What did you order or the post deliver?

[keiman]

Sounds interesting, who makes it? Would be something interesting to have waiting at a level crossing.

Have got problems with camera at present but will post a new thread as soon as fixed.
do a search for "BICYC-LED" and that should bring up the manufacturers web site- uses Preiser figures .

[cteno4]

The manufacturer's site looks to be in some endless redirect loop right now for the page, but found a good review of them on a german site

http://www.1zu160.net/test/bicycled-fahrrad-motorrad-beleuchtet.php

quite cute, then would need to start on all the vehicles! probably easier to put a smd led in the trunk and run fiberoptic to all the lights on cars and trucks.

i have a dream of putting full fiber optic lighting on the 4 n scale dekatora trucks i have. would be a wild sight!

please do start a thread on these when you get them out and play with them!

cheers

jeff

[KenS]

The link worked for me earlier today.  They're interesting, but the photo of the N-scale version turned out to be a photo of the HO one (it's in the fine print), so it wasn't clear how the model looked close-up (the HO one looked great, with both a cone-shaped headlight offset from the frame slightly, and a tail light mounted to the mudguard on the rear wheel).

I don't really think I'd want a lit bicycle, unless I was doing a night scene with all the cars lit too.  I suppose you could come up with some scene that justified a lone bicyclist on an empty road, but it seems like it would look odd (as would a bike with lights when all the cars are dark).

[westfalen]

Sounds interesting, who makes it? Would be something interesting to have waiting at a level crossing.

Have got problems with camera at present but will post a new thread as soon as fixed.
do a search for "BICYC-LED" and that should bring up the manufacturers web site- uses Preiser figures .

All I get is links to full size LED bicycle lights.

[KenS]

That happened to me the first time, because Google helpfully substituted "Bicycle LED" for "BICYC-LED", but it put the other at the top as a link, and clicking on it gets a page with the correct link the seventh down:

http://www.ekmpowershop4.com/ekmps/shops/morrismodels/bicyc-led-cyclists-with-working-lights-164-c.asp

[westfalen]

That happened to me the first time, because Google helpfully substituted "Bicycle LED" for "BICYC-LED", but it put the other at the top as a link, and clicking on it gets a page with the correct link the seventh down:

http://www.ekmpowershop4.com/ekmps/shops/morrismodels/bicyc-led-cyclists-with-working-lights-164-c.asp

Got it now, thanks.

[Fenway Park]

Hi

Collected my Kato DD54 today from the Post Office. Purchased from E Bay. Arrived in excellent condition.

Ordered C11 304 from HS.

[KenS]

HS just accepted my payment for the preordered Rapit and 189 Ayano trains. Since both sold out within hours of appearing on the site, I'm really glad I preordered. If they're up to their recent performance, I should have these next week before the holiday.

I also just bought $50 worth of surface-mount tantalum capacitors, for my continuing experiments in de-flickering my train car lighting. Once I get beyond the prototype stage and have some results, I'll post something in the DCC & Electrical forum, but for the curious I posted about the first round of design/experimentation on my site last month.

[cteno4]

HS just accepted my payment for the preordered Rapit and 189 Ayano trains. Since both sold out within hours of appearing on the site, I'm really glad I preordered. If they're up to their recent performance, I should have these next week before the holiday.

I also just bought $50 worth of surface-mount tantalum capacitors, for my continuing experiments in de-flickering my train car lighting. Once I get beyond the prototype stage and have some results, I'll post something in the DCC & Electrical forum, but for the curious I posted about the first round of design/experimentation on my site last month.

