Best combination of Tomix and Kato sets.

[wartsilaone]

I'm modelling a section of the Tohoku shinkansen and would like to have different types of train coupled together for eg:- E4 MAX with E3, E2 with E3 or E5 with E3. I don't have any East Japan rolling stock and will be buying everything from scratch and will consider both makes to put the combinations together.

So the question is.

Once the couplings have been made compatible, is there any combinations which work better than others or should I go with my gut feeling and stick with Kato?

 

Alastair

[1954G]

 

Once the couplings have been made compatible, is there any combinations which work better than others or should I go with my gut feeling and stick with Kato?

 

Alastair

 

Kato and Tomix use incompatible (but similar-looking) nose coupling systems, so connecting a Tomix shinkansen to a Kato isn't easily achievable without modifications/experimentation.  An old thread about this:  http://www.jnsforum.com/community/topic/116-coupling-a-tomix-and-kato-shinkansen-together/

 

I haven't seen someone attempt it successfully, probably because it's much easier to connect shinkansen from the same manufacturer.  If you look on YouTube, I think most modelers in Japan go this route.  

 

As for whether you should start a Tomix or a Kato JR East fleet, there's no right or wrong answer.  None of the shinkansen you are interested in are known to be poor runners; all of them are well detailed.  

 

Some points to consider:

 

The Tomix power coupler system (which most of the models you're interested in will have) is nice because it prevents flickering lights on dirty track.   

 

Tomix DCC conversion is more difficult than Kato. 

 

So far, only Kato has released the E3 700; only Tomix has released the new livery E4.  

 

Both on the new and used market, the Kato shinkansen cost a little less usually than the equivalent Tomix.  

 

Secondhand trains from 10+ years ago, while quite inexpensive, might lack modern features like LEDs, power couplers (Tomix), flywheels.  So do your homework. 

[katoftw]

Being JR East Shinkansens.  Both Tomix and Kato offer the same range.  And since you are starting with nil models.  It will be a choice between Kato DCC friendly or Tomix Power Couplers.

[wartsilaone]

Ahh the old DCC vs Power couplings quandary.

 

 

I must add a few requirements then.

 

The layout is in the garden so dirtier tracks may be a factor although I have a Tomix track cleaning vehicle.

The trains are intended to run non-stop on continuous loops with no points or or passing places, just sit back and leave to run sort of thing.

Internal lights is preferable.

I am handy with a soldering iron so DCC in a Tomix should only be a matter of where to put the decoder.

I definitely will have an E5 and E6 coupled but I would like to rewind a little. 

 

The impression I get is...Get what you want from either Kato or Tomix and make it work.

 

Thanks so far, Any more thoughts before my credit card gets a hammering.

[1954G]

 

The trains are intended to run non-stop on continuous loops with no points or or passing places, just sit back and leave to run sort of thing.

Internal lights is preferable.

I am handy with a soldering iron so DCC in a Tomix should only be a matter of where to put the decoder.

 

 

How about this: all-Tomix fleet (power couplers for better performance on dirty track) without conversion to DCC (is DCC really needed for continuous loops?)  

 

As for acquiring your fleet, amiami.com and loco1hobby.net are both reasonably priced shops that ship globally.  If you have some time to spend and want to use a proxy like fromjapan or buyee to purchase used models from auctions.yahoo.co.jp, that is another option. 

[velotrain]

> The layout is in the garden

 

I've never heard of N-scale in the garden, so could you clarify a bit?

 

I trust you don't run it on the ground, but do you have a shed, an elevated line, temporary layout on sawhorses, etc. ??

 

Any photos?  Inquiring minds want to know.

[JR 500系]

Nicely summarised 1954G!

 

As 1954G has mentioned, being in a garden the power coupler system of the Tomix definitely helps, and also DCC isn't really necessary for running continuous loops, right?

 

Just to add on, Tomix has the most extensive fleet of JRE shinkansens, ranging from 200 series to the latest W7/ E7, which includes the 400 series (old and new colour) which Kato do not produce. Besides, if you are also into the older JRE fleet that's also the E1 in new colour (or special ibis logo) that Kato does not produce, likewise with the E4 in new colour (not yet for Kato that is). But Tomix is now missing the Toreyu E3-700 that Kato has, also missing the E2-1000 Suica penguin livery set and is lagging behind on the E3-2000 which Kato has already released...  

 

End of the day, it's up to you to see what you wish to achieve. I tried collecting the majority of JRE shinkansens and I love the power coupler system and is not into DCC at all hence I went ahead with Tomix.

 

*Off Topic a little - I'm always curious of a garden layout. I mean, isn't rain/ snow/ heat in the summer a major issue? Rain causes rust to tracks/ train metal parts, snow gets everywhere on the tracks which might cause electric malfunctions and heat can warp metal parts...

Edited July 6, 2015 by JR 500系

[wartsilaone]

All will be revealed soon my friends.

So far so good for the heat, rain is not a problem I'm using awnings to cover the track. I will have to get back to you when it comes to the challenges of winter proofing.

[wartsilaone]

I'm tempted to go all out with Tomix seeing that they produce the E5 and E6. Do these come with pre installed coach lights?

[JR 500系]

I'm tempted to go all out with Tomix seeing that they produce the E5 and E6. Do these come with pre installed coach lights?

Actually, Kato produces both E5 & E6 too. They also produces E7/ W7 too.

 

No sorry they don't. Actually I have yet to see shinkansens come with pre-installed interior lights. There are some preinstalled interior lights (or coach lights) sets made by Kato but they are usually for the limited express sets like the 651 series Super Hitachi or 251 series Super View Odoriko.  

 

If you are into interior lights, do consider Tomix again. Tomix are able to take 3rd party interior lights, unlike Kato. 3rd party interior lights are those like illumi or TORM which are cheaper than the original Tomix ones, and sometimes much better in terms of lighting quality. Kato by far can only use their own interior lights (though there TORM made ones for Kato but I have yet to try them out). Please check out the 'Lighting in trains' thread under 'Lighting & DCC' section for more details and discussion on this.  

 

Cheers~