website updated August 30th 2010

(Please click the refresher button on your web browser to access the latest updates)

For information on all currently available Aster locomotive models click a title on the task bar to the left of this page.

Prices change due to foreign currency exchange rates fluctuations. Please call us for a quotation on any listed product. 

! Notice !

Due to frequent problems with our original teleplex e-mail server please address your future e-mails to: 

service@asterhobbyusa.com

Now going into production for summer 2011 release.

SNCF 241P

Click the SNCF 241P page to see first pictures of this pilot model.

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Japanese YVO Railways  "Krauss Tank"

 Krauss locomotive works in Germany  built and imported this tank locomotive for the YVO Railways in Japan in 1888. The Krauss tank locomotive  will be modeled in 1/22 (G-Scale) featuring butane firing and outside Stephenson valve gear. Minimum turning radius 0.55 meter.  Target date for production release Spring 2011. Production quantity and sales price  not available at this time. 

picture of pilot model shown subject to change.

The Great Northern Railway S2 class 

 # 2584 and # 2575.

 Available from our inventory.

Don't miss out on this superb engine.

 Click the Great Northern page for more pictures and information.

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In stock 

British Railways BR5MT

click BR5MT page for information

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Great Western Railways "Castle Class" 

kits are available from stock.

click GWR "Castle" page for details on this locomotive.

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go to Spam Can page for details.

The US$ / Japanese Yen exchange rate.

Have you been wondering what drives prices for imported product ? The US Dollar value is currently heading for a low against the JP Yen not seen since 1983. In spite of this dilemma, Aster Hobby Co. Inc. and its Distributors are constantly searching for ways to avoid price increases and keep new product orders on a  realistic cost level. For almost 40 years Aster Hobby has been offering the finest Gauge One live steam locomotives your money can buy. Check out the latest models announced on this website. We thank you for your patronage and continued support.

Aster Hobby USA LLC was established in January, 2002 as exclusive US Importer & Distributor for live steam locomotive models and accessories  manufactured by Aster Hobby Co. Inc. of Yokohama, Japan. Our mission is to promote and sponsor the development of new US prototype locomotives, marketing and sales of the entire Aster live steam spectrum as well as providing the best possible spare parts service. Since 1975, the name Aster has been known by Gauge One live steam locomotive enthusiasts and collectors alike. From the introduction of Great Britain's "Schools Class"  to today's Great Northern Railway S2, the improvement in quality and complexity of Aster locomotives has never stopped, and new challenging designs are continuing to inspire our imagination of the great steam locomotive era.

Aster live steam locomotives are available factory assembled and ready to be operated, or as fully machined ready to be assembled kits. Depending on the  type of locomotive chosen, the complexity and number of individual components can vary from one hundred up to one thousand five hundred.  Kit assembly time can vary from twenty hours to three hundred hours or more, depending on the type of the locomotive and your level of skill. If you want to discover how a steam locomotive works and you have the patience and curiosity, an Aster kit might be your best choice. However, if you want instant gratification, a factory built version is available for you.

This website features only the most recent products available and provides updates on new locomotives in the design /construction phase. Aster Hobby USA LLC also distributes trough a national network of authorized Aster dealers. For retail prices and availability of older and new locomotives and accessories, call us during business hours, inquire by e-mail or visit one of the many authorized Aster dealers listed in the dealer page of this site. Whether you are operating or collecting 1/32 scale locomotive models, we hope you will join the exclusive ranks of Aster gauge one live steam.