MicroAce

[disturbman]

Yeah, I know, my sense of humour is quite... unique. But I do love the idea that collectible-fever comes from our primitiv self.

[scott]

I do hope our ancestors were not feeding on trains... 

probably the reverse in the 19th century

[disturbman]

For sure Scott, for sure.

Back on topic, MicroAce released today a new poster. In it, some re-issues:
- Keikyu Series 1500 in 8 & 4 cars formation.
- Keikyu Series 1000 in 2 cars formation.
- JR East E501 in 6 (with a 4 cars add-on) & 5 car formation.
- A train I don't know about.
- And the return of the Boso View Express, JR East Series 255 in the usual 9 cars formation.

More details...

I must say I wasn't expected MicroAce to re-release a 255 Key. On set was released in November 2007. This one wears the same serial number of a 2003 released.

And I love this train but I'm allways so disapointed to see that MicroAce didn't bother to use smoked glass for the front window. It's all clear unlike the prototype. :(

[Toni Babelony]

Back on topic, MicroAce released today a new poster. In it, some re-issues:
- Keikyu Series 1500 in 8 & 4 cars formation.
- Keikyu Series 1000 in 2 cars formation.
- JR East E501 in 6 (with a 4 cars add-on) & 5 car formation.
- A train I don't know about.
- And the return of the Boso View Express, JR East Series 255 in the usual 9 cars formation.

That's the Metropolitan Metro (Eidan) 03 Series.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tokyo_Metro_03_series

[disturbman]

Thanks Toni, Metros are not my strongest point.

[Toni Babelony]

Mine neither, but I've ridden the Hibiya-Line often enough to remember this, quite anonymous and dully painted, metro. I rather have the Eidan 6000 Series :3 Was produced by Micro Ace a while ago in both original 1986 and the more recent refurbished version (With the original having fans above every door as airconditioners and doors with small windows still in 2003 IIRC :3 ).

[disturbman]

Micro Ace summer releases are now announced. Lot of suburban trains.

More details...

- Odakyu Series 5000, single arm pantograph (6 cars set)
- JR East Series E231, Sobu Line colors (6 cars set + 4 cars set add-on)
- JR Series 205-1000, early type (4 cars set + 4 cars set add-on)
- JNR Series 101, Akabane Line in yellow livery (8 cars set)

More details...

- Eidan Series 5000, Tozai Line (7 cars set + 3 cars set add-on)
- JNR Series 113, in a mixed Shonan & Yokosuka livery (7 cars set)
- JNR Express Tokaido line 347M, Shonan livery (8 cars and 4 cars set, both motorized)
- Kumoyuni74 + Kumoyu141, Tokaido line in Shonan livery (2 cars set)

[scott]

I don't know whether to be relieved or annoyed that I don't want any of those... 

[disturbman]

Be relieved my friend, be relieved. 

[CaptOblivious]

Relieved, to be sure!!
Finally Micro Ace has stopped releasing items that fit my focus. (Normally, I would relish this situation, but it's frustrating when you can't even begin to afford all these fine releases!) I wish Kato would give it a rest too; they seem to be on a Trains Departing Ueno Station kick lately: Hokutosei, Noto (in many guises), Akebono, Super Hitachi re-release, Cassiopeia re-release. Micro Ace has, since July 2009, announced Fresh Hitachi (got that one!), a 200-series shinkansen, variants on the 185-200, Joban-line 415s, Joban-line E501, Keisei 3000-series (OK, that departs from Keisei-Ueno). Too much!

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Well, I have been thinking about a Sobu line set, so the E231 looks promising! I'm also fascinated by the 347M set

[disturbman]

Finally Micro Ace has stopped releasing items that fit my focus. (Normally, I would relish this situation, but it's frustrating when you can't even begin to afford all these fine releases!)

For sure, I know the feeling. I'm feeling quite relieved that Micro Ace didn't announce a new JR Hokkaido or a JR Shikoku train... I hope they will announce some in the coming months. 

