Following the success of our first crowdfunding campaign for the TGV Sud-Est, slated for delivery in 2025 (voted Model of the Year at RAILEXPO and by the German Z-rail magazine Trainini!), AZAR is back with an equally exceptional project: the prestigious Capitole.
An iconic train of the 1960s, the Capitole departed from Paris-Austerlitz station for Toulouse. It was the first train to reach 200 km/h in commercial service, paving the way for the future TGV... which would arrive 30 years later!
After creating the smallest running TGV in the world (we haven't officially certified it, but we're pretty sure of it…), we decided to embark on the Capitole project this year!
And of course, once again, we're offering something exclusive: the Capitole will be produced ONLY for this campaign and will never be reproduced in this version!
If you want to create your own Capitol journeys, or get your hands on this future collector's item, this is the place to be!
In 1960, the SNCF (French National Railway Company) launched its first train service, named the Capitole, between Paris and Toulouse, after the famous Capitole building in Toulouse.
The train ran three times a week and primarily targeted business travelers. It covered the 712.3 km route in 7 hours, at a time when the SNCF was beginning to compete with air travel and automobiles.
In 1967, the Capitole entered a new era. It was the first train in France to operate at 200 km/h in commercial service and the second in the world after the Japanese Shinkansen.
Six BB 9200 locomotives were equipped with specific upgrades for high-speed operation and sported a unique red livery with a light gray stripe, as well as enameled "CAPITOLE" plaques at their ends.
At the same time, a special series of UIC-Y carriages was produced, all first class, and with the same red and gray livery. A new dining car was also introduced.
The journey time was thus reduced to exactly 6 hours, with departure shortly before 6 p.m. and arrival at the terminus a few minutes before midnight! A remarkable feat!
In 1970, the new, more powerful CC 6500 locomotives appeared, paired with Grand Confort carriages. These air-conditioned carriages replaced the UIC carriages on the Capitole line as they were delivered, ensuring a high-quality service. The Capitole officially adopted the Trans-Europ-Express (TEE) designation.
In the early 1990s, the Capitole was phased out in favor of the new TGV Atlantique, which offered a 5-hour journey via Bordeaux.
The Capitole is the legendary French train of the 1960s to 1980s. It preceded the modern era of the TGV, to which it greatly contributed through its technical innovations.
It has been reproduced many times in model trains at various scales, but not yet at the smallest scale! Yet, the Z scale is ideally suited to the creation of large trainsets like the Capitole, as has been proven with the TGV.
And here again, Azar Models brings all its technological and industrial strength to bear to offer you a high-performance model that is not only realistic but also exceptional.
For your enjoyment, two versions of the Capitole train are available in exclusive sets:
You can create a unique or historical travel route, with landscapes of your choice, in a compact space to make the most of its operation.
Running this legendary train has never been so efficient and convenient!
Building on AZAR MODELS' experience with its proven mechanics from the first models in the range, Le Capitole benefits from exclusive innovations in Z scale, including a digital version.
It will also feature the new Magnetiz® magnetic coupling system: a robust connection between cars, short spacing, and discreet aesthetics, for exceptional driving comfort.
This allows you to create historical and/or unique routes, with scenarios controllable from your smartphone!
Experience the realism with, even at this small scale, a fully detailed interior for each car, including the specific equipment of the baggage and restaurant cars. To fully immerse yourself in a journey, all the cars in the train are illuminated.
The model is injection-molded plastic with a high level of detail and a finely painted/marked finish, meeting the highest market quality standards and AZAR MODELS' exacting requirements.
BB9200 locomotive: Detailed cab interiors, added parts, magnetic couplings...
Interior designed for all cars: Here, the A8u passenger version of the Grand Confort cars
Interior lighting of the cars with current collection integrated into the bogies:
Magnetiz® magnetic coupling: robust and discreet
Grand Confort car - A4Dtux Van (included in the main set)
Grand Confort Car - Vru Restaurant (included in the additional set)
The engineering is being carried out in France. The study is being finalized for rapid production launch within a few weeks of the campaign's end.
The Capitole train in Z scale is offered in two versions:
These two iconic versions are the ones we are offering in Z scale exclusively for this campaign.
Choose one, the other, or both, to create your own Capitole train journeys!
Available at preferential rates during the campaign, these box sets are offered in analog or digital versions. These Capitole box sets will not be reproduced afterward (yes, we've already said that, but we prefer to reiterate it!).
VERSION 1: Exclusive and Unique Capitole "Original" BB9200 Set
An exclusive set with the legendary Capitole locomotive in its original 1960s version:
It will be available in a numbered limited edition in an exclusive box with a certificate of authenticity (classy for collectors, cool for gamers).
