I see that Walthers is out of stock on the Kato 11-105, 6 and 7; for the second time, and no posted date for shipment to be received. I just got the last three 11-106's/7's from N scale supply; they are out now too. Any e-tailers or shops out there have any rumors about whether or not Kato is going to keep supplying these? I've got another idea on what to do with them, but I'm not about to try it unless I can get some indication the chassis are coming again. This not only gets my Climax right in the universals, but gets the 44-tonners in the same shot.
I have one of the older units I believe and I would be willing part with it if anyone needs it for one of their projects. Just let me know. I'll try and locate it and post the part number. part number 11-106 Jason Kliewer Phoenix
They are still available. Also there is no indication that these will be dropped. However, they are not run for no reason. When new B-trains are run for the Asian market, additional quantities of these get run as well.
Kato Japan's stock list The link below is Kato Japans stock list, you can see that the powered units 11-1107 are in stock and it looks like more are being made this month. I'm not sure whether i'm reading this correctly. http://www.katomodels.com/distribution/stock_search_e2.shtml
Also Rainbow Ten in Shizuoka-City, Japan, is showing 11-105 and 11-107 (Y1800/~USD16) in stock - http://www.rainbowten.co.jp/data/etrain.htm. Easy to deal with, have English speaking staff and have no problem sending overseas. If you're not successful locally, I recommend giving them a try.
George, that's the kind of insight I was looking for, and I guess all I can hope for is that the 'original' keeps selling well in Japan and we get the chassis leftovers here. I noted that BLW has a few 11-107's left too. I'm good for now, but I've got another idea, and it's going to involve some investment in tools, and I'd hate like heck to do it and then not have the chassis available for people. That 12v. motor version is SO much better for torque I'll probably put that motor in the 25-tonner - it really suffers from low torque.
Crittermania strikes deep, I am enjoying a critter 'renaissance' on the former Arizona Divide! Here's one of my favorites, a 9-ton Porter 0-4-2: Perhaps the backdrop looks a bit familiar... <grin> Check out pics of my new On30 layout, the Arroyo Verde & Western, in my web site. I am planning a 15" mine tram that will use 9 mm gauge track and an N mechanism for a little critter I will need to kitbash...so I'm still in N scale!
Oh, Verne.... seeing that against the classic backdrop just reminds me that for all intents and purposes you're running scrap gondolas there! OK, back to reality. You could 'probably' put a Kato 11-104 in a tiny little open mine car and it could be 'pushed' by a figure behind it.
SCRAPPY or *CRAPPY? Heh heh...scrap gons would be a couple of notches up in the railroad pecking order...these little ore trains are indeed pretty lowly compared to Chico's finest varnish. Yet the fun I'm having proves there's 'gold in them hills' - at least for my On30 interests! My Arroyo Verde & Western will probably be in the Sonoran Desert instead of the high country, and will certainly be a little less serious in nature...beep beep! I have a new critter challenge for you, if you are willing to take the challenge: the construction of a smooth-running, genteel N gauge mining critter to pull some 15" gauge ore cars on my mining tram, connecting two of my mines. One possibility would be to add an N scale mechanism to a Grandt Line battery mine locomotive such as cool little critter: http://valleymodeltrains.com/catalo...ucts_id=984&osCsid=dd35a7995bdd38214580d64... I have the kit, which is intended as 3' narrow gauge in O scale. I could send it with the rest of your 'stuff' we discussed offline...and perhaps trade for more N if you want. Whaddaya say, pardner...you up to some 1:48 stuff for a change? The rivets will seem like basketballs to N eyes, but you can put your microscope away for a while! <heh heh> If you choose not to play, that's OK too, this will be fun either way...but I would love to see what you come up with if you are game! You can even come up with your own carbody design, with or without cab, if you prefer...that frame is pretty wide for a 15" gauge loco. I just like seeing you work!
Or, here's another potential prototype...there's an unlimited variety of critters out there, as you are well aware... http://www.topcardkiado.hu/images/1507.jpg Sorry if this is off topic a bit, but it IS n-scale!
Thanks for the link to the new layout Verne. I keep eyeing the On30 stuff as well. Your layout looks like it's coming along nicely.
MT, Geeky! Beware, and keep your eyes on N, not on On30. Once to the dark side you turn, forever it will control your destiny...
Verne, In your link: http://www.topcardkiado.hu/images/1507.jpg It runs on N gauge track: http://www.geocities.com/nigellawton009/CustomerGallery.html I'd send it your way, but since I've replaced the motor with a 6V (up from 3V) it hasn't been running that good. : (
Wow, Chris...that is just what I was thinking of. Thanks for the pics. When you get it tweaked and running well, I like to think how good it will look when you do your rust treatment on it!
