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Yep, get some run time in and enjoy it. You need some charcoal ash? I got plenty in my grill. Your loco might smell like steak though haha.

Not really. The roof piping had to be removed and then the 2 flexible pipes running the top of the boiler fit into little eye holes on the cab front. I’ve ordered a crew but seems to be taking a while. Once the pack arrives it is the last thing to complete. I’ll probably enjoy just running it for a while digesting a lot of steam weathering tutorials before I succumb. I was hoping to disassemble but I think i’d be pushing my luck a bit.

Since they are Japanese train I use Google the Japanese names (南海8300系電車) while searching. That way Google will find even the smaller blogs. Just take the name and add a "N" for the scale. My Google image search is full of N-scale pictures and besides a Shorty version Hobby Search lists 2 sold out pre-order options: https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10564837 https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10564836

Has that ever been produced in N scale if so by whom? In my recent searches, I haven't found anything but my Google fu is weak sometimes thanks.

Wow, awesome! Was it difficult to remove the cab? Seemed like a lot of piping and details in the way. That big screw holding the body on? The two coreless motors gotta be tied together. Really wish they would include a parts breakdown with their models. I've been looking at my circa '95 HO GP35s and they all have parts breakdown included. None of the new stuff does nowadays. BTW, Kato sent me an email. Parts are in stock for this thing. https://www.e-katomodels2.com/shop/c/c10020201/ You can get a power unit for approximately the same price as what the retailers list for the entire unit... 😞 BTW again, what is N hut?

It is nice as it’s all ready to go and considerably cheaper than precut ttrak modules that get quite expensive with shipping costs these days. Small ttrak modules are great for learning scenery techniques on and also just designing scenes than diving into a big layout. If you keep looking around hopefully you can find the 1.5” deep modules. Amazon has them, hopefully amazon.ca. Is there a national art store chain in canada? Here in the states big online shops like dick blick’s art supply has them in a lot of sizes. Problem with the 3/4” deep modules for ttrak is that you have to get a set of bolts quite close to the running height as you can only have about 5/8” of play in the threaded insert for adjustment. Also a bit spindly on the leg bolts. You can also make a girder of a couple of lengths of 1x2 that are separated about 8” with a couple of dowels or cross pieces. This can be 1x to 4x module lengths and just plop the thin modules on top of the girder and level the girder to the running height of the regular ttrak modules. I used this on my old 25mm ttrak streetcar modules that were 1” in height when I ran them with full height modules or also just to level 4 modules at once when we had to set up tables on very uneven lawns and trying to level all the modules at once would have been a total pita. I also experimented with one 1” high module where i put two hunks of 1x3 going across the bottom of the layout. Sort of like a wooden sushi platter looks. Under the cross pieces i put threaded inserts for leveling. My thought was to use magnets to hold the cross pieces and then I could pop them off for storage, that way you get the extra storage space from a thin module. I will probably do this if I do any more ttrak modules with the 3/4” wooden canvases so the cross pieces would bring the module up to 2.75” regular modular height easily. I may try them out with some 1.5” wooden canvases. I’ll see if i can dig out the test module base. It was cute, looked like a little sushi platter. just some ideas jeff https://www.amazon.com/Falling-Art-Unfinished-Gallery-Painting/dp/B0D3TVSTGH/ref=sr_1_7?crid=5UNTDTQUPA11&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aDOMy5Nkx601f_gW7SoKXiw0wrBvQnH6kFxp11hANgzjDrjU4DEI6hzyNgDNJTGlkW_Uy4adnES4qVIgMfIDzf3nnGa76FWRkzSfU5pk4eWhiDLaQjIpIHHjQFkPj_DFhkw2WNMx-bdUUfpIB4jqB0tJkrzZeyQ48f59wfDDUo9I65b5yXwfVXVtDYwIN88Ddnc5tw0Ua22_v4Th0woiTL0WNqtsYUROiDTXOJkk9rMYjSvMe3J9h5du0v7vgjgNzBrF0jdF33218njPVwaavtIs4Q7CunAEtbNxoEXJoPI.rQU95RIRV61dMCBp3LPrX4L8W_ZENU5Ntz-wQVk_lg8&dib_tag=se&keywords=9x12%2Bwooden%2Bcanvas&qid=1746929875&sprefix=9x12%2Bwooden%2Bcanvas%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-7&th=1 https://www.amazon.com/Art-Supply-Pouring-Boards-Gallery/dp/B07GHBHD43/ref=sr_1_25?crid=5UNTDTQUPA11&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.aDOMy5Nkx601f_gW7SoKXiw0wrBvQnH6kFxp11hANgzjDrjU4DEI6hzyNgDNJTGlkW_Uy4adnES4qVIgMfIDzf3nnGa76FWRkzSfU5pk4eWhiDLaQjIpIHHjQFkPj_DFhkw2WNMx-bdUUfpIB4jqB0tJkrzZeyQ48f59wfDDUo9I65b5yXwfVXVtDYwIN88Ddnc5tw0Ua22_v4Th0woiTL0WNqtsYUROiDTXOJkk9rMYjSvMe3J9h5du0v7vgjgNzBrF0jdF33218njPVwaavtIs4Q7CunAEtbNxoEXJoPI.rQU95RIRV61dMCBp3LPrX4L8W_ZENU5Ntz-wQVk_lg8&dib_tag=se&keywords=9x12%2Bwooden%2Bcanvas&qid=1746929875&sprefix=9x12%2Bwooden%2Bcanvas%2Caps%2C92&sr=8-25&th=1

