What did you order or the post deliver? (HO and other scales)

[bikkuri bahn]

Just ordered this:

source:http://www.1999.co.jp/10121679

It's a suro 43 second class (in the old class system) coach, with swingover (perhaps) seating.  Fitted with electric train heating capability, they were used in express and semi-express services in the early to mid sixties, especially on the Tohoku main line.  I had my eye on this coach for a while, but a check today saw most outlets sold out of this type, but I managed to snag one.  The maker, A class, is a small firm, so who knows if they will have a re-run.  Plus most fans even here in Japan likely don't even know this type exists (it's a member of the JNR suha 32 class family).  Anyway, green car type coaches are uncommon in plastic, so I figure it's a good get.

[marknewton]

Very nice! I have an A class Mani 36 brakevan, which is a lovely model. I think you'll be every pleased with your Suro 43, BB.

All the best,

Mark.

[marknewton]

The Kato C56 turned up today, can't run it until I go to the club next weekend, but it certainly looks nice. Since then I've ordered these:

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10094417
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10003671

Cheers,

Mark.

[marknewton]

My Tomix 153 series EMU turned up today, it looks superb. I'm booked off today, so I'm off to the club tonight to give it a run, along with my new Kato C56. And I'll take my camera, as well! 

Cheers,

Mark.

[harukablue]

Im waiting or TOMIX HO EH500  3rd Series, HO EF210-0 and this lovely repainted KATO HO DE10 in JRF colours,

Lew

[marknewton]

Very fruity! 

Cheers,

Mark.

[Nick_Burman]

HO Tenshodo Toshiba Steeplecab. Unsure which version (see other post for full story). I still have to figure out what I'm going to do with it...guess I'll have to get a string of WaMu 80000s for it to pull...

The reality is that I have developed a reputation as a "xiite" as far as scale is concerned (I keep blasting Frateschi for its insistence on making "not-quite-HO-scale" stuff) and I find #16 gauge (as the Japanese refer to it) rather hard to swallow as it means backtracking on my personal convictions (I don't have such qualms with Japanese N scale though). However #12 gauge (1:87 scale, 12mm gauge) is prohibitively expensive (and physically inaccessible) so there is a question mark hanging in the air. So far I've been leaning towards N scale...how do you other HOers handle the psychology of such a discrepancy (if you bother with it at all, that is...)?


Cheers NB

[harukablue]

Ok we all know 1/80 is far more expensive than N but there may be one or two locos a year in 1/80 and the freight cars have reduced in price drastically, so i probably spend as much as I would doing N on my 1/80. I amit finescale is very expensive.

[bikkuri bahn]

I'm not sure what you mean by discrepancy, but I grew up playing with N scale trains, but the size and tradeoffs in realism (perhaps proportion would be more accurate) turned me off as an adult.  But the main reason I prefer HO scale is the prototype I'm interested in- JNR in the sixties.  This era in general is well represented in HO, and it allows shorter yet interesting trains (mixed freight mainly).  Also, I like steam and loco-hauled stock.  Modern era I have little interest in as a model- I just go outside to see the real thing. I suppose if I was into EMUs and modern era/shinkansen, N scale would be the ticket.  I accept the 16mm gauge compromise, IMO the size of the rail rather than its width compromises realism more.  Finally, I'm a bit of a hobby hoarder- the temptation to buy as many pieces of rolling stock as possible would hit me in N scale- the fewer offerings and higher prices of HO impose some discipline on me.

[Nick_Burman]

By discrepancy I mean scale/gauge discrepancy, 1:80/16.5mm versus the correct (but, ouch, expensive) 1:87/12mm. Locally I'm a known supporter for correct scale/gauge relations so I find #16 gauge hard to swallow.

Edit: the loco is none of the versions I thought - it's the Keisei blue loco.



Cheers NB

[catcliffedemon]

Yeah, that 3.125mm difference between 1:87 HO track and the scale 1:80 13.375mm is something I would find hard to live with. I'm a 'P4' modeller when it comes to my British outline model railways, so building track doesn't faze me, but I'm wondering whether the Kato, Tomix, Micro-Ace and other manufacturer's equipment is suitable for operation on correctly scaled track without major surgery. I'm used to pulling wheels out a couple of millimetres, not pushing them in!

I'm quite impressed with availability of HO JR models nowadays. When I frst looked a few years ago there was hardly anything. I think the only thing missing that I would really like is a KiHa 40.

[bikkuri bahn]

I think the only thing missing that I would really like is a KiHa 40.