Ken,

Enjoy, you will really like rapit!

hey really looking forward to your capacitor results. i have always wondered why there is not a simple circuit for doing this to even out power for lighting and engines like this. seems like it would not be all that hard to do.

cheers

jeff

[cteno4]

ok the post didnt bring it i picked it up...

my lighted magnifying glass was bothering me as it was sort of small (like 5" dia) and kind of deep so was not so easy to work with. light also was not as bright as i would have liked. happened to be at ac moores with a 50% off coupon and ran across the natural light 7" magnifyer on a arm. even at half off it was $70, but its really nice and very shallow and very bright! much easier on the eyes to manipulate small parts with! eyes are not what they were! not cheap and not planning on the purchase, but now that i have it im really glad as its so much nicer to use!

http://www.ritzcamera.com/product/EP86911152.htm?utm_medium=productsearch&utm_source=Google

cheers

jeff

[Mudkip Orange]

From MB Klein:

5x Atlas terminal joiners, 1x Atlas insulated joiners, 1x Xuron tool.

[David]

I received my learn to solder kit and the new Zephyr Xtra with some decoders.

On the soldering front I have a lot to learn. The kit is fairly good so far, though I think there should be more instructions for some of basics (there where no instructions for setting up the stand for the soldering iron, and some of the beginner activities require you to "tin" some pieces of wire before applying them to the board - it described how to tin the tip of the iron, but never explained how to do it with a piece of wire).

The Zephyr Xtra is good and bad. It will do what I want it to do (3 amps, 20 locos, all programming access and computer control), and I've been pleased so far in that it hasn't had obvious faults or parts that fail out of the box like so many other pieces of NA equipment. However Digitrax is still selling stuff that looks like it was made in someones garage: It's an obvious project box, with every label a sticker (even the window over the 4 character display is actually part of the adhesive overlay). The rear connections aren't flush with the box (some are inside, while others have visible green circuit board protruding). The box it came in is a literal white box you can buy at staples, with a single sticker wrapped over 2 sides to provide the labels. The sizing of the box isn't even right - width wise it has air bubble packing to fill the big gap, while height wise it is too short: The power supply, which is actually packed in a properly printed box, was crushed (the box was crushed, not the power supply).

I'm happy with the product, but Digitrax's inability to grasp the concept of manufacturing ensures I won't be buying anything more expensive from them (they have wireless throttles for example, but there is no way I'll buy one for that much when this is what I'll get for my money).

As for the decoders, I've only installed the Kato decoders on my E127-0 and E127-100. Thanks to the instructions on this board I had no problems at all programming them (4 digit address), and I just need to play with the speed tables to get more prototypical speed and a 'compressed' prototypical acceleration and braking. My only comment is the FL12 decoders are amazingly hard to get in - I didn't have the issues with them not working (only 1 failed to work the first time, and was fixed in 5 seconds with a nudge), but actually pushed them into the slot required a huge amount of force - I had to take apart the entire car in order to reduce the pressure on the pickup so that they would go in. By contrast the EM13s where a 10 second install, with no force required - I was only a bit concerned at how close that shaft is to the top of the chip.

[Bernard]

David - Congratulations on your purchase. The good thing about the Zephyr system (if you live in the USA) is almost every LHS carries it and if you have problems can instruct you what to do. I have the Lenz 100 and none of my LHS carry it so it's all online for me.

For your 1st install I highly recommend you do it to a Kato set where the center car is the motor. It's fairly simple (you don't use the light control wires from the decoder) and there are a lot of "photo step by step" examples here at the forum that you can follow. Basically the majority of installs for the Kato models are the same.
I don't recommend a Tomix train as your first install, the interior design varies from model to model and it can be confusing.
Once you get the hang of soldering it will be a breeze and the installs will be more secure than the slide in decoders. Have fun!

[David]

David - Congratulations on your purchase. The good thing about the Zephyr system (if you live in the USA) is almost every LHS carries it and if you have problems can instruct you what to do. I have the Lenz 100 and none of my LHS carry it so it's all online for me.

For your 1st install I highly recommend you do it to a Kato set where the center car is the motor. It's fairly simple (you don't use the light control wires from the decoder) and there are a lot of "photo step by step" examples here at the forum that you can follow. Basically the majority of installs for the Kato models are the same.
I don't recommend a Tomix train as your first install, the interior design varies from model to model and it can be confusing.
Once you get the hang of soldering it will be a breeze and the installs will be more secure than the slide in decoders. Have fun!

