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The c571.jp website now shows the 2025 scheduled dates of the SL Yamaguchi operation from May through September. Google Translate: "This is the operation schedule for 2025. The dates with a colored background are operation days. *Operation dates after October 2025 will be announced as soon as they are decided. *All locomotives are scheduled to be D51." Kato's SL Yamaguchi is one of my favorite models, and I hope to ride the actual SL on May 24th! If you plan to be there, let me know!

I recently purchased Prince from the KATO/Peco Welsh narrow gauge stock, and I’m impressed by the model. The details are 10/10. I’m planning to use this model for future convention operations and personal public events. This engine goes very nicely with my Prince model. Also planning to purchase the rest of the England Engines.

Merry Christmas, and I hope everyone has a happy new year. Not too long ago, Bachmann released their narrow gauge 009 Talyllyn in different liveries. I plan to buy this model after buying the KATO/PECO Princess. I love Welsh Narrow Gauge Railways, and having Talyllyn can make my operations at conventions and personal public events more fun and interesting. Of course, I'm choosing the black livery. https://shop.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&products_id=9118

I know this sounds like a stupid question since I already technically answered it with the KATO/Peco 009 Oscar post I made months back. Still, since it's the end of the year in a few weeks, I was wondering if we will get more KATO/Peco 009 locomotives in 2025. Since Bachmann has already beaten the race with their Quarry Hunslets, Double Farlies, and the recent Talyllyn 009 models, I could see KATO/Peco could do models of Russel of the Welsh Highland Railway, or the Earl and the Countess from the Welshpool and Llanfair Railway or for non-steam locomotives, Vale of Ffestiniog or a couple of Simplex locomotives, I don't know, spewing some ideas.

E506 was built in 1893 by David Munro & Co in South Melbourne as an E class 2-4-2T, of which 71 were built in total. This engine was initially outshopped in a green livery with brass boiler bands and dome as well as a coppertop chimney and a tool box on the fireman side with reservoirs on the drivers side. It was first pressed into Melbourne suburban passenger trains and was highly successful. At some point during the 1900s this engine was repainted in a Tait Canadian Red/Brown, given safety chains and newer smaller cast number plates for the loco headstocks to fit the safter chains. By 1919, most of the E class 2-4-2Ts were redundant thanks to electrification of the suburban lines and most were scrapped from 1920 to 1924, with 20 being sold to South Australian Railways in 1920/21. A total of 20 were rebuilt into the EE class 0-6-2T (a heavy shunting version of the E class from 1893 and initially had 5 built new, with 4 2-4-2Ts rebuilt from 1898 to 1906 to that design). E506 was the last E class in passenger service, being withdrawn in June 1927. Rather than being scrapped, rebuilt or sold off, E506 was retained as is and was renumbered to unclassed locomotive 236. Prior to it's 1927 withdrawal, E506 would have had a cast iron chimney, an all black livery, and possibly had it's original builder plates replaced with reproductions. E506, now under its new identity as 236, spent its remaining working days at Newport Workshops as a shunter, likely overseeing constructions or scrapings of many pieces of motive power and rolling stock. The engine was officially withdrawn in 1953 and was retained for display purposes as it was still in reasonable condition. It was put on display at Spencer Street Station in September 1954 and was subsequently moved to Newport for storage. In 1961, it was officially embarked for preservation and was one of the first vehicles to be transferred to the Newport Railway Museum, thanks to the efforts of the late Arthur Hill. The museum officially opened in 1962 and 236 has remained on display ever since. E506/236 is currently the sole surviving E class 2-4-2T. 236 as preserved, 29th of April 2023. Photo from Alzaar Ahmed (me).

I would never thought this would happen, but the Lincolnshire Light Railway volunteers took a trip to Japan to visit RASS and their little railway, link to FB post: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/149L5x7rHY/ This is big because not everyone outside of Japan knew about this railway, and seeing volunteers of a British railway could encourage other British narrow gauge groups(like the Narrow Gauge Railway Society)to visit Japan, which both railways offered a hand in friendship, which I could tell it could lead to more wonderful visits and collaborations.

