Tomytec推出1/64東京都交通局三菱Fuso Aero Star巴士時我沒有入手，到在東京坐過真車後，便改為入手1/150 (N規)版本，為這次行程留個紀念。

三菱Fuso Aero Star MP38FK是東京都交通局於2012年引入的新世代低地台城市巴士，Mitsubishi Fuso專為日本大都市公共交通需求設計。這款巴士長約10.5米，採用低地台設計，便利老年人和行動不便者上下車，體現了日本對無障礙交通的重視。

MP38FK搭載6M60型6.0升直列六缸柴油渦輪增壓引擎，最大輸出270匹馬力和785Nm扭力，配合六速自動變速箱，提供約80km/h的城市行駛最高速度。巴士可容納約70名乘客，包括28個座位和42個站位，設有專用輪椅空間和LED資訊顯示屏。東京都交通局採購了數百輛MP38FK巴士，主要服務於東京23區內的短途路線。

儘管1/150造工無法與1/64比較，但總體仍然有驚喜。模型巴士以由葛西駅至錦糸町駅前的「錦25」為藍本，車身拉花、標貼、路線牌、冷氣機浮雕等不會少，輪圈像真度高也是致勝關鍵，當然車身重量當然是「輕飄飄」的，側鏡想也不用想，但對可觀性不太受影響。

1月份東京改裝車展期間去了Kato Hobby Centre潮聖，最快的方法相信是在池袋乘搭都営バス池65到江古田二丁目下車，適逢當時新聞曾指有港客乘搭巴士時因開窗問題而與其他乘客口角，然而車廂暖氣強勁，即使我脫剩短袖Tee仍然流汗，能夠理解為什麼想開窗，結果經過20多分鐘車程終於抵達目的地，焗到有點頭暈。這可能解釋了這什麼要買這台車的真正理由。

Tomytec Tokyo Metropolitan Transportation Bureau Mitsubishi Fuso Aero Star MP38FK

When Tomytec released their 1/64 scale Tokyo Metropolitan Transportation Bureau Mitsubishi Fuso Aero Star bus, I passed on it. However, after riding the actual bus in Tokyo, I decided to purchase the 1/150 (N scale) version as a memento of my journey.

The Mitsubishi Fuso Aero Star MP38FK is a new generation low-floor city bus introduced by the Tokyo Metropolitan Transportation Bureau in 2012. Designed by Mitsubishi Fuso specifically for Japanese metropolitan public transportation needs, this 10.5-meter-long bus features a low-floor design that facilitates easy boarding for elderly and mobility-impaired passengers, reflecting Japan’s commitment to accessible transportation.

The MP38FK is powered by a 6M60-type 6.0-liter inline-six turbocharged diesel engine producing 270 horsepower and 785Nm of torque. Paired with a six-speed automatic transmission, it achieves a maximum urban cruising speed of about 80km/h. The bus can accommodate approximately 70 passengers, with 28 seats and 42 standing positions, and includes dedicated wheelchair spaces and LED information displays. The Tokyo Metropolitan Transportation Bureau has procured hundreds of these MP38FK buses, primarily serving short-distance routes within Tokyo’s 23 wards.

Though the craftsmanship of the 1/150 scale model can’t compare with the 1/64 version, it still offers pleasant surprises. The model replicates the “Nishiki 25” route between Kasai Station and Kinshicho Station, featuring accurate body graphics, decals, route indicators, and air conditioning unit reliefs. The high-fidelity wheel rims are a key strength, although the body is predictably lightweight and side mirrors are understandably simplified—limitations that don’t significantly detract from its display quality.

During January’s Tokyo Auto Salon, I visited the Kato Hobby Centre, a modeler’s paradise. The fastest way to get there seemed to be taking the Toei Bus route 65 from Ikebukuro to Egota 2-chome. Coincidentally, there had been news at the time about Hong Kong tourists arguing with other passengers over opening windows on buses. In my experience, the cabin heating was so intense that I was sweating even in just a T-shirt, making it understandable why someone would want fresh air. After an uncomfortably hot 20-minute journey, I finally reached my destination, feeling slightly dizzy from the heat. This experience might explain the real reason why I ended up buying this particular model bus.