Hey members, I recently went to Japan and had a first hand look of the Kato Unitram just being released there. I got to say they are a must see for anyone who is interested in trams, streetcars and LRTs. Here are some of my pics of the product I got. This is a low floor Toyama Tram with a brand new mini motor hiding in between the wheels Wondering what you think and whether there will be any interest in N. America?
A layout idea I've always had was one with trams and freight. Run the trams with a computer at set times and have the freight trains work around them. Those are cool. Just like the ones Modemo made awhile back.
Unfortunately, light rail stuff probably won't be very big in the US, until there's actually more of the real ones to see. But it looks pretty cool. I wouldn't mind having something like a Metrorail set.
It looks cool but most North American cities don't have a small modern tram like that. The closest thing would be the Portland Streetcar or the Seattle Streetcar. Most North American cities have bigger LRVs, and that would generate interest. Only problem is, unlike the venerable PCC, there's almost as many prototype models as there are transit systems! And many systems run more than one type of vehicle (the Metro Rail system here in Los Angeles has three unique LRV vehicle types!) Which means making a mass-produced model would be not as feasible.
Yes, I think it will be an excellent idea to use it as a small urban line. BTW, this is no B-mann toy like PCC or trolley. This tram is fully loaded with 2 interior LED lights and figures you can add on.
My favorite Online HS (and Trainboard advertiser) has Unitram listed as being available as a special order which they will be able to get from Kato USA.
I already have mine on order! I was afraid I'd have to order it from overseas. As someone who runs bullet trains on my desert southwest layout, I'd love to see Kato one day make all their Japanese trains available here in America. I'd save me a lot of money.
I'm with you on that one Traindork! Leo - great photos of the Kato Portram especially the underside showing the two motors. I have to say I think I like the Kato version better than the Tomix version even though it's almost half the price. Leo, don't you also have the Tomix version? What are your thoughts? Steve - I've actually made an extension to my Bullet train layout to include a city with the Portram running around it. Here are 2 photos of the work in progress:
I doubt they will have a hugh calling in the US; however there are cities like Pheonix that do have them and I will be interested in getting a set and integrating it into my layout :tb-cool: I placed mine on order today also from my LHS here
Bernard - looks great! Maybe some day but it will be a while. Once I have trains running reliably, wiring permanently done, I'll be building sky scrapers from scratch in the center of my oval.
@ TetsuUma Thanks for the heads up. WW is my fav hobby shop too! @ Traindork Since it is the V50, you might want to get the Kato transformer or a Kato feeder wire that will fit N. American's transformers. @ Bernard I like the variety and price of Tomix but the extra details and interior lighting in Kato. They are both a great model and certainly miles ahead of B-mann PCCs or trolleys. @subwayaz Yes, I think you should try it. I did and instantly felt in love with it. @Grey One The Kato Unitram series is a R to R well more like ready to play product because it includes sidewalks, light poles, roads and spaces for skyscrappers. So in a way, it is like Lego without the square appearance.
One thing I've mentioned over on the Japanese forum is that the streets are set up for driving on the left, to fit in on a U.S. layout the road markings would need to be painted out and redone. This doesn't bother me as I'm planning using mine on a series of T-TRAK modules to model a Japanese city scene. Once Kato make seperate track pieces that is, all you can get so far is the circular track set.
And also the Unitram vehicles, although they have boarding doors on both sides, have extra doors for left-side-of-the-road boarding.
The doors on the Kato and Tomytec Portrams are set up for left hand running and are the same on both sides (behind the driver on the left hand side and the front of the second section), return loops not being used on Japanese tram systems. BTW, in Japan you board trams and buses through the rearmost door and get out through the one behind the driver paying your fare as you leave, the opposite to most countries.