MicroAce released an HO kiha40 a few years ago (OOP now):
http://www.microace-arii.co.jp/release/product_HO/kiha40.htm

As for the gauge issue, each person has his preferences/standards, as it should be.  I look at it this way, N scale has the smallness that allows elaborate operations and large quantities of rolling stock, with a sacrifice in close-up detail and what can be called "presence".  It seems alot of layouts in N are built to be seen from a higher viewing angle, in keeping with its operational emphasis.  OTOH, HO allows each individual piece of rolling stock to be savored (freight cars are especially nice in this respect), but it's size prevents massive operations.  This lends itself to being more of an eye-level scale, rather than an birds eye view scale.  And from eye level (from the side that is), you can't tell whether the gauge is off or not.  I just choose to ignore the discrepancy, much like the lack of a real horizon on a layout.

[catcliffedemon]

Thanks for that, I'll have to see if I can find one secondhand. I've got a real thing for these single-car DMUs.

I totally agree on the gauge issue. I'm looking forward to getting my hands on some Japanese HO and seeing what is possible.

[harukablue]

You see the odd microace 40 on yahoo Japan, but there are other single car Diesel units by Micro Ace and Tenshodo,

http://page15.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/t189654132

http://page22.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/l75267609

http://page6.auctions.yahoo.co.jp/jp/auction/f94017171

[Nick_Burman]

I think the only thing missing that I would really like is a KiHa 40.

  This lends itself to being more of an eye-level scale, rather than an birds eye view scale.  And from eye level (from the side that is), you can't tell whether the gauge is off or not.  I just choose to ignore the discrepancy, much like the lack of a real horizon on a layout.

Hmm, satisfactory compromise!

My steeplecab has been posted by my friend in Rio, should be docking tomorrow or the day after. Now for a few wamuhachis and a "Yo" to go along with it...

Cheers NB

[marknewton]

Something like this, eh Nick? 



Cheers,

Mark.

[marknewton]

how do you other HOers handle the psychology of such a discrepancy (if you bother with it at all, that is...)?

Easy. I don't give it much thought! 

Joking aside I agree with BikkuriBahn's comments regarding HO vs N scale. If I was starting out modelling now, and wanted to model a big chunk of railway, I'd definitely be working in N scale. But HO is what I'm used to, and I prefer to model a small portion of a railway in detail, and focus on the operations of a single location. As BB says, HO lends itself well to that style of modelling. I don't personally regard Japanese HO as expensive, but then again I don't plan on having a huge fleet either.

Cheers,

Mark.

[Nick_Burman]

Something like this, eh Nick? 


Cheers,

Mark.

You got it! However I would stick to the Aclass WaMus as I'm more inclined towards modelling the 1960's - Kato's are models of the last batch built (28xxxxx) from the mid 1970's.

My loco has arrived - suuuuuuugoooooooooiiiiiiii neeeeeeee!!!!!!

For me HO or N doesn't matter, I bought this loco on a whim (I still don't know what I'm going to do with it!) most likely because I was looking for something different to purchase. I live in an apartment, so N scale would make more sense, I already have some Japanese N scale (Tomytec and M-A) which makes things easier. I don't want a big chunk of railway either (managing a small chunk is already tough enough!), as far as Japanese modelling is concerned I'm focusing more on rural private railways. And I've imposed myself a 4-car limit on MU set size (or at least nothing much larger than the Nagaden ex-Odajyu Romance Car).

Cheers NB

[bikkuri bahn]

Just ordered from Tenshodo's Rakuten site, a couple of these:

source: http://item.rakuten.co.jp/tenshodo/10257016/

I think these will look good at the head end of a two or three coach oha consist pulled by a C58 or (in my dream) a C55, a la Soya Main Line circa early 1970's.

[marknewton]

You got it! However I would stick to the Aclass WaMus as I'm more inclined towards modelling the 1960's - Kato's are models of the last batch built (28xxxxx) from the mid 1970's.

Thanks Nick, I didn't know that. I have a couple of the Aclass Wamus now, they're very nice models.

Cheers,

Mark.

[marknewton]

I think these will look good at the head end of a two or three coach oha consist pulled by a C58 or (in my dream) a C55, a la Soya Main Line circa early 1970's.

I'm sure they will look nice, bb. As for dreaming about a C55, why not? What's that song from "South Pacific"? 

Cheers,

Mark.

[Nick_Burman]

You got it! However I would stick to the Aclass WaMus as I'm more inclined towards modelling the 1960's - Kato's are models of the last batch built (28xxxxx) from the mid 1970's.

Thanks Nick, I didn't know that. I have a couple of the Aclass Wamus now, they're very nice models.

Cheers,

Mark.

Mark, Aclass has almost all build versions of the wamuhachis including the sheet glass carrier (but excluding the cars converted into reefers).

