The Introduction Thread...

[The_Ghan]

Hello

I'm new to the forum.. I'm from Malaysia. I used to lived in Japan for 5 years. Railroad modeling is 1 of my hobby. My collection mostly from KATO and TOMIX. Nice to know about this forum.

Well?  You're nick is a conversation stopper, that's for sure!   

Cheers

The_Ghan

[Bernard]

Hi thugs or die......welcome to the forum. Is it hard to get Japanese trains in Malaysia?

[likeablerodent]

Hello, everyone!

I've lived in Japan for a few years now. I'm more on the side of photographing and riding current trains and searching out old ones, though even though I don't do train modeling myself I think people who do it are pretty cool 

Nice to meet you all!

[Dani]

Hello, everyone!

I've lived in Japan for a few years now. I'm more on the side of photographing and riding current trains and searching out old ones, though even though I don't do train modeling myself I think people who do it are pretty cool 

Nice to meet you all!

Welcome!!! We are not cool, just poor junkies. This world of little trains is like a drug, and this forum even more...    I landed here like one year ago, and I continue logging in daily!!!

Nice to meet you!
Dani.

[Bernard]

Hello, everyone!

I've lived in Japan for a few years now. I'm more on the side of photographing and riding current trains and searching out old ones, though even though I don't do train modeling myself I think people who do it are pretty cool 

Nice to meet you all!

Hey as long as you like trains have fun here.....members here enjoy railfanning also....so enjoy and welcome to the forum!

[The_Ghan]

Hello, everyone!

I've lived in Japan for a few years now. I'm more on the side of photographing and riding current trains and searching out old ones, though even though I don't do train modeling myself I think people who do it are pretty cool 

Nice to meet you all!

Welcome LabRat and thanks for the compliment.  We'd like to see some of your photos as they help with modelling scenery and the like.

Cheers

The_Ghan

[likeablerodent]

Nice to meet you all!

We'd like to see some of your photos as they help with modelling scenery and the like.

Cheers

The_Ghan

Actually, recently I've been putting more effort into videos than photos. Over in the Prototypes, pictures and videos board I already posted three videos I've made on old rail in Hokkaido.

Last summer I also spent a few months making a video of a local line where I live in Fukushima, so I'll go throw that one up too in case anyone is interested.

Speaking of Fukushima, I'm kind of surprised to have come across some discussions on the Aizu Liner (I personally call it the Akabeko-mobile). I didn't realize that it was so popular.

Anyway, if anyone needs photos of anything specific in the area, I'd be happy to oblige.

[CaptOblivious]

likeablerodent, welcome! I like all kinds of rodents, is there one in particular you are alluding to?

thugs_or_die, great to see you posting! You signed up like three years ago and never posted anything, so: welcome!

[likeablerodent]

likeablerodent, welcome! I like all kinds of rodents, is there one in particular you are alluding to?

None in particular. It's just a handle I chose out of the blue many years ago.

[JRF-1935]

Welcome - I really like that handle !
Rich C

[mwsteele]

Wish I noticed this thread sooner.

When I was younger I got bought a couple of N-scale cars, never did anything with them. Finally pulled them out 17 years later and got interested in model trains and now I'm starting my first layout. My interest in Japan comes primarily from studies, I study History and Asian studies double major in school so most of my studies concerns eastern Asia.

[Transalpen]

Greetings J train buddies
I just joined this forum and thought I'd introduce myself.  I live in Adelaide, Australia but previously spent 4 years living in Japan.  Just before I left I bought a Kato Nozomi set on a whim as it struck a chord with my earlier days when I was mad keen on all things railway related.  After years stored away I pulled the Nozomi set out and started building a simple loop layout on a hollow-core door to give it a run.  Since then the layout has grown to include a more complex inner loop, junction, sidings and operating turntable.  I've spent $$$ at Hobby Search an built up a decent fleet of rollong stock with a general theme more towards 1950s-70s steam and early diesel and electric with plenty of freight.  Recently started building some Greenmax structures and getting into detailing (even though I haven't quite finshed all the track ;-).  I love modelling the Japanese prototype - not just because I lived there but because its so different to the US or UK stuff that proliforates.  The 3'6" gauge, the vast variety of unusual locos and rolling stock and the quality and affordibility of the models all appeals.  If anyone's interested I'll try to post some images or youtube of the layout under construction.