In addition to the drop in decoders (I've installed 2 sets, the third will go into one of my 10 car commuter sets), I received a single DZ125 and some DS51K1 decoders. My plan is after I've completed the soldering kit, I'll move on to installing a DS51K1 into a #6 switch - it's a very straight forward install with everything isolated, big pads on a flat surface, and only 4 wires). Once I've done the #6 and #4 switches I'll try installing the DX125 into my Microace MCR600 - the model is very basic, and there is only the motor to wire up (no lights). After that I can start looking into the harder installs.

After I've done some of the harder Kato installs (I'll need the 6 function decoder to wire up my powered Kiha 110, since I want to control room lights in addition to individual control over the other 4 lights, so it can turn off the right lights when in a consist) I'll get to my one Tomix locomotive, the ED75-1000. If I can do the install on that without ruining it I will probably buy some more, as it is an absolutely fantastic model.

[marknewton]

Sorry, I'd already replied earlier to this.

[marknewton]

Likewise! I've been off work for a couple of days with a middle ear infection, and the drugs are making me a bit dopey!

[marknewton]

Nice lineup there, Mark.  We seem to share the same tastes in rolling stock 

What's that old saying, "Great minds think alike"? 

I intend to purchase a couple of the MicroAce kiha 52 when they reissue it in the earlier JNR paint schemes, including non-powered versions.  I also have an eye on the Tomix Kotoden unit- I'm not an electric modeler, but I have a vision of a station scene where a private line has its terminus next to the JNR station headhouse, as is so common in Japan.

I think you'll be very happy with both models, BB. I like your idea for the private line adjoining the JNR - the best of both worlds as it were.

Cheers,

Mark.

[Mudkip Orange]

From Hattons:

1x Peco Code 80 Medium LH Electrofrog
1x Peco Code 80 Medium RH Electrofrog
1x Peco Code 80 Medium Y Electrofrog
1x T.A.R.D.I.S.

[marknewton]

A Tardis, eh? Interesting. Has the Doctor ever been to Japan? 

Cheers,

Mark.

[Mudkip Orange]

Has the Doctor ever been to Japan? 

He has now.



"Something is wrong with time. This railway should have been completed by now!"

[angusmclean]

I recently ordered a Microace C51.20 steam loco, due for release in April 2011, presumably to coincide with the commissioning after overhaul by JR East of the full-scale version for use in hauling tourist and charter trains, along with their C58 and D51.

Angus

[ShinCanadaSen]

Funny Mudkip,

I just picked up a TARDIS as well ! That and 2 HO Austin minis for my mini collection were the only interesting things I found at a local train show :(

[Claude_Dreyfus]

I collected a Nankai Rap:t from the local parcelforce depot today! Hooray! 

It went nowhere near the JR Eastern section of the Chuo line, but I don't care...it is going to be a serious crowd-pleaser at our next exhibition showing...

[Claude_Dreyfus]

A Tardis, eh? Interesting. Has the Doctor ever been to Japan? 

Funnily enough he's paid a visit to Yamanouchi Oshika in the past as well!

[Mudkip Orange]

From Hattons:

25-pack Peco concrete tie flextrack

(same order, shipped separately)

Now the real fun begins...

[HST.]

 I've just reserved (or think I have) the new Kato Hokutosei Coach  Sets from HS,  will I get any confirmation from them, i had a look at my account and nothing is showing there!  I'm also waiting for a Tomix 0-7000 Series Sanyo Shinkansen 6 Car set to arrive, looking forward to that, hope it's as good as it looks!

Dave.

[Claude_Dreyfus]

I have a set of eight Kato tankers on their way from HS, as well as the new set of Tomytec cars...including the Toyota Prius and the much needed Toyota Crown Taxi!

[bill937ca]

I just received two Milan Peter Witt bodies that I'll mount on Tomytec chassis (after Christmas).

http://www.miniaturesbyeric.com/itm00445.htm

[Fenway Park]

Just received E mail from Japan Model Railways that my Micro Ace DF50 is in stock.  Time for the Tomix ones to go as will have the Kato and Micro Ace Kyushu variants.