[disturbman]

MicorAce released recently some more views of their upcoming Setouchi Marine View. I must say, this train exterior design/deoration is strange.
- http://www.microace-arii.co.jp/news/sm.html

There is also one page for the new upcoming Tobu trains.
- http://www.microace-arii.co.jp/news/oer9000.html

[bill937ca]

MicorAce released recently some more views of their upcoming Setouchi Marine View. I must say, this train exterior design/deoration is strange.
- http://www.microace-arii.co.jp/news/sm.html

Its just fish and chips or seafood restaurant decor on steel rails!! 

[scott]

MicorAce released recently some more views of their upcoming Setouchi Marine View. I must say, this train exterior design/deoration is strange.

"Ladies and gentlemen, in the event of a water landing..."

[disturbman]

Huge release announcement:

More details...

- Series 813-300 (3-car set)
- Series 813-100/500, Fukuhokuyutaka Line (3-car Set)
- Series 119 in Suruga Shuttle livery (4-car set)
- Series 119 in Tokaï test color (2-car set)
- Series 119-5000 in Kokutetsu revival color (2-car set)

More details...

- Kiya 95 Doctor Tokaï, DR1 and DR2 (3-car sets)
- Kiha 48 Shirakami Resort (runs between Akita & Aormori), in two different livery: Kumagera ((3-car set) & Aoike (4-car set).

More details...

- Kintetsu Series 23000 Ise Shima Liner (6-car sets), two different sets.
- Series 207-900 (10-car set) in a Thanks Series 207 Trip version.
- DD53+ventilator (?) in a track maintenance set.

[jappomania]

Huge release announcement:

- Series 813-300 (3-car set)
- Series 813-100/500, Fukuhokuyutaka Line (3-car Set)
- Series 119 in Suruga Shuttle livery (4-car set)
- Series 119 in Tokaï test color (2-car set)
- Series 119-5000 in Kokutetsu revival color (2-car set)

- Kiya 95 Doctor Tokaï, DR1 and DR2 (3-car sets)
- Kiha 48 Shirakami Resort (runs between Akita & Aormori), in two different livery: Kumagera ((3-car set) & Aoike (4-car set).

- Kintetsu Series 23000 Ise Shima Liner (6-car sets), two different sets.
- Series 207-900 (10-car set) in a Thanks Series 207 Trip version.
- DD53+ventilator (?) in a track maintenance set.

ouch! f...k!
this month is really danger for my heart (and for my C.C.)
2 months without Microace pre-order and now around 1000 euros of items to buy...(poster 2 and 3 excluding 207)
mumble mumble.... it's better I brake, just a little bit

ciao
Massimo

[Toni Babelony]

Microace attacking Greenmax on the 119 Series? Oh dear...

However, finally an affordable model of the DD53 is coming out! The most beautiful diesel engine of JNR ever. World Kougei made one of these as a brass model, but hugely expensive.

[scott]

Those 119s are nice, but at those prices, I think I can resist....

[disturbman]

Those 119s are nice, but at those prices, I think I can resist....

And I thought that, at around Yen 7800, the 2-car set were cheap. 

[westfalen]

It's amusing to look at these release announcements from Japanese manufacturers then go over to Trainboard where there is a discussion going on to guess what Kato's one passenger train for this year will be.

[disturbman]

Today, HS restock some items:
- Series 183 Azusa (9-car set)
- Keisei 3200 Series (4-car set)
- Odakyu 2400 Series (4-car set) a weird looking train with front cars slightly shorter than the midle ones.

But tomorow (04/17/10) MicroAce should release its upgraded version of the 283 Series Ocean Arrow.

[Toni Babelony]

- Odakyu 2400 Series (4-car set) a weird looking train with front cars slightly shorter than the midle ones.

Yeah! Front cars 16m and middle-cars 19m O_o what a strange combination...

[cteno4]

#@%! i had missed the Dr. Tokai on that poster when i first looked at it! was not able to stop the mouse hand from clicking the pre-order button. at least now with HS doing sal its not quite as painful, especially with the 20% off still happening....

cheers

jeff

[SONIC883]

Both Series 813 preordered!