[The_Ghan]

Hey Transalpen,

Well, I think you've found your second home.  This place is Japanese Rail heaven, mate.  I don't know of any other members here from Adelaide, but there are certainly three in Sydney, two in QLD and a couple in Victoria that I know about.

It sounds like you've been collecting for a while.  Hope you enjoy it here.

Cheers

The_Ghan

[Martijn Meerts]

Some people call it Japanese Rail heaven, others call it fuel on the flames of addiction ... I guess both describe the forum quite well :)


And welcome to all those recently signed up 

[The_Ghan]

Nah,

He's already blown his money Martijn.  There's only "heaven" left ...

Cheers

The_Ghan

[Amika]

This is my first post - better get to it.

I'm from Michigan (USA).
I have mostly Tomix & Kato trains with a few Micro Ace thrown in (all n scale).

I have a collection of kit buildings going, but no space for a layout.
One day I'll have that hobby space I've been dreaming of - hehe

I prefer city buildings (city layouts with skyscrapers etc.).
My guy prefers rural japan layouts (temples, wood frame houses etc).

I've never been interested in recreating a specific rail line or city/village.
I have way more fun just putting my own spin on things.

I guess that is the basics :)
I'm looking forward to reading thru the forum & getting to know everyone.

[Martijn Meerts]

Welcome Amika :)

I guess we have people here who like to be prototypical, others not so much, some like cityscapes, others prefer rural setting, some have quite a bit of space, others not so much.. You'll fit right in =)

[Bernard]

Amika - Welcome to the forum! There is nothing wrong with putting your own spin on things, it can make things interesting. Space can be a problem with layouts.....how about building a small module that you can latter add to a larger layout in the future?

[The_Ghan]

Hi Amika,

This is truely a global group.  There are even a few of us from the land downunder.

With the amount of money we spend on this hobby I think it's only fair to have fun any way you want.

Enjoy

Cheers

The_Ghan

[dennis39]

hello,

my name is  Dennis & i have a katsumi model train, that i don't  know about train.



dennis



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[dennis39]

better pics.



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[bikkuri bahn]

Dennis, what you got there is a model of Taiwan's first steam locomotive, nicknamed "Touun" (rising cloud?). It was manufactured for a pre-colonial railway in the Taipei area by the German firm Hohenzollern. The model is made in Japan by well-known model company Katsumi, but it appears to be a Taiwan marketed item, as the description plate is in Chinese, though I can make out the meaning of many of the characters. The prototype still exists, and is on display in a museum in Taiwan.

[dennis39]

thank you very much, bikkuri bahn.

The owner of this train have pass on & he had the biggest architecture firm in taiwan. He also lived part of the year in Hawaii with his wife. My wife & I were their caretakers when they are in Hawaii. He also left me alot of chinese arts that gives me a big headache trying to learn more about the items. But it makes me happy when kind people like "bikkuri bahn" helps me with infomation.  im glad to know something now about the train.Thank You


 
Dennis Molina

[dennis39]

Bikkuri bahn,

Can this type of train have a engine & be able to run on train rails. It looks boring as a display trian only.

Dennis

[bikkuri bahn]

Bikkuri bahn,

Can this type of train have a engine & be able to run on train rails. It looks boring as a display trian only.

Dennis

As it appears to be a display model it likely does not have a motor.  You can check the underside plate, unscrew it, and see the innards.  Of course, it can likely be modified to run.  More experienced modelers on this forum can give you more detailed advice.

