ASTER HOBBY CO.,INC.

15/05/2026

However, the influence of popular anime is immense! The "Shizuka" locomotive suddenly became popular in Japan. However, historically, Shizuka was also a model imported from Pittsburgh, USA, so same engine were Benkei and Yosh*tsune. They were working in Hokkaido at the same time. Furthermore, "Yosh*tsune" is a locomotive that is preserved and working in Kyoto (Umekoji). However, "Benkei" on display in Omiya and "Shizuka" in Otaru of Hokkaido are locomotives that are statically preserved by assembling various parts, much like Frankenstein's (they have no historical or documentary value). However, young Japanese animators (who lack historical knowledge and the ability to verify things) will probably mistakenly believe that this is the truth... (A sigh from a social scientist) Incidentally, our US Porter Mogul Japanese specification (and of course the original) is basically based on Kyoto's "Yosh*tsune" (currently accepting reservations). https://www.asterhobby.com/@

29/03/2026

It’s in full bloom.

17/03/2026

Aster hobby's web page has been revamped with enhanced security (fully SSL-enabled) and is viewable on PDAs and mobile phones, but the current version is still incomplete.
The highlight of this update is the inclusion of a roster created by the late Jim Pitt san (this is also still incomplete), and purchases are directly linked to the Live Steam Station.
The site is primarily in English, but it was created by a Japanese person, so please point out any awkward phrasing or other issues you may find.

ASTER HOBBYは、ライブスチーム方式を中心とした本格鉄道模型メーカーです。走らせる喜びと、ものづくりの奥深さを世界へ届けています。

25/02/2026

It's still moving to see the younger generation reviving the SR School, released 50 years ago, and making it enjoy. Since the release of the SR Spam Can, GWR Castle, and especially the SNCF 241P, our locomotives have become too mechanically realistic (too detailed), making them difficult for the average person to assemble and operate. As a result, we've noticed a growing trend among wealthy individuals to outsource model building to professional mechanics and assemblers. Bing san suggested us the true essence of Accucraft models, and while the P2 is complex and difficult to build, we've made its complex mechanisms accessible to everyone. Please wait a little longer. The BR80 and US Porter(JNR type 7100) have simple and essential forms that are easy for anyone to enjoy and aiming reasonable retail price(but not sale price as plastic nor Chinese or Korean EBR models), while embodying the spirit of the Aster.

24/02/2026

Hi Asterobby fans! I have a question, especially for native speakers. Our website is old and doesn't support SSL, so we're considering migrating it to https (SSL-enabled server). (However, we'll still be selling our products on Live Steam Station/Accucraft!=sales way is not changed) Does this sound strange to native speakers? I understand what young Japanese creator will be saying, but I'd appreciate youe honest feedback. Oh, by the way, we will also be publishing official past production and sales records of Aster engines this time.

07/04/2025

We have a used BR03 and a new BR62. We also have an NKP Berkshire, which we've confirmed works, of course. So, how much would you buy it for? Oh, We'll ignore the exorbitantly low price. By the way, the BR03 also has for a DR detai parts. The Japanese yen was weak still now, but the selling price at the time was JPY750,000 for the Berkshire. The 03 was JPY480,000, and the 62 was JPY380,000. We think it will probably be cheaper than that. Airfare and customs duties are at the customer's expense. How much tariff will Mr. Trump impose? Of course, these are all made in Japan. These engines were assembled by Mr. Yano, who was also in charge of our pre-assembled engines (RTR models). And we guarantee the operation of all models.

04/04/2025

Kawasaki Layout owner's S2 is being overhauled by the former P2 designer as a punishment. P2 is now being completely re-checked and re-designed by a young designer, so please wait for a while (the previous designer made a lot of mistakes). We are not just overhauling it, but also comparing the performance of the burner with a SUS mesh and a conventional wick burner. The length is the same for both the wick and mesh. The mesh has performed quite well. The only problem is that it takes longer to ignite (to raise steam) than the wick type. We assume this is because it takes time for the alcohol to warm up and vaporize. However, the biggest advantage of this burner is that it does not have an incomplete combustion smell and is durable. As a manufacturer, we do not yet recommend mesh burners, but we would like to report that they have performed quite well.