I’ve recently purchased Prince from the KATO/Peco Welsh narrow gauge stock, and I’m impressed by the model, the details are 10/10. I’m planning to use this model for future convention operations and personal public events, I hope more 009 models are being made by KATO. Also planning to purchase the rest of the England Engines.

I don't know if this is the right part platform section to ask this, so Jeff if you're reading and if you think that this needs to move to a different part of the forum, be my guest. So, I'm planning to buy my first steam locomotive kit from this seller from Japan, since it's my first time doing something like this since I'm more used to buying models whole, this is way out of my comfort zone, while I have no problems painting the locomotive body part at least that's the other part I can deal later, but the eBay post has the chassis in disassemble kit, which that part was new to me. Here's the kit: https://www.ebay.com/itm/314931160402 Since I can't show the photos, the post has a power unit chassis kit, which is disassembled, I've never worked on a chassis kit, and I wondering if anyone in this forum has assembled a power unit chassis kit and any tips on assembling the chassis.

It's been a while, but if you do not remember the post a few months back talking about the Kato Railway Park and the engine Oscar, there's going to be a 009 scale model of that engine that KATO is making, here's the link; https://www.world-of-railways.co.uk/news/first-view-of-kato-009-loco-oscar/ I don't know the date of this model's release, or if there's an unlettered version, but hopefully, in 2025, this looks like a nice sweet model for operation on tiny layouts and at conventions, can't wait.

I've been trying to find a Japanese N scale steam engine that is DCC friendly (not requiring soldering) but so far am having no luck. I've looked at Kato's offerings but they seem to be pretty much only DCC friendly for the EMUs and a few diesels. I like the new Kato C11 171 but sadly have found no info on how difficult DCC installation would be. Does anyone know if any Japanese manufacturer does any? Or should I just give up on this? Thanks!

For anyone who has followed BLI stuff for many years, they're going to be making a new line of Union Pacific FEF-3s, link:https://broadway-limited.com/blogs/news/the-broadway-flyer-october-2023 During a QNA on October of 2023, someone asked what the next lineup for Steam after the Reading T-1, BLI replied; "Right now we have the N scale Union Pacific Late Challenger and PRR M1a/M1b in the works. These locomotives will come with smoke, prototypical sounds, and several different paint schemes. They also will be arriving in Paragon4 Sound/DCC and in our Stealth series. The locomotives will be incredible pullers! Besides those two, we also have 6 locomotives in design right now. One of which is the Union Pacific FEF's and AT&SF 3751 Northerns. No timetable yet for an announcement or any additional details yet. We also have the USRA Pacific's coming out soon in N scale in both Paragon4 and Stealth." Someone else asks about the upcoming lineup back in January, link:https://broadway-limited.com/blogs/news/the-broadway-flyer-january-2024 BLI replied; "Right now the two we have the designs finished for or are nearly done are the Santa Fe 3751 Northerns and the Union Pacific FEF-3's. We are not at the point to tell you which locomotives we have in the queue at this point in time as we are still gathering data packages, reference materials, price estimates, etc. It takes a lot of work to get new tooling accurate especially for road-specific steam. The difficulty in gathering these materials is finding enough photography and references from all angles. It helps our designers to make the model. From there it takes anywhere from 3-4 months, sometimes longer depending on the model to create a rendering. I can't say which ones we are working on, but here is a list of locomotives we want to bring to N scale. SP Cab Forward, New Haven I-5, Commodore Vanderbilt, GS-4, C&O K-2 Mikado, among a few others. We have heard from you N scalers you want more steam, and we're looking forward to it!" A March 2024 update, BLI said this; (link:https://broadway-limited.com/blogs/news/the-broadway-flyer-march-2024) "Now onto things we are working on! If you've been reading this newsletter in the past, you know we've teased some exciting stuff! We have been actively working on more N scale steam and diesels. Currently we have the following locomotive types in design. We don't have a timeline for an announcement just yet as we are still working on reviewing the designs, getting tooling costs, estimates, finalizing details and more. The two designs that are the closest to complete are the Santa Fe 3751 northerns and Union Pacific FEF-3 northerns. Santa Fe 3751 Northerns Union Pacific FEF-3 Northerns Southern Pacific Cab Forward AC4/AC5 Baldwin RF-16 Sharknose EMD GP30 EMD GP35 C&O T1 PRR J1 PRR H10" I'm quite excited about this since we might have different varieties of 844 during its revenue and excursion runs, like 8444 in black, 844(and 8444 1987-1989) in grey scheme 1990-1991, without white walls 1996-2010, one with whitewalls, and current look. While I do love my KATO Union Pacific 844, having different varieties is nice, plus we might get an announcement later this year, probably late 2024 before the year's end.

I gave my 4014 a quick run before putting it back in the box and putting it in my small Adidas luggage bag, this is quite a nice model and this is KATO's magnum opus in my opinion, the details are nice, the engine runs smoothly, and this little engine can pull. I'm excited to show this model at Silver Age Comic Con next week, I'm also excited about whatever the next steam locomotive KATO is going to produce. 10/10

My recent purchase is the Reading 2102 by Broadway Limited, it's a nice model, runs well, the details look nice, and I can't wait to operate this engine during the display operation at my local Comic-con, I'm planning to buy some Pennsylvania passenger cars for my 2102 to pull.

Despite RASS's engines being my favorite Japanese steam locomotive, C571 is one of my favorites when it comes to Japanese mainline steam. It's been almost four years since the engine's removal from service for a mechanical problem on the SL Yamaguchi, and the most recent update, or at least a look at what's happening is this video: It shows the tender is outside the shop and the cab is off, and I'm guessing that they're starting the process of repairing the engine, so that's good news, and maybe we could see the engine back in operation in 2025(just a guess, don't hate), but that's the most recent update we have, which the video is from 3 months ago. General discussion about this, and hopefully we'll see this steam star soon.

I'm sure we all know about the Railway Park and its opening this year, the link of the site, https://www.kato-oo9.com/en/sekisuiml, I'm excited about this, I could see this being very popular for regular tourists and railfans, and maybe we'll get a Japan Railway Journal segment on this. Though, I'm a huge fan of two-foot gauge and a big follower of RASS(羅須地人鉄道協会), their little tiny workshop has built Oscar(https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=849972353797277&set=pcb.849983143796198), an British influence 0-4-0t saddle tank engine for this new railway in 2023. This is exciting.

I don’t want to sound spoiled or ignorant, I’m happy of what I’ve had, but I think that KATO would do well if they do more U.S. steam locomotives instead of UP and SP steam. Like Santa Fe 4-8-4s, Reading T1s, NYC Hudson, and much more, a little bit of variety you know, what do you guys think? (Delete this forum thread if it’s not appropriate)

I've always admired the brightly polished brass number plates on steam locos and the bright numerals of plates on diesels and electrics in Japan as well. All locomotives in Japan usually had four number plates in all on each side. Correct me if I'm wrong, but instead of number plates American locomotives usually just had their numbers painted on. They are pieces of railwayana that easily distinguish which railway a locomotive belonged to because of their distinctive design (much like how identifiable plates from British or South African locomotives are). Maker's plates I've always liked too, and there are numerous design based on the several different locomotive manufacturers who've supplied Japan with its locomotives throughout its rail history. I have just a cardboard replica of locomotive 58654's number plate in given to me by a Japanese friend who equally loves the SL Hitoyoshi. Does anyone on this forum collect full-sized replicas made of brass or indeed original Japanese locomotive number plates themselves? I'm not planning on collecting any (so far) but I'd like to hear from others. Also, why were some Japanese SL number plates red, green, blue, brown etc.? Why the difference?

Today was a day I'm so glad that I didn't sleep in during! 🛌 Saturdays are rarely entirely free for me now, and that's not a bad thing, but there was no way I would've missed out on November 18th - Because it was my first and last chance to witness the 101st Birthday Celebration of my favorite Japanese Steam Locomotive (do I have to say it?) 58654, which needs no introduction! 😄 I was joined by fellow members of 肥薩線again at Yatsushiro Station bright and early, and despite the cold, chilly weather, the crowds soon poured in and needed barriers from crossing the yellow line to get photos. My friend and fellow rail fan Minki Hatashima was there to greet and farewell the gallant SL and even landed an interview on the spot with NHK. I did as well. You can see his name mentioned in this article (in Japanese) about the party events. She's a beauty, isn't she? We know now for certain that the restoration of the Hisatsu Line to Hitoyoshi will be done. Next, we can only hope that this beloved steam locomotive will return there, too. But the day's adventures did not end there...

Umekoji roundhouse, which now has the Kyoto Railway Museum around it, in 1946. Nice footage. A different location is depicted around 5:28, the video description says it may be the Keio Inokashira Line. Definitely not Kyoto Station :). Although I was wondering if it was Hankyu Arashiyama, that's a two-track physical terminus.

My beloved steam locomotives in my sizable N gauge collection can be temperamental gents and don't always run steadily, sometimes easily freezing while the throttle is up, especially at low speeds, and needing a pounding of the table or the "Hand of God' to push them into action again. I make sure that the track and wheels are squeaky clean, but my steam locomotives can still be fidgety and unsteady in their performance, meanwhile my diesels and electrics all run as smoothly as a sewing machine and can achieve low speeds without "sticking". My 58654, the jewel in the crown of my layout, curiously runs smoothly and flawlessly in reverse, while it has issues running forward. I was told it has to do with the tender drawbar as the tender wheels have pickups. Anything to improve the performance of my steam or any other locos would be welcomed.

In the period preceding Japan's growth into a self-sufficient industrialized powerhouse, their emergent railways imported a plethora of locomotives from Britain, America, Germany, Switzerland, and a very few from Belgium in their early days. The variety and antiquity of these engines would've made Japan a paradise for rail fans had these generally survived longer into the period when travel and color photography became more accessible. I especially like these 'Okajoki', (陸蒸気) as they are colloquially called today, for their English-type buffers and screw couplings applied to them, particularly on British and American locomotives built for Japanese rails. Baldwin locomotives, like this Sanyo Railway Class 10 (950) 2-4-2T, were really quite handsome for, as I like to call it, their 'Anglicized-American' look to them for their buffers, lack of a bell and cowcatcher, and marker-type lamps placed on them instead of a huge headlight. Note the similarities to Lyn, another Baldwin locomotive built for an English narrow gauge railway. Which non-Japanese built steam locomotives do you like? https://static.wikia.nocookie.net/locomotive/images/e/e5/BLW41_Sanyo_10.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/1000?cb=20230426025240 https://commons.m.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:BaldwinLocomotiveLyn.jpg

Hi, I have a couple of Kato steam locomotives (Hitoyoshi, C62-Tokaido and D51-498). I noticed on the forum that some people seem to have issues with certain models derailing often. From my experience, I mostly have issues with the D51-498 with the last set of wheels (see picture below) that tends to "jump" left or right, particularly on turnouts. However, I do not see any way to fix this issue since there does not seem to be any screw to shift the position of these wheels or the stiffness of their connection to the locomotive... Did anyone encounter such issue and find a way to fix it ? Thank you ! Alain

My local Kumamoto hobby shop has disclosed to me that KATO intends to produce the SL Hitoyoshi (as well as SL Aso Boy while they're at it) in N gauge during 2022. I trust their word as since they're long-time KATO dealers for several decades now, and I'm a frequent customer of theirs. It makes sense considering the number of JR Kyushu trains and locomotives they've made so far, never mind the Tohoku-region (2028-1) 8620. I'm hopping we'll all see it as a Planned Product in the soon-to-be-released 2022 catalog. I really like their JR Kyushu DE10. This is the video from which I originally learned of the SL Hitoyoshi, way back before I came here. It immediately became my favorite train in Japan.

My Dad, who lives in the Kaliningrad oblast in Russia, sent this photo that he took this weekend of Er-791-94 at the Kaliningrad-Passazhirsky train station. This is apparently the first steam fan trip in the area in 20 years. He noted that the 0-10-0 pulled a singular coach that was sold out, even though tickets were expensive. Hopefully, this is a sign of future steam trips. Jeremy

Nice video of a fan-trip of C57 1 from a few days ago. The Google translation of the title is “Goodbye SL Kita-Biwako.” Is the locomotive going somewhere?