Never really thought much about bullet trains much (I'm partial to the "Daylight" myself), but after attending a conference in Kyoto last year and staying in the New Miyako Hotel right across the street from the main train station, I gotta say that watching various Shinkansen pulling through every 5 minutes or so (not to mention all the local trains) does kinda get the juices flowing. If it was red and orange, I might buy one! (Are you listening, Con-Cor?? <G>)
I've turned into quite the passenger nut myself. Even on my fictitious Bessemer and Shenango Valley RR layout I am making a "Valley Flyer" commuter line circa '50's powered by Model Power American or F7 painted in my roadname colors and livery. But this Japanese set gives me a weird idea. We should put a set of railroad tracks at the Bonneville Salt Flats to see just how fast these trains can really go when they put the pedal to the metal. Hook it up with overhead wires and electrical power and cut loose. I would bet that some of the speeds quoted for these things tend to be low because of the dangers to onlookers or people living in surrounding communities. But let go in a desert with a hard floor, unbelievable!!!!! PS Never saw a Kato Shinkasen set or JNR I didn't love!!!!!! A friend got me involved in admiring and running these, but I am too stubborn, poor and steeped in US railroads to make the necessary investment in this potential new addiction. Ken "FloridaBoy" Willaman
Sure, blame the victim. No, I'm not opting for the 4 car extender pack. Probably wouldn't fit in my new passenger terminal anyway. Um, just how long will the train be? It says "3 cars", I infer that is 3 cars + the two locomotives, yes? which if 8"s per car / loco is about 40"s. and will fit quite nicely.
No blame - I am responsible for my Japanese Model habit. I keep telling myself that if we go there next year and I ride this train, I HAVE to have the model of it. Three cars is the two end units (Shikansens are EMUs) and one car. Figure about 20"-24" in for the three. You might want to get one of the add-ons. All Kato models will handle the 315mm radius curves. Not that they would look great but they will work. Oh, and I keep the dream of painting one of these silver and having a "real" Silver Streak Zephyr. Andy Tetsu Uma
Thanks Andy, Yes, I would love to order the ad on set but I think I'll pass. Besides being shorter it will be cuter, right? Maybe I could have occasional "short short" days. where all of my passenger trains are "Limiteds", (to about 20 to 25 inches). The passenger terminal would look more like a museum with the range of equipment. Oh well, Grandure Lady will love it. Hmm, maybe I should get 2 an do one up in matt black. She really likes Norfolk Southern. Then again, maybe I should get some track down and get trains running.
I was also hoping the Fastech was going to go into production with it's "braking ears". When they tested the E-5 with it's two different noses for "tunnel boom" I was hoping they wouldn't go for the longer version...but they did. I'm still on the fence on the E-5....one thing to note, as soon as the Japanese online sellers get them in stock....they're sold out.
Are there any photos anywhere of the model? I would think if it is on the cusp of shipping that Kato must have released photos? No? Size. er, Sigh.
Kato has photos. http://www.katomodels.com/product/nmi/e5kei_e.shtml The first run has already shipped and sold out in Japan.
Thanks Westfalen, I don't know how I missed those pics. I just finished searching YouTube. Nada of the model. Oh well. I'll live.
Steve - Some members of the JNS forum just got their E5, here is the thread including detailed photos of the train. Kato E5 Shinkansen
Thanks! Bernard. Do I need to be a member to see the photos? Um, I am a member but have long since forgotten my login. Should I create a new profile or can it be figured out? --- Addendum: Ok, I checked the first page of the thread which gave me the pics I wanted to see.
