale starting July 15, 2026, coinciding with the Gion Festival season.
The Mobo 301-1 was manufactured in 1971 and continues to run through Kyoto's streets as of 2026. Operating on Kyoto's Arashiyama and Kitano Lines as a streetcar, it has long supported local life and tourism. This model preserves the memory of a legendary vehicle that has served regional transportation from the Showa era into the Reiwa era.
The Mobo 301-1, built in 1971 (Showa 46), originally used trolley poles for current collection. In 1975, following the discontinuation of pole collection, it was retrofitted with a Z-type pantograph. As one of the few vehicles that experienced the trolley pole era, it holds significant historical value in Japan's railway history.
Watanabe Sharyo, a company with decades of experience supporting railway operations, is committed to preserving the memory of such vehicles in tangible form. Unlike photographs or videos, a physical 3D model allows people to appreciate the train's presence and intricate details up close.
This acrylic model faithfully reproduces the Mobo 301-1's distinctive retro livery, window layout, rooftop equipment, and Z-type pantograph. Using transparent acrylic material, the model combines precision engineering with aesthetic appeal, making it suitable not only as a railway collectible but also as a decorative interior piece.
During development, the design and prototyping process involved meticulous verification using photographs and technical documents. Special attention was paid to maintaining the overall impression and fine details to honor the memories of those who interact with the train daily.
In July, when many visitors come to Kyoto for the Gion Festival, this iconic Randen train—running from Showa to Reiwa—will be delivered in a palm-sized form.
Easy-to-assemble kit
The company launched the '3D Akuden' acrylic model series during the pandemic, when its core railway cleaning business sharply declined. Through collaboration with various railway and bus companies, 3D Akuden has faithfully recreated fine details of vehicles across Japan. The team carefully gathers reference materials and conducts thorough photography of existing vehicles. The older the vehicle, the more challenging the reproduction of accurate colors, shapes, and body features.
However, thanks to the unique transparency and three-dimensionality of acrylic, this product is expected to serve as a nostalgic item that evokes cherished memories of Japan's transportation landscapes.
With over 60 years of experience supporting railway and transportation infrastructure, Watanabe Sharyo will continue leveraging its expertise to preserve disappearing and historically significant vehicles through acrylic 3D models, passing on the history and charm of regional transit to future generations.
【Product Overview】
Product Name: 3D Akuden Arashiyama Railway Mobo 301-1
Release Date: July 15, 2026
Specifications: Acrylic railway assembly kit
Sales Channels: Online shop 'acphoto' → https://ac-photo.jp/
JR Tokai Market, Keihan Moyori Ichiba Sanjo Noren Street Store (planned), and others
Price: ¥1,900 (¥2,090 including tax)
【Company Overview】
Company Name: Watanabe Sharyo Co., Ltd.
Headquarters: 8-19 Izumomachi, Neyagawa City, Osaka Prefecture
Founded: December 1958 (Showa 33)
Representative: President Teruaki Asai
Business Activities: Railway and vehicle cleaning, advertisement installation/removal, commercial facility cleaning, maintenance work, planning, manufacturing, and sales of goods
【Inquiries】
Company Name: Watanabe Sharyo Co., Ltd.
Contact: Tomoko Asai
TEL: 072-821-6928
Mail: [email protected]
Web: https://www.watanabe-sharyo.co.jp/
FACT BOX
- Source: PR TIMES
- Category: New Product