Cheers NB

[bikkuri bahn]

As for dreaming about a C55...

I found out, after looking at an old copy of RM Models, that Tenshodo did release the C55/C57 in their plastic 16.5mm range back in 2005 or 2006.  Unfortunately I wasn't into Japanese HO back then.  Hopefully they will do a rerun, as well as a rerun of the kiha 20 series

[bikkuri bahn]

Reserved a motorised and trailer version of the kiha 52 railcar (MicroAce).  Seems the trailer version is sold out already (not taking reservations) at many internet retailers.  While at Mach Mokei in Osaka a couple of weeks ago, overheard the proprietor say release has been delayed by the recent earthquake/tsunami.

http://www.1999.co.jp/image/10122068b2/30/2

[bikkuri bahn]

Recent pickup at a bricks and mortar store (can't find on any on sale on the net anymore), a "Kairyu" brand (aka Bachmann China) Ohafu 61, this being the rolling stock converted from wood bodied coaches post-war, and used mainly on secondary main Lines:


source: http://tetumo.com/SyosaiShow/100/0400041411801

It seems the brake versions (the "fu" in ohafu) of older loco-hauled coaches sell out quickly- I suppose they produce fewer quantities, reflecting the prototype numbers. The one I got was the Hirosaki version, the last one at the store (in fact it was the display model).

[marknewton]

I found out, after looking at an old copy of RM Models, that Tenshodo did release the C55/C57 in their plastic 16.5mm range back in 2005 or 2006.  Unfortunately I wasn't into Japanese HO back then.  Hopefully they will do a rerun...

If they do, I'll probably get one myself, I think the C57s are a very handsome loco.

Cheers,

Mark.

[marknewton]

Recent pickup at a bricks and mortar store (can't find on any on sale on the net anymore), a "Kairyu" brand (aka Bachmann China) Ohafu 61,

Good score, that's a very nice looking car.

I picked up some unexpected extra cash this week, so I've ordered some more freight car kits from HS.





And I got a couple of packages the other day, containing a pair of Hollywood foundry "Bullant" drives, and some Tomix pantographs. I'm hoping to clear some accrued annual leave next month, so I can devote some time to modelling without having work to distract me! 

Cheers,

Mark.

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Much to my huge suprise, the Kato H0 DE10 I had given up on from Gaugemaster was presented to me on Friday. I am astonished how many detailing parts go on these things; but it is a really nice model and will keep the JRF liveried example company!

[harukablue]

Much to my huge suprise, the Kato H0 DE10 I had given up on from Gaugemaster was presented to me on Friday. I am astonished how many detailing parts go on these things; but it is a really nice model and will keep the JRF liveried example company!

Ive found my blue DE10 now :)

[JRF-1935]

I Have the Blue and White Tomix DE10 with plows in N scale  -  was also surprised at the amount of detail parts.  Hope you enjoy yours as much as I do mine   
Rich C

[harukablue]

Mines an HO repaint :) amazing you think it had been factory done :)

[JRF-1935]

Mines original - quite rare, and runs "extremely" well for her age  ;-)
Did manage to get all the detail parts on tho - came with sheet brass number boards - never saw that before - glad I didn't muck those up!
Rich C

[marknewton]

Just got the email notification that these sructure kits are in stock.

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10143832

Cheers,

Mark.

[rankodd]

Just got the email notification that these sructure kits are in stock.

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10143832

Cheers,

Mark.

And they appear to be out again.

[Claude_Dreyfus]

I must be insane! I have discovered that Kato still have some H0 D51s at their warehouse, so have put in a tentative order with my local shop. This could make me very poor...

Wait and see!

[marknewton]

Is that a typo? Did you mean DD51s? Or are we talking 2-8-2 steam locos? Coz if that's the case I 'd love one! 

Who are you going to order it through?

Cheers,

Mark.

[Claude_Dreyfus]

Is that a typo? Did you mean DD51s? Or are we talking 2-8-2 steam locos? Coz if that's the case I 'd love one! 

Who are you going to order it through?

Cheers,

Mark.

Not a typo...it is the 2-8-2 steam loco.

The order has been placed with Gaugemaster in the UK, who have a mixed reputation in getting stuff in. That said, they did eventually get my DE10 and have not rejected this order out of hand, so there is a chance...and it is showing as 'in stock' at Kato.

No guarentee that they will get one for me, but is certainly worth a try...

http://www.gaugemaster.com/item_details.asp?code=K1-202

[Mudkip Orange]

In the last month or so I've accumulated a ton of HO vehicles. Thinking I might do an HO diorama.

When I first got into Japanese trains in '03, we were at 120 yen to the dollar. I just don't see making huge Japanese N purchases while the yen is at 75.

