Both models are exceptionally detailed
Here’s a comparative review: Kato’s E231-500 Yamanote Line (part nos. 10-261, 10-262 / repackaged as 10-578, 10-579, 10-580) vs. Tomix’s 209-0 Keihin-Tohoku Lie (part nos. 92329, 92330, 8917). The Kato has since been repackaged and given a new set of part numbers, but is otherwise unchanged from what I describe here. Tomix has just announced that they are re-tooling their E231-500: The differences between the models would be interesting to compare.
Anyway, both models represent commuter trains in the Tokyo area. The 209-0 came first, and begat the 209-500, which begat the E231-500—so there is a close relationship between the models, even if the cabs look rather different.
Both have crisp details
In general, both models are equally well detailed. The printing on both is crisp and clean. Kato’s model is fully detailed out of the box; Tomix’s model requires the addition of several rub-on transfers for the carriage numbers and serial numbers. These transfers are a little bit of a pain to apply, but are well worth the effort. Tomix includes enough distinct serial numbers to number three unique trainsets; Since Kato’s are already applied, you only can run only one uniquely numbered train.
PantographsTop: Kato; Bottom: Tomix
The area around the pantographs are equally well detailed. Both Kato and Tomix mold the detail on, rather than using separate detail parts as Micro Ace often does. Nevertheless, the level of detail is considerable.
In some specifics, however, the Kato model offers better detail.
CoolersTop: Kato; Bottom: Tomix
The cooler units on the Kato model are far more detailed, including a careful representation of the fan sitting underneath the grill. The detail on the Kato is structured to give a better impression of depth than the Tomix model.
TrucksTop: Tomix; Bottom: Kato
Likewise, the trucks on the Kato model offer finer detail than the Tomix trucks. Of course, the 209 and the E231 use different trucks, so it is hard to see just how much better the detail of the Kato trucks are since the 209 uses a simpler (looking) design.
InteriorTop: Kato; Bottom: Tomix
But the interiors of the cars is where the Kato model really shines. The Kato interiors sit about 1mm lower than the Tomix cars, allowing for more detailed benchwork, including the armrests on the ends of each bench. Neither car has any detail painted in, but the plastic is molded in the predominant color.
Motor Car InteriorLeft: Kato; Right: Tomix
Again, in the motorized car, the Kato sits about 1–2mm lower than the Tomix. Neither Tomix nor Kato attempt to model any interior detail in the motorized cars, but the lower floor in the Kato will look better with interior lighting and model people installed.
Other differences are small. Kato uses clear plastic decals for the destination boards on the front of each cab, and the side of each car. These are a little tedious to cut out and apply, but the final results look good. Tomix, on the other hand, uses pre-printed clear plastic inserts for the destination boards in the cab cars which are easy to install or change out, but offers no option for the destination boards in the sides of each car.
The Kato models come equipped with Kato’s close-couplers, which look very good. The Tomix model comes equipped with Rapido couplers which do not look very good at all. The Tomix model can use Tomix’s TN couplers, but these must be purchased separately—an added expense. Both trains can be fitted with interior lights.
Finally, the Kato model is DCC friendly—it can be fitted with Kato’s line of drop-in DCC decoders. The Tomix model is not DCC friendly, although conversion does not look difficult.
Kato E231-500
Pros: Superior detail, ready to run, DCC friendly
Cons: None.
Tomix 209-0
Pros: Excellent detail, flexible car numbering and destination boards
Cons: Less detail than the Kato offering, not DCC friendly, close coupling is an additional cost
And now, the 209 familly also comprise the -2000 version.