Kato Unitram series

Bob,

I would love to see a picture of that next to a common diesel engine to get an idea of just how small it is.

 

It is about 122mm long, neat, swiss watch construction in the power trucks. They used pager motors in each truck. I sent the info sheet which was in Japanese to one of my friends at Hino to get translated. This is far better than the Tomix version. This came from Plaza Japan, about $100.00. Neater than a skeeters peter!!! Bob.

 

Here they are, courtesy of TTS forum. I will try to post some pics in comparison to a diesel engine tomorrow.

 

There ya go.

 

Leo - Great photos!

 

This is a strange thing to ask given the model involved, but I'm curious how much it can pull. The reason is I am wondering if this is a design that could work for a freight locomotive, or if the motor might work in a small steam engine.

The motors are small, and with the gear ratios involved I'm afraid it won't be a great puller. I know it doesn't seem to have a coupler on it, so I'm not quite sure you would test such a thing, but if you have an idea it could be fun.

I also made a Blog post about it.

http://www.realityreduced.com/Reality_Reduced/Blog/Entries/2010/1/29_Innovation_rides_the_light_rail.html

 

Leo - At another forum I belong to that specialized in Japanese trains, there has been a lot of discussion about the Kato & Tomix Portrams. Many of the members have already purchased these models.
Here is one post about the Portrams but there are others. Enjoy:
Which one should I get Tomix or Kato Portram?

 

Thanks you very much!

 

RMM magazine just released how you can use Kato V50 Unitram set to incorporate into Kato Overhead Station to create the future Toyama station.

 

Catenary?

With Kato's electrics (including the GG1), you're supposed to imagine the catenary... maybe it was the HO Pacific Electric layout I built when I was a teenager, but that just doesn't do it for me.

It is possible to run electrics from overhead wire in N scale. An organization called Ncat has developed standards, resource guides, and how-tos. This information is freely available from the N Scale Traction group on Yahoo. If you join the group, you can access Ncat's publications in the Files section.

 

I like that.

 

I just had mine do a lap around my T-TRAK layout pushing seven Exactrail covered hoppers.

 

Just want to update that Kato Lemke is doing a new tram for the European market for 2010/2011.

Who knows, would a N. American streetcar model be far off?

Wondering which N. American streetcar or LRT would people want to see Kato to develop?
Lemke Neuheiten 2010 - Copyright Lemke - Lokshop eK - Image 1 of 6

 

strange thing that no one commented on the construction of the trucks.

quite an unusual design. no axles at all. i wonder if the wheels start to wobble once the bearings or mount points are a bit worn out.

 

VIDEO PLEASE!

 

Well for classic streetcars, an N-scale PCC is a MUST. And if anyone can do it better than Bachmann, Kato will (heck, even Athearn would).

For modern LRT, that's difficult since nearly each city has a LRT design unique to their system, making it not as feasible for a model manufacturer to mass-produce them in different roadnames.

But the most common North American LRT in operation is the Siemens S70:


It's a low-floor, streamlined LRT car currently in use in cities like San Diego (pictured), Houston, Portland and Charlotte.

 

Metro - sleek looking unit. I don't like the MBTA (Boston / area) cars. They are way too boxy.

 

For the disbelievers. I thought I should add a caboose seeing it's a backup move.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LjU9WjDtJU

 

Wow! I kinda figured it would only be able to pull itself.
Your video also show how small the Portram really is.

 

Hi Sandro, a good question. The n gauge Japanese motor is Kato's latest and industry smallest, it is about the size and height of the first set of wheels. As a result, the possibilities of fitting with different type of tram model are endless! BTW, I am getting excited just by thinking about it.

@Metro Red Line, that is one sleek looking LRT and I wouldn't mind getting one soon!

In Toronto, we are getting the Bombardier Flexity. Hopefully, the final colour scheme will be much more appealing.


@Grey One, I also heard the new MBTA LRT have lots of bugs too. It seems like Boston and SF are cursed with LRT reliability issues since Boeing.

@Westfalen, amazing video, seeing is believing. BTW, the Kato Portram have two mini motors so I won't be surprised if Kato-Lemke Duwag is using the latest Kato engine, it will have two motors too!