VERSION 2: Exclusive and Unique Capitole "Modern" CC6500 Set
An exclusive set of the Capitole in its more recent 1970s-80s configuration:
It will be available in a numbered limited edition in an exclusive box with a certificate of authenticity (the same enjoyment, but 10 years younger…)
Additional 3-Car Capitole Sets
In addition to the main sets, we offer an additional 3-car set, including the specific dining car, to create an 8-car train.
Choose between the "original" or "modern" Capitole set to complement your basic set(s).
These additional sets include the specific dining car.
Don't forget to add a longer platform to your station!
These Capitol boxes are available exclusively for this campaign and will never be reproduced again (we've already said it, but we prefer to repeat it, it's an exclusive!).
The goal is to raise at least €75,000 to launch production of these exceptional models (mold creation, series manufacturing).
To thank our contributors, these exclusive sets are available at preferential rates only during the pre-order campaign.
Whether you're a Z scale enthusiast, passionate about exceptional trains, or a technology aficionado, we're counting on you to help bring this flagship of the railway industry to life.
The funding from reservations will be used to manufacture the molds for the plastic injection of the models and to manufacture the Capitole boxes exclusive to this campaign.
Following the success of our first campaign for the TGV Sud-Est on the Ulule platform, we are thrilled to offer this new project to our community.
This time, we've chosen to create our own secure website dedicated to fundraising.
The added convenience: If you're already a customer on our website azar-models.com, participating couldn't be easier. Your customer account is also active on this site. No need to create a new account or re-enter your details.
Why this change to a dedicated Capitole website?
There are several reasons, based on the experience of the first campaign:
- Ulule's platform fees have increased and now represent more than 10% of the funding. That's money that isn't actually going towards the project and that we would have to pass on to the price of the sets!
- Ulule doesn't handle VAT for backers outside Europe. Our Capitole website allows us to differentiate between EU and non-EU backers not subject to VAT (Switzerland, USA, Japan, etc.) with a consistent price excluding tax.
- Ulule doesn't manage the logistics and administrative aspects of shipping. With our website, we can automatically print shipping labels and customs documents. This eliminates data entry errors and saves time, allowing us to better serve you.
- And most importantly, a custom-designed and innovative website to better showcase our project, reflecting the high standards of AZAR MODELS!
4 secure ways to join the CAPITOLE adventure.
Participating in this fantastic project couldn't be easier with our 4 payment options:
✅ by PayPal (1 or 4 installments, interest-free!),
✅ by Credit card,
✅ by Bank transfer,
✅ by check (up to 3 checks can be cashed in 3 installments: at the end of the campaign, on June 1st, and on July 1st) to be sent directly to AZAR MODELS.
Visit the Capitole train sets page
1 or 4x with no charge !
with our bank partner
.
for French people only
And if you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us at capitole@azar-models.com or via the website's contact form.
AZAR MODELS' mission is to offer you the finest French models in Z scale (1/220th), for collectors and gamers alike!
Our ambition is to contribute to the development of this fantastic scale by offering iconic models representing French industrial-grade production, such as this Capitole.
AZAR MODELS combines a passion for model making with expertise in developing innovative, high-tech products. For almost five years now (yes, already!), this experience has allowed us to meet the demands of miniaturizing our models without compromising on quality and reliability, offering a high-quality gaming experience and the equally important pleasure of collecting!
We use the latest technologies to design and manufacture our models. Recent advancements in plastic micro-injection, 3D printing, and computer-aided design tools now allow us to industrialize small and medium-sized production runs of high quality at a reasonable price.
We control the entire design process, from research on the real model to its industrialization, including drawing, mechanics, and electronics, to guarantee you a high level of quality.
Innovation is in our DNA
We are constantly searching for innovative solutions to improve our models and enhance your passion.
This year, after a year of research and development, we launched our own innovative and interchangeable magnetic coupling system, Magnetiz®.
From the very beginning, we have offered our locomotives in analog or digital versions, just like their larger counterparts in N or HO scale.
With the TGV project, we pushed the boundaries even further by integrating our latest developments, and we are doing the same with this Capitole.
Reliability and silence
As enthusiasts, we know that mechanical operation is a sore point. We develop our own mechanics ensuring a high level of operation with exceptional reliability, as evidenced by the reviews of our customers on our site azar-models.com.
And for even more gaming pleasure, we have also worked on reducing mechanical noise. Our locomotives are appreciated for their quiet operation.
THE TEAM
AZAR MODELS is above all a team of talents serving our passion:
