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Is it only the JGR Class 150 from Microace? (A0273) These seem to command a high price especially if they include the additional coaches (A0274) Era 1 locos and stock in 00 gauge have sold pretty well with Robert Stephenson’s Locomotion also on the cards. The Hornby Stephenson’s Rocket was a nice model as well as their Todd, Kitson and Laird, Lion. Just a shame they cut corners with some semi fictional livestock wagons and coal hoppers, but nothing in N. The Dapol N scale terrier was an awesome achievement in terms of size, sadly plagued by Dapol’s usual QC challenges. My first one was a dud and replaced, now have 2, one of which stopped running out of warranty. As regards SL Hitoyoshi, let’s not forget that Kato held 3 consecutive diorama exhibitions in Kyushu as well as Tokyo so having something with local appeal. As @SwallowAngel pointed out, they already produced a Tohoku 8620 so most people assumed the Hitoyoshi would get a run. These sets are easy to come by in most local Kyushu based stores who probably over ordered so they certainly didn’t sell out. Definitely Japans economy is taking a bit of a hit, despite @ED75-775best efforts to revive it and there seems to be a lot of product still sat on shelves compared to a few years ago. As example Tomix HO used to sell out within a few days/weeks but currently there seems to be a lot of product hanging around from 6 months ago with a few minor exceptions.

Welp, can’t help myself I guess. I got carried away, and all because of these two: Hobbyland Pochi had to tempt me with a Kato 2016-3 D51 for ¥12,000 and a 2026-1 C59 for ¥15,000. The latter happens to be missing the pickup bridge wires from its drawbar, but it looks like I may be able to potentially perform a swap with a C57 drawbar. We’ll see. The D51 on the other hand looks virtually new even though it’s ten years old! It also needs proper spoke wheels which I have back home in my parts box. The track on the other hand was only ¥440 at Popondetta Kyoto Æon Mall. All are re-railer straights, one modern concrete one and three classic wooden ones. Useful to have! Alastair

Like @disturbman pointed out, I would like to add that SL Hitoyoshi isn‘t exactly an „obscure“ locomotive. So it being a success was somewhat guaranteed. Kato also only had to make relatively light changes to the tooling AFAIK, since they already had an 8620 in their catalogue. The problem with the C53‘s is that (in essence) they were short lived experimental locomotives. Their „prime“ operating period was in the late 20‘s and 30‘s pulling express trains. If we went by „KATO-release-convention“ they would release a loco + a fitting set of cars (+ maybe an add-on set). All in all, for a C53 release, they would at the very least need: A new Loco tooling including a chassis A new set of early Showa-era cars, which could possibly need some new toolings Quite a bit of work for a train and a set that last ran 80-70 years ago… One also needs to remember that Japan (and the rest of the world for that matter) is in a bit of a economic slump, so „investing“ resources in a project that might only cater to „die-hard“ SL fans is a risky choice. A more popular loco and set (that requires less tooling, if any at all) is much safer in that regard. Additionally, as @ED75-775 just pointed out, anything in living memory will inevitably be more popular and „desired“ in the market (see all the Joyful SL trains). As much as I want more obscure stuff (STREAMLINERS!!!!), I doubt we‘ll see that anytime soon 🫠

A little applied Google-Fu confirms that the C53 class only ran in service from 1928 to 1950, so they would be just out of living memory for most Japanese enthusiasts today. Admittedly C53 45 was restored to such a state at Takatori Works in 1950 that it was able to run special trips for two days between Suita and Takatori in September 1960, but that was strictly a one-off occasion and it wouldn’t run again under its own steam after that, not even when it was transferred to Umekoji museum in 1972. By contrast, Kato and Tomix offer locomotive types that ran until the end of steam in the 1970s, or relatively close to. I’d say that would be a deliberate choice, as these would be the locomotives people remember, and therefore would be more likely to sell in the manufacturer’s opinion. Micro Ace seems to be the only one willing to take any risks and do oddball locomotives (case in point: E10 tanks and 9550 Mallets) although they’re not always true to scale, and as both I and @SwallowAngel have noted, some of the details aren’t up to the Kato/Tomix standard either. But if one wants certain models, then you’ve really got to suck it up and accept them for what they are. Of course, the other alternative is to try and produce your own models through a new company, though I’d imagine that would be prohibitive on cost grounds, and it would be a huge risk potentially offering types that may not sell very well in any market. Never say never though, I’d be open to being proven wrong.

True, it was used on excursions services with the Banetsu Monogatari carriages to my knowledge. It is a good-looking EL, hence why I like it too. And it even has the nickname "moomin" after the characters from Finland. But why would the C53 be obscure? Too old and too long since it last ran?

I don't think you can call the EF55 "obscure", it's a unique locomotive with a very appealing and unique design. The MA model always sold for good money on the second hand market until the Kato one was announced. I don't know why MA never decide to make it again. If I were @ED75-775, I would definitely bite the bullet on one of the more recent E10 models if he ever wants one. I'm not sure anyone will make it again.