[scott]

According to HS, Micro Ace is releasing a couple of nice 4-car 107 series sets, but at almost $150 each, I think I'll just live with my recent Kato pre-orders. :-P

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10105414

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10105415

[disturbman]

MA just release a bunch of sets. One of them is a 485-1000 limited express in Viva Aizu livery. I think it's the first time I see such an 80s/90s livery and I quite like it. I must resist the urge to click and buy this one on Popondetta.

Images at HS

[KenS]

That's a nice looking train, but I can't find anything about it online.  Anyone know where/when it was used?

Update: a little googling tells me that "The Series 485 Viva Aizu connects Koriyama on the Tohoku Shinkansen with Aizu Wakamatsu, a fairly large city in the interior of Fukushima Prefecture." (JRTR article), but the machine translated description on HS mentioned Ueno.

So my question really is, did this train operate into Ueno Station in Tokyo, or only well to the north of Tokyo?

[westfalen]

In 1997 I rode it from Aizu-Wakamatsu to Koriyama. It ran only between those two towns to give Aizu-Wakamatsu a connection with the Tohoku Shinkansen.

[disturbman]

If I understood this page correctly, the Viva Aizu service  was created in 1993 when the opening of the Yamagata Shinkansen made a direct connection between Ueno and Aizu-Wakamatsu unecessary. The service seems to have been abandoned at the end of 2002.

[KenS]

Darn, not a Tokyo train.  My budget is thankful; the rest of me is disappointed. 

Thanks for the info.

[CaptOblivious]

Darn, not a Tokyo train.  My budget is thankful; the rest of me is disappointed.  

Thanks for the info.

The Viva Aizu pictured was the 1993 livery, used for only one year. It was replaced with the Aizu Akabei livery (available for preorder now), still in use. Service ran from Ueno to Koriyama to Aizu Wakamatsu. In 2002, the service to Ueno was discontinued, but Aizu - Koriyama service continues (if you have any doubt, check the Aizu webcam!). Service to Ueno is still provided on select summer weekends as a Joyful train service, as I understand it.

[KenS]

Interesting. The Akabei livery doesn't look as good to me as the Viva Aizu, and 1993 is a bit early for the period I'm modeling. But that's only approximate. Hmm...maybe I could justify the Viva Aizu after all...

[CaptOblivious]

Wait, my mistake.

The silver/black paint scheme appears to have been in use for over a decade, from 1993 to 2005 or 2006, when they were repainted in the Akabei paint scheme. So maybe that is current enough for you?

refs:
http://www.uraken.net/rail/kokutetsu/485aizu.html
http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/%E3%81%82%E3%81%84%E3%81%A5

[disturbman]

I'd say 1993 to 2005 when the service was tranformed the first Aizu Liner livery appeared (http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10052635). But well, I can be mistaken. This whole affair sounds very complicated.

[KenS]

The silver/black paint scheme appears to have been in use for over a decade, from 1993 to 2005 or 2006, when they were repainted in the Akabei paint scheme. So maybe that is current enough for you?

Early 2000's are close enough for me. It's all your fault then. 

One just showed up on HS and I ordered it (it's gone back to "waiting list"; perhaps they just received one more than their pre-orders).  I'm going to have to exercise some restraint next month. June has really been over the top.

But I'd been wanting a 183/185/189/483/485/489 of some kind for a while now.  It's a classic, and distinctively "Japanese" to me, design.  I just hadn't been excited by most of the paint schemes ("Retro JNR" just doesn't do it for me).

[disturbman]

I'm jealous, hopefully I still my beautiful 2005 version of the Aizu Liner (well, that's my avatar) and I do agree, the 485 is a classic and a distinctively "Japanese" design. And I don think I need another one even if I'll be soon the proud owner of three different 781 set.

[disturbman]

Well well... MicroAce keeps rereleasing old sets. Today's posters announce the return of the Doraemon Train, Series 117 in JR Central livery, Keihan series 3000 and 8000, JR Kyushu Sea Side Liner (Kiha 66) among other things.

More details...

More details...

[Martijn Meerts]

I guess they're running out of unique trains :) It's good that they're doing re-runs of popular trains though, means more people can get the trains they really want, without having to sell organs to afford them.