[KenS]

It's been a busy weekend. Over the holiday, I ordered a bunch of things, including a pair of the Tomytec Car Collection V12 sets (and at the same time I put in a reservation for two sets of V13; two words: "flatbed trucks"!). The V12 sets and some other things shipped over the weekend. Then, first thing yesterday I got the notice that my Kato Hokutosei cars (10-831 and 10-832) were in. They're probably shipping tonight.

I've had the EF510-500 to go with the Hokutosei since I placed the pre-order for the cars back in the summer.

Christmas is coming early, and I haven't even started my shopping for other people yet. 

But oh, am I going to regret the credit card bill when it comes in. Especially after I add the real holiday shopping.

[westfalen]

Just ordered the new Kato D51 from HS when they restocked after the first batch sold out.

Also building up my Japanese loco fleet with an EH200, EH500, another DD51 (you can't have too many) plus two more in Hokutosei colours.

[bikkuri bahn]

Received a 1/80 scale model of the Hino TC flatbed truck, in Nippon Express colors.  Good for the freight yard.

http://www.tomytec.co.jp/diocolle/lineup/truck80/index.html

[HST.]

 Just been having a spending spree, ordered 2 Tomix Kiha 52's,  a D 51, a DD51 Hokutosei to go with the one I've got, and a basic plus add on Hokutosei Coach Sets from HS.  Also  an EF65 and Red DD51 Cold Region from Plaza.

[Claude_Dreyfus]

One of the biggest problems with ordering the Tomytec car collections is a disproportionate number of emergency services vehicles in a set. I now have way too many police MPVs, so I was delighted to see that Japan Model Railways are stocking the luxury sedan set - number 10 I think - as individual items. I now have a couple of Teanas and a couple of Lexus - one of which is a police car - winging their way over from Germany. I wanted that set a while ago, but did not want the equal number of 1970s vehicles that was one half of the set.

Once set number 12 is in stock, I'll be trying to get a few more of the Crown taxis. Hopefully they will be less popular than the Prius and Ad models included as part of the set, so there should be plenty available. Yamanouchi Oshika station has a rather long - and very empty - taxi rank in need of populating!

[Fenway Park]

Kato ED73 and Kawai KP171 wagon set arrived today from HS. 

It will be interesting to compare the Micro Ace version with the Kato one.

E mail from HS saying D51 is in stock.

[Kamiyacho]

Two sets of Car Collection 12 arrived yesterday, so I have four yellow taxis now on my layout.  This adds to the 11 or so white Nissan Cedrics from Basic Set B.

Also waiting for shipping confirmation from Poppendetta for a lot more yellow taxis.

[Toni Babelony]

Just ordered an ultra cheap offer from Yahoo! Auctions: my first Modemo Meitetsu trams. Three モ510 types with two powered cars in full-red clad. Just an early gift for myself :P

[marknewton]

A nice gift for yourself, Toni. The モ510s are among my favourite interurban cars.

Cheers,

Mark.

[Martijn Meerts]

Just pre-ordered the Tomix 6-car 100 series fresh green (January release), the Tomix 8-car N700-7000 (March release), and the Tomix 8-car N700-8000 R2 limited version (March release), as well as the elsewhere mentioned 10-car Kato E5 (also March release... March is going to be expensive =)).

Also still waiting on my Totoro house and SP GS-4. The house is in stock, the GS-4 isn't, but since the 2 are set to be shipped together, it might be a while yet =)

[jappomania]

Just pre-ordered the Tomix 6-car 100 series fresh green (January release), the Tomix 8-car N700-7000 (March release), and the Tomix 8-car N700-8000 R2 limited version (March release), as well as the elsewhere mentioned 10-car Kato E5 (also March release... March is going to be expensive =)).

me too 
Mr.Nao is really happy for my last pre-orders, I think is better if in the meantime I extend my C.C. charge limit..
(but I have 3 of N700-8000 on pre-order, I hope only that the split set 92411/412 is different from the normal 8 cars set 92821)

