在俗稱JAM的國際鐵道模型展(第23回国際鉄道模型コンベンション)舉行期間，MicroAce公布翻出A7892 キハ72系的由布院之森 (ゆふいんの森)，與Tomix 98512 キハ70・71形ディーゼルカー(ゆふいんの森I世・更新後)互相暉映。

由布院之森是JR九州於1989年推出的觀光列車，是日本首個D&S列車，由水戶岡銳操刀設計。這款列車分為I世和III世兩個版本，I世版本基於舊國鐵キハ65形和キハ58形改造，特色是非貫通的圓形車頭和大型曲面窗，提供良好的景觀視野。2003年，列車進行了內裝翻新和引擎更新。1999年投入使用的III世版本則採用了高層結構設計。由布院之森1、2、5、6號為III世， 3、4號為I比世。由布院之森以其獨特的歐式外觀設計和豪華內飾聞名，車身採用墨綠色塗裝，營造出森林氛圍，除了特色觀景車頭外，餐卡美食及手信亦成為打卡憑證。列車主要行駛於久大本線，連接福岡的博多站與大分縣的由布院和別府等溫泉勝地。

由布院之森每天往返博多和由布院數次，單程約需2小時15分鐘。列車以其優雅的設計和高品質服務贏得了乘客的好評，成為九州地區最受歡迎的觀光列車之一。

Tomix 23年推出的N比例由布院之森車款(98512)，以高級(HG)規格重現了2003年更新後的I世版本，其車身採用金屬綠色塗裝搭配金色條紋、綠色座椅、經深色煙燻處理窗戶的3號車廂休息區、常點燈、M13馬達等。因為推出一段時間，一車難求，早前旅行時於Popondetta京都店竟然見到全新車，扣稅後價格卞山竟然是700港元左右，因此二話不說就帶回返港。開箱後發現金屬綠色車身賣相討好，車身亦有不少細節，如果加車廂燈的話效果更好。如果買二手版本的話，新年份集電弓與車輪顏色有所不同。既然買得I世，MA的III世自然無得走。

Unparalleled Beauty: Tomix 98512 Yufuin No Mori (First Generation)

During the 23rd International Railway Model Convention, colloquially known as JAM, MicroAce unveiled their A7892 Kiha 72 series Yufuin no Mori model, complementing Tomix’s 98512 Kiha 70/71 diesel car (Yufuin no Mori First Generation, post-renovation).

Yufuin no Mori, launched by JR Kyushu in 1989, was Japan’s first Design & Story (D&S) train, masterfully designed by Eiji Mitooka. The train comes in two versions: the First Generation, based on renovated JNR Kiha 65 and 58 series, featuring non-walkthrough rounded ends and large curved windows for panoramic views; and the Third Generation, introduced in 1999, adopting a high-deck structure. Trains 1, 2, 5, and 6 are Third Generation, while 3 and 4 are First Generation.

Renowned for its unique European-inspired design and luxurious interiors, Yufuin no Mori sports a deep green livery evoking a forest atmosphere. Beyond its distinctive observation cars, the dining car cuisine and souvenirs have become photo-worthy attractions. The train primarily operates on the Kyudai Main Line, connecting Hakata Station in Fukuoka with hot spring resorts like Yufuin and Beppu in Oita Prefecture.

Yufuin no Mori makes several round trips daily between Hakata and Yufuin, with a one-way journey taking about 2 hours and 15 minutes. Its elegant design and high-quality service have garnered passenger acclaim, making it one of Kyushu’s most popular sightseeing trains.

Tomix’s N-scale Yufuin no Mori model (98512), released in 2023, faithfully reproduces the 2003 renovated First Generation in high-grade (HG) specifications. It features a metallic green body with gold stripes, green seats, a smoked-glass lounge area in the third car, constant lighting, and an M13 motor. Due to its popularity, the model quickly became scarce. During a recent trip, I surprisingly found a new unit at the Popondetta Kyoto store for around 700 HKD after tax, which I promptly purchased.

Upon unboxing, the metallic green body proved visually appealing with numerous intricate details. Adding carriage lighting would further enhance its appearance. For second-hand versions, newer models may have different pantograph and wheel colors. Having acquired the First Generation, the MicroAce Third Generation naturally became a must-have addition to my collection.