Aclass HO EF64 locomotive

[keiichi77]

Hey guys, just wondering if you know anything about the Aclass EF64s in HO scale?  I have never heard of them before and was wondering if they are worth the price? I am looking at

 

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10160573

 

or

 

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10160575

 

What I really want is a Kato EF65 in the renewal paint

 

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10163979

 

or the Tomix EF64 in renewal paint

 

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10045971

 

but both are out of stock.

 

I only plan on owning one HO scale Japanese locomotive as I model Japanese trains in N scale but I wanted to have one freight train to run at my clubs HO layout. Any info would be appreciated.

 

[marknewton]

Definitely worth the price. I have one in the JNR paint scheme:

 

 

The quality of this model is equal to any I have from Kato or Tomix. It has a very heavy die cast mechanism driving the front and rear trucks. It runs very quietly and smoothly, and can comfortably haul the longest freight consist I can put together, which is 45 cars. It has a nice detail pack with many parts including optional snowploughs. If you get one I don't think you'd be disappointed with it.

 

All the best,

 

Mark.

[keiichi77]

Thanks for the reply and info Mark. Now I just have to decide if I want to wait for the cheaper Kato or Tomix or just order an Aclass unit. With the Canadian dollar sinking if I get caught ordering one I will be sleeping on the chesterfield (couch) for awhile as I just made a small order from Model Train Plus. ;)

 

Jason

[marknewton]

My pleasure Jason, happy to help.

 

One word of warning, though - if you buy one of these lovely models you might find it hard to stop at only having one. How comfortable is your couch? :)

 

Cheers,

 

Mark.

[bikkuri bahn]

I second marknewton's words.  Please join us on the darkside, so much much pleasure (and pocketbook pain) :)

[marknewton]

Still not as painful as modelling my local railway though. My son is interested in getting a four-car Sydney EMU when they become available next year. A steal at only $700AUD.

 

Lucky for him child labour is illegal, otherwise he'd be at work tomorrow! :)

 

Cheers,

 

Mark.

[HantuBlauLOL]

Man, I wonder are cheap Japanese HOs available there?

[miyakoji]

Man, I wonder are cheap Japanese HOs available there?

 

The prices on all of the Japanese HO scale that I see makes me wince, and I don't even want to buy it

[keiichi77]

I find Japanese freight HO to be on par with local HO stuff, for instance a Kato 2 pack Koki car with 10 containers cost $60US where as your average North American container car cost $30+ US each with no containers (which are about $10+US each). When you factor in shipping it works out the same if not a tad cheaper for the Japanese stuff.

 

For me modelling Canadian National and Via Rail passenger trains, the only accurate models are from Rapido Trains which are pricey. All VIA rail trains are locomotive hauled (except the few RDCs they run) and the only accurate HO locomotives are from Rapido Trains with an average price of $225 (no sound). Then you would have to buy 5 Rapido passenger cars at $89 each to make a 6 car train (but most Via trains are longer). After taxes and shipping (I have no local hobby store) it would cost me about $800CDN for 1 locomotive and 5 cars. A motorized Aclass Series 183 6 car train would run me about $858 shipped to my door and that is at the current Hobbysearch sale price. 

 

I think I will stick to Japanese in N scale ;)  

 

Well except for one small freight train to run at the club I belong too.

[marknewton]

Man, I wonder are cheap Japanese HOs available there?

 

In Australia? No. Nothing is cheap here, particularly model railway stuff. 

 

I buy all of my models online from Japan, either from forum member Keitaro, HobbySearch or Yahoo Japan Auctions. Even allowing for exchange rate variations, postage and shipping they still work out to be cheaper than Australian-prototype models of similar quality.

 

But price is not the only factor behind my choice of modelling subject. I've worked for the railway here for 40 years, but I have no interest in modelling it. Probaly because I see it every day and run trains on it every day. Whereas Japanese railways are something else entirely, a fascinating blend of the familiar and the exotic.

 

Cheers,

 

Mark.

[HantuBlauLOL]

Yeah those rapidos are damn expensive too.. Wanted an N scale GMD1 for its chassis, but I had to change my mind after seeing the price tag.

 

Nothing is cheap too here in Indonesia.. I was asking for the base price..

 

Agreed, Australians trains (especially N scale) are also expensive, but I think it was because of hand made manufacturing.