While I usually model British trains in N scale, I decided that it would be a good idea if I modelled some rolling stock from my home country, Korea(South), as well.

Sadly, Korea does not have a proper railway model range (yet), since it is hard to get permission to license these models, and all of the designs of Korean rolling stock from 1899 to current day is all copyrighted. However, progress is being made, as many people started 3d modelling and printing their own models(not for sale), and some companies started to make models of some Korean rolling stock in HO scale (such as the GT26CW-2, KTX-Sancheon, Korail Class 8200, generator cars) but they are made of brass, and can't downscale them to N yet due to maintaining high quality, thus the HO models tend to be very expensive.

Thus, a majority of Korean enthusiasts usually make their models out of paper, or repaint similar existing models(i. e. DB BR152 to Class 8200, SNCF "Broken nose" electric locos to Class 8000, SD40 to GT26CW-2, TGV or AVE S/100 to KTX-1) to model Korean rolling stock.

Since a range for Korean railway models are yet to be released in N scale, I decided to go for it.

Plans currently include modeling a full rake of the KTX-1, a Class 8200, Saemaul Diesel Hydraulic Car(full rake), as well as some others.

This project is intended to finish in early to mid 2023, at the time of the upcoming 4th Railroad Culture Exhibit in Seoul in summer 2023.

[KTX-1]

[Class 8200]

[Saemaul DHC]

(might paint it in the original livery)

But right now, I am going to work on the KTX-1 first.

There are many options for me to choose a prototype similar to the KTX-1.

1. Kato AVE S/100

2. Kato TGV Reseau
3. Kato Thalys PBA (same prototype with TGV Reseau)

Kato's AVE is very similar to the KTX as it has a rounded nose, but it is rare, and ASSY parts (parts of the production model in sale to scratch build or to be used for spares) are almost nonexistent.

The Kato TGV Reseau is not in stock in my local model store, thus I decided to go for the new Thalys PBA.

In real life, because the demand for passenger services (especially the Gyeongbu HSR, which connects Seoul to Busan), the KTX-1has a power car and a motor trailer in each end, and 16 normal trailers in the middle, whereas the Thalys(and most other TGV and TGV-derived trains) have power cars in each end, and 8 trailers.

Therefore, I have to buy ASSY parts for 10 trailers.

The KTX-1 Does not have a restaurant/bar car in the consist, however in my model there would be one just for a "what if."

Here's a diagram of the consist.

PC1-MT01-T02-T03-T04-T05-T06-T07-T08-T09-T10-T11-T12-T13-T14-T15-T16-T17-MT18-PC2

At the moment, I have the ones in bold (by the Thalys 10-car set).

First class is marked in red.

MT01, since is a motor trailer, is standard class, compared to a TGV's end trailer, which is first class. Therefore I also need modifications by getting the seat parts from MT18(standard class 2x2 seatings) to MT01.

Since this is a 20-car set, I also have plans to modify the other power car for better traction.

I can also try to modify the power cars to have the rounder look, and modify the ends of the end trailers to have grills, but as of now I don't have any plans regarding that.

The one in italics is where the fictional restaurant/bar car will go. In real KTX-1 sets, in its place are 1st class trailers later modified to standard class.

Thus, I need parts to make 1 first class trailer, and 9 standard class trailers.

It would be a long journey, and I will keep things posted.

(pictures except the Thalys models are not mine)