Continuing with detailing, there really is a lack of information on where to put things with the detailing pack, or which areas used which particular parts. I ended up using a standard version N gauge D51 for reference for most of the build. Here’s a reference of the minimal detail I painted in the cab. (cab removed) Satisfied it seems to be running, I have now added coal to the tender along with the fireman’s tools to give the lack of depth, a little more depth if that makes sense. I’m sure the shovel would fall onto the tracks if positioned here in real life but hopefully creates some interest. The stoking rod also has no hanging points so though I’d lay it here as to not cover other recesses details. Artistic license and all that. As mentioned, I have also removed the cab to next apply most of the dry rub decals as I think it will be easier to position everything. Still haven’t numbered it yet but have decided on 341 as it was in the Sanin area. I think the most challenging of the dev rub decals will be on the air tanks as they are slightly hidden by other paperwork. There are also cylinder inspection numbers although these look much larger than the photos i’ve seen.

Looks good Kami_illy! I too have many B-Trains. You cannot have too may though. I store mine in an Ikea Alex drawer with custom cardboard boxes and dividers. Cheers, Todd

Finally have my first working permanent track set (can expand if needed as i did order excess tracks). Still working on the train running smooth and need more trains to arrive but fun to play with.

@Kamome Yeah, too bad I can’t find anything resembling those diorama displays anywhere near me or online for a reasonable price here in Canada. There used to be a Daiso a ferry ride away in Vancouver, but it turned into a Oomomo a few years back. Maybe I’ll check next time I’m in town. @cteno4 The wooden canvas idea is growing on me. I like that they are light weight and easier to store. Also less prep time and better when starting out and experimenting with new techniques. I found some 9x12s online at the usual shops but they all seem to have a depth of .87" which I guess would just mean I need longer bolts.

@Tony Galiani so you do see those quick blinks/flashes in my texts then? 🤣 Now I see what you mean. It looks fantastic. Very nostalgic and antiquey. Love those doors! I too was going to hold off until our trip in October but I figured I wanted to test the tariffs and also one less thing to bring back in October. Happy to report No Tariffs!!! 😎 What's interesting about this order from Plaza Japan is that the package was picked up on Wednesday at 7pm from Osaka and was in my hands on Friday at 5pm (US East Coast). DHL pleasantly surprised me!!!! Maybe their planes are a bit empty with the tariffs and de minimis. 🤣 Koki Love!

All of JR Shikoku's special rolling stock looks good. This one, the Aoi Yoshinogawa Torocco, Sennen Monogatari, Iyo-nada Monogatari. The design of the Iyo-nada Monogatari is attributed to a JR Shikoku employee, not sure about the other ones. They just need to revive the BBQ Car that JR Hokkaido had 🙂

Haha sounds like you have caught shortieitis! jeff

Wow, luckily i live 7000 miles away, i could be there all the time! He has really done a fun job on the little place. Chap I guess missed cooking on the shinkansen so made his own! What fun. I hope he lives there as wonderful view out the back! Streetview camera caught him out in front doing something. https://maps.app.goo.gl/U8ZXXdqtAT9M9wQo8 thanks jeff

Workers of the Tsubame in 1954, featuring an EF58 and a C62 - as the title says focussed on the people working the train.

Queer show with bonus trenz. I'm down.