(I've always been against people buying limited edition trains purely for the sake of making a profit on them later on)

[CaptOblivious]

There are plenty of unique trains left...where's the new Skyliner? No-one has done a model of that "disco train" that came up in another thread ("Yuutori"? Maybe?). There are others I am waiting for, but I can't recall them off the top of my head. Plenty of trains waiting to be modeled!

[Martijn Meerts]

I'm sure they'll continue to do one-offs. But with all the economic blahblah, I guess they want to play it safe, and re-releasing models that they know are going to sell well is a good way to get in some extra cash.

[Toni Babelony]

There are plenty of unique trains left...where's the new Skyliner? No-one has done a model of that "disco train" that came up in another thread ("Yuutori"? Maybe?).

That would be the "Resort Express Yuu"! (For me "Disco Fever Express Super Turbo Liner 3000", or something like that.)



For some trains I don't see the point of a rerun, but what the hell. Reruns are always good.

[westfalen]

There are plenty of unique trains left...where's the new Skyliner? No-one has done a model of that "disco train" that came up in another thread ("Yuutori"? Maybe?). There are others I am waiting for, but I can't recall them off the top of my head. Plenty of trains waiting to be modeled!

There's B Train Shorty http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10121203 and Tomy versions http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10115913 coming. We're just in the wrong scale.

[disturbman]

Ahaha! New items announced. A manufacturer is finally preparing a release of the JR East Kiha E130! :) Finally something to mix with a Kiha 110 in a consist. :) I guess Don is going to be happy... Geil!

[Fenway Park]

Hi,

Micro Ace have announced their intentions for April 2011 for more details see ngi.blog.eonet.jp

The list is comprehensive

115 series -300

JNR 181

EF10 including the stainless steel variant if my translation is correct

Kintetsu 5000 double deck?

C60

C61

plus coach set for above Northern Honshu region

167 School train

JNR 181 EMU

Kiha 40

Kiha 183

C11 190 and 304: C11 190 is at the Oigawa Railway according to MA while C11 304 is a wartime variant preserved in the Saitama Prefecture.

First impressions a more interesting list but why are the C11s the same price as the C60/C61?

[bikkuri bahn]

First impressions a more interesting list but why are the C11s the same price as the C60/C61?

Marketing decision?  Anyway, I reckon the design/tooling costs are not much different for these tiny globs of polystyrene, especially if they share the same mechanicals.

[Fenway Park]

Hi
When Micro Ace first brought out their model of the C11 it came with a wagon.  The next production run did not include the wagon.

The price increase for the April steam locos makes them more expensive than Kato's brand new D51. On current exchange rates it would mean the C11 retailing in the region of £110 once VAT and Customs Duty are included.

Micro Ace's version of the C11 is far better than Kato's.

It's good to see Micro Ace returning to steam locos again. Hopefully, 2011 will see others reissued.

[westfalen]

Hi
When Micro Ace first brought out their model of the C11 it came with a wagon.  The next production run did not include the wagon.

The price increase for the April steam locos makes them more expensive than Kato's brand new D51. On current exchange rates it would mean the C11 retailing in the region of £110 once VAT and Customs Duty are included.

Micro Ace's version of the C11 is far better than Kato's.

It's good to see Micro Ace returning to steam locos again. Hopefully, 2011 will see others reissued.

A C12 would be nice.

[Toni Babelony]

Posters are out!

http://microace-arii.co.jp/poster/img/10_11_1.jpg
http://microace-arii.co.jp/poster/img/10_11_2.jpg

And hot damn! Two versions of the Keihan 5000 Series! A 5-door icon of the Kansai. And the Kintetsu 10000 Series Vista Car in old and new livery. Awesome!

But, wait... Just look at the prices! It's MicroAce all right, but still they seem pretty steep, even for MicroAce. I wonder why they just don't do updated reruns of some items in this time of crisis.

[KenS]

Micro Ace is re-releasing the East-i D and East-i E inspection trains in June, and HS has them up for reservations:

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10068779
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10068771