Ciao
Massimo

[Martijn Meerts]

Just pre-ordered the Tomix 6-car 100 series fresh green (January release), the Tomix 8-car N700-7000 (March release), and the Tomix 8-car N700-8000 R2 limited version (March release), as well as the elsewhere mentioned 10-car Kato E5 (also March release... March is going to be expensive =)).

me too  
Mr.Nao is really happy for my last pre-orders, I think is better if in the meantime I extend my C.C. charge limit..
(but I have 3 of N700-8000 on pre-order, I hope only that the split set 92411/412 is different from the normal 8 cars set 92821)

Ciao
Massimo

Usually when Tomix has a limited edition set of the full train, they give it a different road number.

Luckily, March is still 4 paychecks away =)

[jappomania]

Usually when Tomix has a limited edition set of the full train, they give it a different road number.
Luckily, March is still 4 paychecks away =)

yes, I hope is like the 800 series, the first limited box was the U005 set, the splitted train was U002, and the Kiosk version was U001, for this release I'm sure only about R2 (92981) limited set, but until now nobody reply me about the december release (92821 standard set?) and the next splitted train 92411/412..
boh? we wait.........(maybe another one 800 U007 or U008 or U004 with Pokemon  ....  )

ciao
Massimo

[Martijn Meerts]

I'd have a Pokemon 800 series on pre-order in a heartbeat.. Even though I really don't like Pokemon, the 800 series looked quite good with Pikachu =)

[clem24]

Mwahahaha OK not N scale but still came from HW. 1/32, RC, lights up, signal lights blink when turning, both doors open via the remote, announcements, and horn... My 2 1/2 year old loves it but I won't let him near it  

The only disappointing thing is no proportional control in either throttle or steering (WTH especially for something that was > Y13,000), and has a huge turning circle. Otherwise it's quite pretty.  

[westfalen]

Just ordered the new Kato D51 from HS when they restocked after the first batch sold out.

Also building up my Japanese loco fleet with an EH200, EH500, another DD51 (you can't have too many) plus two more in Hokutosei colours.

The two Hokutosei DD51's arrived yesterday along with the new 10-831 and 10-832 Hokutosei series 24 cars for them to pull. The DD51's look great and the cars look like new tooling, to me anyway, there seems to be extra interior detail like ladders to the upper berths visible through the windows, destination signs are printed on instead of user applied stickers, both end cars have slots underneath for FL12 function decoders and all cars except the ends have close coupling knuckle couplers.

[HST.]

 I'm waiting for exactly the same to arrive, well, only one DD51, as I already have one, going off your comments, I can't wait!  Also got the D51 and 2 Tomix Oito Line Kiha 52's due.

Dave.

[JGSDF]

Hello together...
now i am prepared for the wintertime....

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Quite a few bits have turned up...

The Tomytec Car Collection 12 has arrived from HS, as well as a small selection of modern sedans from the collection number 10 (just the Teana and Crown models) - which arrived from Japan Model Railways this morning.

Also, two twin packs of cKato container wagons...with the blue containers to add a little more colour to the container train, and the eight-car pack of ENEOS liveried Taki 1000. This now gives me an 11-car tanker train for Yamanouchi Oshika. Perhaps one or two more tanks in the future will give me a very impressive looking train.

[Nozomi]

J.R. Commuter Train Series E233-5000 (Keiyo Line) (Basic 4-Car Set)
J.R. Commuter Train Series E233-5000 (Keiyo Line) (Add-On A 4-Car Set)

My first commuter train from Tomix! Looks cool!

[cteno4]

Hello together...
now i am prepared for the wintertime....

ahh you got the MA Steam snowplow set! isnt it wonderful! i meant to bring mine to the b&o show and run it some last weekend, but forgot. thought it would be very appropriate to run this sort of train in the roundhouse there -- especially as its been soooo cold here lately!

love the motorized rotary plow!

have fun with it.

cheers

jeff