Funny thing after I decided to hold off on purchasing for a while .... I am now convinced that @cteno4 has loaded the forum with subliminal "buy now" messages, or maybe @Kingmeow's texts to me are laced with them as I ended up purchasing an MA Shiman Torocco set. I saw this in @miyakoji's recent Shikoku video and it makes quite an impression in its vivid yellow color, contrasting so much with the green of the scenery. Curious about the train, I started searching for info and, of course, turned up model and prototype info. I am intrigued by the possibility of riding it on a future trip (though the web site notes, repeatedly, that it has no toilet so not so sure about that). Though the bento boxes on offer look good. Anyway, looking on the HS web site I noted that it is discontinued but searched for available models - just to see what was out there without any intention of buying one. Really. There were a number available on eBay starting at US$130 and running up to US$200, plus taxes and shipping. So I was off the hook ..... until I noticed that Plaza Japan has one brand new for US$75. With shipping via Japan Post, total cost was under US$100! So I figured that was some sort of sign and ended up purchasing it. (Did not add anything else on my current want list to the order.) I also, after it was too late, saw that RG Rokko had it for even a bit less. It seems a very nice model and maybe one day I will see the real thing. Ciao, Tony

Very cool! Sounds like the start of a Canadian japanese club! if getting a module is hard you can also use the wooden canvases for modules, they sell 12”x9” and 12”x12” canvases that are 1.5” deep. Just have to mount threaded inserts into the frames and get proper length bolts to jack it up to usual around 3”-4” running height. There is a 1/16” gap, but thats not a problem visually and actually gives a small visual line saying this scene ends and the next begins. If it bugs you you can always make a tiny gap strip to glue onto the side or drop in. You can get them property cheaply online or at your local art store for $10 or so. Just an option for something quick and inexpensive and all built. jeff

I love the "wandering" potential of your small wooden canvas approach to modules and will definitely consider this at some point. Fortunately for me, @RS18U recently made me aware of a burgeoning T Trak group within a 90-minute drive of my house. Sounds as though a majority are into Japanese modelling. There's a show scheduled for late August so that's providing some motivation to begin (and complete) a couple of single modules.

If folks have questions about ordering from J-trains, please take those questions and discussions over to their topic on their shop. We dont want shop business done outside of the specific shop topics by any of their staff. In the past we had issues with shops/manufacturers trying to do business and promote their businesses all over the forums and it got to be a mess so we had to limit business discussions by and representatives of a shop/manufacturer about their wares only in their business topic. Representatives are welcome in discussions all over the forums, but just no mention of their shop outside their topic. Disturbman is wearing two hats here as he is part of J-Trains but also is an active forum member and trying to help get information out to folks from the Chinese companies making these relatively new Chinese model trains market. He has gotten permission directly from some of the manufacturers to show their products photos here. So please keep your order and shop specific questions about J-Trains over on the J-trains topic. THanks jeff

I personally went the Pokemon way with some types as I can't resist some of the color variations. There are a few interesting DF4C and DF4B that should arrive in Berlin in the near future that I might want to add to my roster. And I can't resist any good propaganda locs...

This look like an ‘open day’ sort of event, but the video describes it as a satsueikai, a photoshoot event. You can see EF81 402 (I think this is actually 408) and EF66 20 in test liveries. I couldn’t find anything about 408’s colors, they seem nautical, I dig it. I believe Tomix made this in N as item 2135 and in HO as HO-107. I especially like ED500-901. Hitachi built it in 1992 and JR Freight tested it until 1994. According to English Wikipedia, the design wasn’t chosen due to traction limitations. ED500-901 was on static display for some time at Hitachi’s Hitachinaka Factory, later it was scrapped.

Hey guys I know a place we can go for lunch Pretty far out (literally and figuratively), on the southeast coast of Chiba prefecture. Halfway between Sotobo Line stations Awa-Amatsu and Awa-Kominato. Would require a bit of walking. Google map - https://maps.app.goo.gl/PeNjVWQ8GqCbL4wC6

@disturbman i actually like China brands like changming after getting one just unfortunate rest are on preorder. Definitely looking to pickup more of their stuff versus the Japanese. I see lot of options but so many alike shape wise with minor differences that picking one model type is enough. European are european trains, pricy but amount you pickup is generally low due to its high individual costs per unit. That and they take long to reach model form it seems.

Uh, you seem to have a B-train shorty too much issue. I hope there is a cure for that haha. Awesome!! Funny how what started off as a toy has really taken off. I myself didn't know about it until my friend sent me all of his old stuff. I have since bought a ton of 11-109 chassis'.