[marknewton]

Apparently these are on their way to me:



Cheers,

Mark.

[bikkuri bahn]

That's a nice one there, Mark (Tramway taki 35000). Which version did you get?- the JOT, Nisseki/Mitsu/Shell/Mobil, or the jet fuel (JP8) version for US airbases?

[Martijn Meerts]

Ordered this fella: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10105422

Also tempted to order a couple more PG Gundams, seeing as they've restocked them. I really should finish the ones I already have though (PG, MG and HG) before getting new ones ;)

Also, should probably not buy all that much the coming months. Really planning on heading to Japan in 2012 (probably around autumn.)

[marknewton]

That's a nice one there, Mark (Tramway taki 35000). Which version did you get?- the JOT, Nisseki/Mitsu/Shell/Mobil, or the jet fuel (JP8) version for US airbases?

The Nisseki/Mitsu/Shell/Mobil version. I wondered what the story was with the cars listed as "US Military use". Are these common?

Cheers,

Mark.

[bikkuri bahn]

They are used on trains from Tsurumi to the Yokota AB.  There was a thread about this:
http://www.jnsforum.com/index.php/topic,3826.0.html

These trains have a checkered history, in 1967 a train of these tankers derailed and blew up at Shinjuku Station (at that time the destination was Tachikawa Air Base), which led to more Japanese opposition to the Vietnam War, and increased railway union aggravation.

[Nick_Burman]

They are used on trains from Tsurumi to the Yokota AB.  There was a thread about this:
http://www.jnsforum.com/index.php/topic,3826.0.html

These trains have a checkered history, in 1967 a train of these tankers derailed and blew up at Shinjuku Station (at that time the destination was Tachikawa Air Base), which led to more Japanese opposition to the Vietnam War, and increased railway union aggravation.

Apart from growing rail congestion in central Tokyo, I wonder if this incident had any bearing in the creation of the Musashino Line.


Cheers NB

[bikkuri bahn]

They are used on trains from Tsurumi to the Yokota AB.  There was a thread about this:
http://www.jnsforum.com/index.php/topic,3826.0.html

These trains have a checkered history, in 1967 a train of these tankers derailed and blew up at Shinjuku Station (at that time the destination was Tachikawa Air Base), which led to more Japanese opposition to the Vietnam War, and increased railway union aggravation.

Apart from growing rail congestion in central Tokyo, I wonder if this incident had any bearing in the creation of the Musashino Line.


Cheers NB

No doubt it further emphasized the need for separation of freight and passenger traffic, but the idea of a peripheral freight bypass route originated in the 1920's, was delayed by the war, and actual construction began in 1964.  The Mikawashima accident of 1962 and the Tsurumi accident the following year, which involved collisions between freight and passenger trains, probably was on the mind of many, and while the direct result was the introduction of ATS on eventually all lines, there certainly was an awareness of getting freight off the tracks of the commuter lines as much as possible.

[marknewton]

They are used on trains from Tsurumi to the Yokota AB.  There was a thread about this:These trains have a checkered history, in 1967 a train of these tankers derailed and blew up at Shinjuku Station (at that time the destination was Tachikawa Air Base), which led to more Japanese opposition to the Vietnam War, and increased railway union aggravation.

I must have missed that thread - I was surprised to learn that the USAF still maintain a presence in Tokyo. So I'm glad I chose the Nisseki/Mitsu/Shell/Mobil version, as I assume they wouldn't be restricted to running in one area like the jet fuel version.

Cheers,

Mark.

[bikkuri bahn]

So I'm glad I chose the Nisseki/Mitsu/Shell/Mobil version, as I assume they wouldn't be restricted to running in one area like the jet fuel version

Yes, the JP8 version is a rather specific model, you wouldn't see them outside southern Kanto.

[marknewton]

Good to know I made the right choice! 

It's funny, when I look back at my US modelling days I had no interest in anything past the mid 1950s, and yet these tankers immediately appealed to me. I realise they date from 1966, but part of their appeal is their quite modern appearance.

Cheers,

Mark.

[bikkuri bahn]

I realise they date from 1966, but part of their appeal is their quite modern appearance.

Yes, though their centered "domes", and intermediate length make them look not out of place on a layout with steam, in addition to their black color.  It seems most tank car offerings in HO are of contemporary designs and colors, which is fine, but not my area of interest modelwise.

[John P Boogerd]

My first HO items arrived from Plaza Japan yesterday - what a great dealer - beautifully packed and here in a week.  I got a Kato EF65 with a 4-pack of Type 20 sleeping cars, a 2-pack of container cars and a tank car.