I am lookI ing to buy an asian bullet train in HO scale - can anyone help please - my name is Bryan from Australia and my email address is skipper16@bigpond.com
I am not sure about the availability of a Japanese Bullet Train in HO scale, but the German ICE train is available from Roco, Piko or Trix.
Jouef (now belonging to Hornby UK) makes a nice model of the French TGV; it is available from Renauld´s Euro Imports, Inc - see this page
Shinkansen trains have been available in Japan sporadically since the early '60s - usually manufactured in short runs, built of brass and rather pricey.
A hasty scan of the most recent Tetsudo Mokei Shumi failed to turn up a current ad for any of the several designs of Shinkansen EMU trains. That doesn’t mean that some LHS in Japan might not have them in stock - but you’d have to visit the store to find out.
You might want to keep a watch on E-bay. Be aware that the original bullet-nosed Class 00 cab cars are now museum pieces, and that the most recent Shinkansen cabs look more like inverted coal scoops…
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - without Shinkansen)
Well it is not exactly what you are looking for, but Hornby has released a Hitachi train in a UK livery as the train is now running in the South of England. Apparently they will soon be releasing versions of this painted for the Olympic Games. http://www.hornby.com/sets-and-train-packs-88/r2821