[dennis39]

   Bikkuri bahn,

I check under train & it does not seem to have a engine. I'll just used it as a display & I also don't what to damage it in case of value. I check in (web) on katsumi brass trains & found brass trains are expensive & collectibles items. The bad part of it is, I don't read chinese or know a lot about chinese history. I also spent 2 years learning about chinese arts on my computer(web). I guess its an architect type of person who enjoys building models. I am more of a computer type of person who enjoys anything that relate with electronics. So far I learn that brass trains are very collectible in japan, due to the skill it took make a brass train  & were also design by well known architect. In other parts of the world, model train were mostly made of plastic, but there were some made in brass.  Maybe one day I'll meet someone who will enjoy this model train more than me & he have something that I'll enjoy more than him.


Dennis

[pudgym29]

Hello. I am Steve De Rose. I reside in Chicago, IL., U.S.A. [41.9389, -87.7468] I have many diverse interests. Electric railways, and Japan, are two of them. I was put onto this forum while searching for Keikyu's discount tickets in Kanagawa Prefecture. I was piercing in from a more direct angle, as I have a physical copy of a pamphlet I scarfed from the Keikyu information kiosk at Haneda Airport's International Terminal station. That is where I landed in Tokyo on my most recent trip (December 2011). I have been to Tokyo and Yokohama eight times since December 2005. I began taking photographs of trains and venues there in May 2009.
I maintain several non-commercial World-Wide Web pages, with this being my introduction page. The URL to which I link in my profile is my regular bookmark page.
I have public accounts on Twitter, and Foursquare, to name two.
A sentence about my style. If a forum gives me font and color options, I will exercise those options. If Keikyu can paint one of its consists Sky Blue instead of red, I should be allowed to emulate it. I like to break up the monotony of Verdana, black, size 3 responses; especially if I have hyperlinks in the body of my post.
I thank you very much.

[The_Ghan]

hey pudgym29,

Welcome to JNS.  Since you like to use colour there is no surprise that you chose green text for your first post.  Clever.  I also checked out your intro page and quickly discovered the reason for the red background.  Also clever.  I like a thinking man.  I seem to sit and think a lot myself.  Well, I'm quite jealous of your many recent trips to Japan.  Perhaps you can share some photos of your adventures, and the trains, in the appropriate sections here.

Welcome aboard mate.

Cheers

The_Ghan

[bikkuri bahn]

Hello pudgym29.  Welcome to the forum.  I enjoyed perusing your bookmarks page- two businesses you reference in Yokohama, Thrash Zone, and Guest House Kanalian, are in the same neighborhood as my mother's family home. I agree with you about the comments section of Japan Today.

[nemesis4]

Hi all,
I'm Rebecca from the Netherlands. I've been interested in modeltrains for years, especially n scale.
Last year I spent my second holiday in Japan, and now I'm interested in Japanese model trains :D

All my plans for modelling are still in the planning stage, so I read a lot of forums and like to look at other people's layouts.

Greetings, Rebecca aka Nemesis4

[Bernard]

Rebecca aka nemesis4  - Welcome to the forum and the planning stage is a great way to start with any layout.....if you have any plans that you are thinking of building why don't you post them at the forum......the members here are very friendly and helpful!

[Densha]

@Rebecca
Hey, even more Dutch people!
Nice to meet you.

[The_Ghan]

Welcome Nemesis4,

Hope you enjoy the forum.

Cheers

The_Ghan

[workslikemagic]

Hello, Patrick, from Paris, France.
Travelled extensively in japan for many years (still do but less often in japan), started a small collection after a farewell gift from my team in Japan who saw the closet otaku in me (tomix yamanot basic set) ;)
All tomix track, a couple kato shinkansens (e5 and 700). I m on a budget but see this as a long term fun hobby.
I build my temporary track almost weekly with my 2 yr old son, he loves it as much as i do !

[The_Ghan]

Nice to meet you workslikemagic,

Welcome to JNS.  Good luck sticking to the budget ... 

Cheers

The_Ghan

[Bernard]

Hi Patrick and welcome to the forum.....it's great that you share your hobby with your 2year old son and the E5 is a nice looking train! (in my opinion)

[Martijn Meerts]

Rebecca, welcome! Us Dutchies are slowly but surely taking over the forum it seems =)


Patrick, welcome to you as well. We're all on a budget, but few of us seem to stick to it. Japanese model trains are just too addictive ;)

[The_Ghan]

... Us Dutchies are slowly but surely taking over the forum it seems ...