What a haul! Two new books in one day. I came home from work and happily read this other back issue of "Train" as well as RM library No. 24 "Imported Electric Locomotives of the Kokutestu". I was excited to receive this as I sampled a copy that @ED75-775 had in hand when he visited me. And speaking of his visit, this is what he kindly gave me. An SL photo album book and Cavalcade of New Zealand Locomotives. I'm very happy to finally own this one as it's still considered the Bible of railway engines in New Zealand. A lot of Baldwin engines were built for that nation which I strongly admire. A glimpse at the color plate. The rest is black and white, but it's well illustrated. What can I say but, thank you... Thank you @ED75-775

I think only about ten to twenty or so years ago we could have only dreamed of such detailed ready-to-run SLs by KATO and the like mass marketed. I also don't really see why their risks in that regard of new tooling (especially in the SL Hitoyoshi's case) didn't pay off. And as @ED75-775 said a RTR C53 would be nice, and one still exists. If KATO will make relatively obscure new-tooled locomotives like the EF55 (only three were ever built, one survives) then why not a C53 which has such a fascinating Kokutetsu steam-era appeal? A REAL pipe dream in my thoughts would be more RTR Meiji-era steam locos and rolling stock. But as others said here that's more up the street of connoisseur brass collectors, I suppose.

Hey, appreciate you sharing your experience with resizing your avatar! I know that it can be really frustrating when platforms don't clearly outline their requirements.

It certainly would be nice knowing the sales stats for SL models, I certainly would be interested 😅 As much as I enjoy the detail on KATO's and TOMIX's SL models, it definetly is quite apparent that they dislike taking risks in that department. A shame really IMO, since the most interesting locos are the more obscure ones (I still badly want JGR Streamliners). While the SL models are very nice, I always feel like the "popular" locos are heavily over represented. A couple more "odd" variants of locos (C57 4th type; D51 slugs, etc) alongside more "medium"-sized classes would go a long way in spicing a collection up while still having decent mass market appeal. I always found it quite jarring that there is a chronic lack of medium- and smaller-sized passenger locos. Unless you're willing to pay scalper prices, the only medium-sized passenger SLs available are Tomix's C55 and C58 alongside Katos C57. A bit more variety in terms of classes is much needed... I wish there were more (viable) RTR SL manufacturers. The variety MA offered with their SL models was quite impressive though their details are quite lacking compared to Kato and Tomix ofc...

As there was only 5 E10s built, I would doubt Kato or Tomix would decide to produce something so niche, definitely MAs territory. Same with something like the DD50. Great looking loco/s but as only 6 were made, it has limited mass market appeal. It does seem that Kato and Tomix play it safe these days with either SL joyful trains or D51s that were used nationally and can produce a few different detail options for various areas of interest. MA still like to throw out a few curve balls and they seem to have a modellers mind set to some extent. When I spoke with the head of Kato products, he didn’t really respond well to suggestion of an SL, so they either don’t produce/sell enough to warrant the CAD work and mould set up needed or there’s limited market ROI. Could also be playing it safe currently so that their revenue stream enables them to continue construction of their new factory and visitors centre. We are still waiting for a 9600 and considering there were over 700 made, seems worthwhile. My 2013 JNR 10 series Taisetsu is still without a Hokkaido C58. I honestly sometimes wonder what the domestic market want compared to the common ideas shared on this forum. I’m sure there are many wanting the newest modern stock and perhaps most of the steam connoisseurs moved to HO brass. MA and GM are thankfully making stuff that no one else is so hats off to them for giving us more choice.

I don hink ive seen any of the TOMIX control systems doing polarity switching required for reversing loops. @brill27mcb may have some ideas. jeff

Also...this might be one of the most expensive things I've imported and I'm totally cool with it. Never thought I'd own a Lensman Britannia II toy and now I have one!

My Kim Possible obsession has resulted in finding some very cool Japan exclusive merch.

It seems GREENMAX doesn't sell single cars with pantographs so you have to make your own. Lucky for me I had spare pantographs and a spare car, I drilled some holes then added the pantographs and a spark arrestor to the roof. I scratched the roof a little so I'll need to touch up the roof a little, I may add some piping to the roof in the future, I don't think it came out too shabby if I do say so myself.

I don't think that will work. The system cannot reverse polarity with a loop.

New Episode! #146 Iwate Prefecture: Promoting Railway Tourism Iwate Prefecture is home to a number of unique railways and popular tourist trains. See the different initiatives JR and Iwate are taking to increase railway tourism. Broadcast on June 14, 2024 https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2049145/

Sega's baseball team sometimes uses "Geki! Teikokukagekidan" from Sakura Wars during matches which has always amused me.

I wouldn't want to test that theory lol, I think it'd at least fade the colors from the sunlight

New rolling stock just pulled into the station. Fitting a DCC decoder to this Kato E127 took me nearly a day. But it moves...

The small brother of the big Buddha 😉

@disturbman they are, thanks for reminding me, but reasonably priced they are not! Some of the details are also a little coarse, though perhaps I’ve been spoilt with the detail on Kato and Tomix models.

Yeah, I wonder how the plastic would hold up inside on a hot summer day.

I think if you can't find the number, just buy a 0051 to try···· And I don't think that 6426 should have a special bogie.

Somehow I have overlooked that Tobu has their own YT channel, which currently has two front view videos: First, 9000 series prototype set 9101. This is from Shinrin Koen to Yorii on the Tojo LIne, where they transfer to the Chichibu Main Line which is not shown in the video. The video resumes at Hanyu on the Isesaki Line, where the train proceeds to the Watarase North sidings off the Sano Line, predictably north of Watarase Station. Unfortunately, this out-of-service move is to scrap the train. Next, for the hardcore amongst us, a night time trip on the 500 series Revaty rolling stock on Urban Park Liner service. The run is Asakusa to Omiya, Omiya to Kashiwa, and back to Omiya. The beginning of this in the relatively well-lit areas around Asakusa is cool, after while it's pretty hard to see anything.