Hi All, I was looking around Rokuhan's website and came across the "Z Shorty." Looks like it is in development, but not available. I searched the forum for Z Shorty, but didn't come across anything. Does anyone know about this item or when it might be coming out? Might be fun to have a tiny layout on using R45. http://www.rokuhan.com/english/news/2016/10/houkoku.html Best, Ray
Those are pretty neat, but also interesting if the mech can be used for other things. I've been trying to figure out a way to power some light rail LRV's so this could be a good development.
I do not have a release date yet for the shorties. I am expecting early in 2017. They will be fun little locos! Rob
Is this their version of the PowerMax (2 axle chassis with motor) they had released as a prototype of a couple of years ago?
I would agree, looking forward to this release - cool little locos and, as Doug mentioned, maybe some new mech. to make other items. Best, Ray
Hey Everyone, saw this link. Looks like Z Shorty is becoming a reality. http://www.rokuhan.com/english/news/2017/10/introduction-of-z-shorty-from-rokuhan.html Not real clear if it's motorized ... Best, Ray
There are two power chassis and two trailer chassis on which bodies can be dropped, the dimensions are identical on all four chassis, the power chassis has only one truck powered and it is quite short only 40.1 mm long, the truck spacing is 16.8 mm center to center and axle spacing is 9.6 mm, the width is 10.8 mm, the height from the top of the rail to the top of the motor is 15 mm, the only difference in the two power units is the truck side frame, the one for the Shnikansen is just a bare strip. The shorties are designed so you purchase the body separately from the chassis. The announced Japanese MSRP is quite cheap for each piece. These chassis will run on R45 radius curves, so quite small layout could be designed and built, using them, The body shells will be E5 Shinkansen, EF66, KIHA-52, The announcement was posted on Facebook last week and they were on display at JAM ( Japanese model Railway Assoc. national train shoe in Tokyo), last weekend along with several micro layouts.
Thanks for the great info Garth. The prices are what was throwing me. Glad these little guys are on their way! Best, Ray
these hopefully can be used for small switchers and trollies (changing the side frames, of course). Ordered mine.
Height of the motor might fit under an switchers long hood. I'll guess the powered part might fit in sw1500 cab. The dummy truck has to be moved forward. Looking forward to see an exploded view of this little chassis. They might also be usefull to power an UP turbine locomotive.
Has anyone received one of these yet? If so, would it be possible and easy to separate the two trucks so that you can use the shorty as a basis to power a longer model? Thanks, Carim
The Shorty's have not been released yet. We have been informed by Rokuhan that these will be released by the end of the month. We are firming up our order in the next week with shipment to happen by the end of the month.
I have two of them coming! I was wondering when they would arrive also! I have my fingers crossed! I'm hoping since the power max fit good in these two 3D printed that these will to if not might need to make some changes!