Yuh ... first it was the sea ... then the East Indies ... now JNS.       

Cheers

The_Ghan

[nemesis4]

Hi all, thanks for the warm welcome :)
I am more a reader than a poster, but perhaps i can share a few pics in future. Got to have a layout frist then, or at least the start of a layout :p

[The_Ghan]

Hi nemesis4,

Not necessarily.  There are a number of people here who don't have a layout at all.  Some members just collect trains, others may only have one or two.  There's space here for anyone with any form of interest in Japanese N Scale model rail.  So, we'd love to see you contribute and/or benefit in your own way.

Cheers

The_Ghan

[keitaro]

there are also some who have been on the forum 2 + years and still havn't posted their design in the making yet :p

[The_Ghan]

 

[hectorton]

I am 54 years old and retired about a year ago.  The wife and I are currently in our second month of a three month visit with our son who works and lives in Tokyo.  I have lived in and visited Japan many times in the past 35 years, and have collected Japanese N Gauge/Scale train sets for many of these years.  I have never built a layout as time was limited with work and family.  However, since my retirement I've renewed my interest in the hobby and during this trip I have been purchasing a large stock of Kato Unitrack and structures, as well as a couple of new train sets.  The plan is to begin work on a layout once I return to the States.  The cost is getting out of control, but the wife and son are encouraging the spending.  I have never actively participated in any online forums and hope that any posting etiquette violations I make will be excused.  I have read many postings in the forum that have provided me with invaluable information, and hope I will be able to provide input to postings in the future.  I am very knowledgeable about the location of model train shops/bargains (few) in Tokyo, and will be posting a thorough listing of all the train shops (17) in Akibahara that I hope will be useful.  I am still out here shopping and would love to get together with a Japanese member who lives in the city or a foreigner who is visiting for a shopping spree.  Golden week is coming up.  Regards, Hector.

[cteno4]

Welcome Hector!

wow sounds like a very fun visit to your son in tokyo and perfect way to resurrect your trains hobby interests! go over with 1 suitcase and come back with 5 full of trains. will make the customs inspector laugh. i came back from my first trip from japan in the early 80s with a big bag of wind up toys (i use to collect them and pre japanese train days for me) and the customs inspector in the us asked what was in the one bag and i said wind up toys. he said what? open it up. i did and he really had a laugh. i think he was very tempted to have an inspection excuse to pull one out of the box and wind it up!

i think you will find this a pretty relaxed place. good place to find others with similar interests to chat about stuff or ask questions or provide help. keep us posted on your layout planning and progress, its always fun to vicariously watch folks empires grow!

cheers

jeff

[Bernard]

Hector - Welcome to the forum.....and you being in Tokyo during "Golden Week" you might make a lot of friends here at the forum...especially if you are coming back to the States with trains! 
It's great that your wife and son are encouraging you to be active in the hobby....as I say, if you enjoy something so much by all means do it! (For all I know you only get to live once)

[john_ibw]

Hector, welcome to the forum!

Good to hear that you are out there and getting what you want! Hope to see the layout taking shape soon after your return to the US!

I have hugely benefited from being here. Very friendly and most helpful folks with impressive layouts / collections of all sizes. In a different situation, I return 'home' in a week after almost 2.5 years and can't wait to get started on my layout!

[CaptOblivious]

there are also some who have been on the forum 2 + years and still havn't posted their design in the making yet :p

There are some who run the forum who don't even have a layout yet! ;)

[Martijn Meerts]

Cap, sounds familiar ;)

I have trains that haven't even done a test run, let alone run on a layout :)

[keitaro]

heh i was messing with the ghan :p

[The_Ghan]

Well keitaro,

I didn't get any work done on the layout last weekend either ... I've just come home from a week up at Port Douglas enjoying the Great Barrier Reef and the Daintree.  Had two days out on the reef, a day up at Cape Tribulation and a day in Mossman Gorge.  Took a cruise up the Daintree river too.

It's a hard life ...

Cheers

The_Ghan