28/11/2024

We often hear from customers that "it's impossible to assemble" or "it's difficult to assemble". We also often hear that "I've never heard of E-rings being used to assemble precision machinery". Sorry. "Exactly!" However, this corner requires tools like this, and in Japan, such precision tools can be purchased for less than $10, For Japanese people, tools that cost more than 1,500 yen are high-end tools, and can only be obtained at specialized DIY large stores (or from the Internet). The problem is that DIY in Japan is now shifting to woodworking tools (carpentry tools). However, when there are multiple hand-held tools of the same size like this, it is surprisingly difficult to assemble. (However, assembling and inspecting prototype parts is difficult without a guide.) In that sense, it is unfortunate that "Tokyu Hands", which also had a store specializing in professional tools, was acquired by Cainz Home and unified into the general store "Hands".

お客様から「組み立てが無理」「組み立てが難しい」というお声をよく聞きます。また、「Eリングを精密機械の組み立てに使うなんて聞いたことがない」というお声もよく聞きます。すみません。「その通り！」しかし、このコーナーではこのような工具が必要で、日本ではこのような精密工具がUS$10以下で購入できます。日本人にとっては1,500円以上の工具は高級工具で、専門のDIY大型店に行かないと手に入らない（もしくはネットから）のです。問題は、日本のDIYが今や木工工具（大工道具）にシフトしつつあることです。しかし、このように同じ大きさの手持ち工具が複数あると、意外と組み立てが難しくなります。 （ただし、試作部品の組み立てや検査はガイドがないと難しいです。）そういう意味では、プロ用工具に特化した店舗もあった「東急ハンズ」がカインズホームに買収され、雑貨店「ハンズ」に統一されたのは残念です。

12/10/2024

At NSS Lodi
売れてるけど…お客様の入り(集まり方)が悪い。何故？昼時だから？

It's selling well, but the number of customers is low. Why? Is it because it's lunchtime?

08/10/2024

To customers who are planning to attend NSS: I'm very sorry. I was planning to show you the final pilot of the P2, which we are working hard to release by the end of the year, but unfortunately, it will not happen.
There are two reasons.
First, why did this happen? We couldn't figure out the cause. Currently, the machining tolerance of the parts is abnormally high. There might be only a few people, such as Asterhobby Europe or TRS, who will be able to assemble it so that it runs properly. However, we want this engine to be assembled by advanced level customers and finished so that it runs without any problems.
The cost of a pilot model is more than 10 times that of the production version. Therefore, we are modifying the first pilot parts again and again and finishing it. As a result, we can no longer figure out which part is causing the problem. This is probably one of the main reasons.
The other reason is that there is no captain, or the designer is too old and can no longer take responsibility. I am now taking over that role, but there is also the problem that I cannot devote myself to this task alone due to my position.
However, at this NSS, we will be exhibiting the Japanese type (Benkei) of US Porter. This will also be released under the Aster brand, so the appearance will be more realistic, but the valve gear will remain the same, so you will be able to see the difference between this engine and American engines released by other companies or under previous Accucraft brand.
And above all, I will be bringing along my successor and the youngest designer of this model. I will introduce them to you, so please let them know your thoughts and feelings. Well then.

But why are German models unpopular? We have such amazing mechanic in the works. Well, next year will be our 50th anniversary, so we are thinking of making an amazing American model.

27/09/2024

Unfortunately, due to the overlap in the schedule, we will participate in the NSS on the west coast of US, but we will not be able to participate in the G1MRA meeting in Swindon, England. Thank you for your understanding. In addition, MaxiTrack staff will be in the UK to answer your questions on our behalf, so please understand and forgive us. The LNER P2 that everyone is looking forward to is currently undergoing final adjustments to the valve settings and reexamination(re-designed) of parts. We would like to continue this work until the very last minute to turn up the P2 as ready to run in the NSS as possible, but since we are currently committed, we have no choice but to do it as best as possible (but I have other jobs to do as a boss of ASTER). However, we plan to bring a US porter and a young designer (who cannot even speak basic English) to this NSS. This is in a working condition, and we can demonstrate the performance, but the appearance of the mass-produced engine will change significantly. Yes, we will re-design cylinder, main drivers and valve gera area to a realistic apperances suitable for the ASTERHOBBY engine. So US porter is re-born from Accucraft brand into Asterhobby barand engine. Please note that the designer of the P2 is currently involved in training this young engineer and is also involved in the development and design of the next US-type large engin that everyone is looking forward to, so he cannot commit to the sample P2. Oh! These are my friends! Eric san, Jim san, Pete san, Jay san, and Bob san! I'll be bringing along some Japanese precision screwdrivers to help you assemble the P2, so look forward to it! I won't be asking you any cold beer in return(lol), so on the day, I'll introduce my successors (Bing san's junior from university, who is better at English than me).