Thirty-five years ago I kitbashed one of those with Tyco F7 shells over an Athearn SD9 chassis. Then I painted it in PRR Tuscan with the 5-stripe scheme. It got a lot of comment at the club I belonged to then, alas not all good.
Tomix 92754 Odakyu 50000 VSE Follow-up Here's the follow-up. The unit appears to be straight DC with a split frame but with no printed circuit board. Internal lighting can be added (Tomix 0738 and 0734 http://www.tomytec.co.jp/tomix/products/n/0734_0738.htm) but it appears you must have some kind of lighting controller TCS Power Unit N-1001-CL if you want to have constant lighting (Tomix 5506). http://www.tomytec.co.jp/tomix/products/n/5506.htm If that controller is anything like the constant lighting on my ProZ Z scale set, it makes other, regular locomotives very unhappy. Other notes: Disassembly of the motor car is very easy but be careful taking the cover off the motor. (I had springs and contacts everywhere the first time.) All eight of the center cars have power pick-ups that connect to the motor car so you don't lose power through turnouts but it might possibly be problematic on reverse loops. The set also comes with drop in weights for the motor car if you need more traction. Nice touch.
TetsUma - Interesting photos of the inside of a Tomix train. I always find that Tomix trains can vary a lot from one interior design to another. They also use a lot of springs for electrical connections. As for the Kato decoders they make 3 types: One for motor, one for interior lights and another for head & tail light operation. I haven't used any of these but I will PM you a place where I know people have used them on Japanese trains.
DE10 Info Thanks for posting. I did a little checking and that is Kato model number 7003? It appears that Tomix and MicroAce also make models of the DE10. The prototype DE10 is a C-B diesel hydraulic locomotive introduced in Japan in 1966. Over 700 units were produced in both passenger units with steam heating boilers and freight units with concrete ballast in place of the steam boilers. The later examples had 1350hp. It appears they are still in service. As for finding the unit in Europe, I know diesel hydraulics are very popular in Germany and Finland (the Finnish VR Class Dv12 looks remarkably like the DE10). Perhaps that may have some influence. I guess Krauss-Maffei's problems really killed the idea of diesel hydraulic freight units in the U.S.
Just trying to be helpful (or "Useful" for all you "Thomas" fans ). Thanks for the info on the Kato decoders. DCC may be why they are re-releasing sets. I may have to rebuy the Narita Express set and the E233 Chuo set.
New Narita Express (Series E259) Model Announcement Hobby Express has listed reservations for the E259 Series Narita Express. http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10106386
If you're interested, Hobby World in Japan is also offering the E259 as a pre-order, but compare the prices: https://www.hwjapan.com/sh/kenall_e.aspx?search=E259&sender=kenall The Tomix Thomas Trains can't take the "slip-in" Kato decoders. A decoder has to be soldered into that train.
I wonder if my EF66 come with lights that change with the direction of the loco. Once I get that, I'm going to look into another JR loco, or maybe a train to go with it.
That would be cool. I love the red lights and drumhead on my California Zephyr. I was watching the NHK news last night and (I'm assuming) there was a story about people returning from New Years trips. Lots of nice shots of Shinkansen.
Wow, do they ship to the US? That has always been my problem. I was kidding about Thomas. The locomotives on the Isle of Sodor are at their best when they are trying to be "Useful." But then you a probably kidding, too.
Yes HW Japan and Popondetta ship to North America. HW Japan is cheaper because you can choose 'slow' mail. Also, HW Japan gives 25% discount if you pre-order. Yes, they do speak English too!
I haven't ordered anything from Hobby World as of yet. I've been using Hobby Search. The EF66 will be the first model railroad item from them, but they've given me pretty good service as far as figures and T shirts goes.
On recent subjects. I got the latest release of the Kato EF65 the other day thinking it would take the decoder that fits the PA/E8 etc, but they have redesigned the mechanism. It now has a circuit board that looks like it could be replaced with a Digitrax DN163K1D (GG1, DD51), except the decoder has a component on the underside that is in the way, so I may have to look at hard wiring a Z2 somewhere. Kato have just re-released the DE10 with improved detailing, I can't figure out though if the mechanism has been redesigned as well.
Here is a link that shows you how to order from Popondetta since it's all in Japanese and their URL: Buying from Popondetta by email
Doh! That means I have to drag the wife into this. It was great when my buddy was stationed in Japan. I had local shipping to Japan and he used USPS to mail it from the FPO. On another note, I got my order in for the Cassiopeia train. I used Hobby Search this time but will check Popondetta as well for future purchases.
I'm starting to wonder if my first N scale steam loco is going to be a Japanese prototype. There's a lot of very nice Japanese Mikes, Pacifics and Hudsons to choose from. As awesome as they are, I can't afford or have the room for a Big Boy or a Challenger or a Cab Forward. I would really like some medium US steam but I don't know if that's going to happen anytime soon. On another note, my JR EF66 should be coming soon. I can't wait! I see it as being the first of a few JR electrics I'll be getting!
My Kato D51 Mikados run fine as does the C62 Hudsons. My Kato USAR Mikado is my best steam locomotive. BTW, my Chuo Line final formation (Kato 10-826) just arrived.
I like that orange! I wish I had the room for two layouts. I've heard nothing but good things about Kato's USRA Mikes. Maybe I'll have to find one.
