Hakone Tozan line in N Gauge

[kvp]

A really small variant, based on the link a few posts earlier.

[tridentalx]

Hi alantrains,

 

I really like how you laid this out and I look forward to seeing further updates.

 

My layout building hit a bit of a brick wall as i didn't have anywhere useful to store and work on it. So, I have spent some time reducing the size of my OO layout to make room for a Hakone layout. Work has started on rebuilding it with a double track circuit around the bottom just for the "playing trains" bit and I am working on the second and third level. I think this version will be better. 

 

I also have a Kato powerpack and some point switches now so I can wire it all up as I go.

[katoftw]

Prototypical incorrect in just about every aspect.  But like reading this thread.  So make a Hakone layout within a small layout, you need to compromise.  Which I think you have done nicely.  Even though there are many things prototypically incorrect in the layout.  If still have the switchbacks and inclines that give it the feel of Hakone.  I like it.

[tridentalx]

Some pics of the start of the layout in its new permanent location. I have decided to remove one of the tight loops and build up the track height across the back of the layout. This also means that Gora station is seen face on and I can perhaps model the shops around the station and maybe the start of the walk up the mountain.

 

 

 

 

And I have a very short trip to Japan in late August so I can stock up on all the bits and pieces that cost too much to ship. 

Edited May 4, 2016 by tridentalx

[tridentalx]

With the approach to Gora station now coming in from the left (haven't built the layout up to that level yet) I am hoping to get a better display of the platform area and perhaps the shops behind and if I'm lucky a backdrop of the Hakone Gora park as seen in the second pic.

 

 

[cteno4]

That second pict is such a nice mini scene!

 

Jeff

[tridentalx]

That second pict is such a nice mini scene!

 

Jeff

 

I know. Time will tell whether I can evoke the same theme. Given my limited creative skills, if anybody can suggest a suitable kit or ready built model of shop similar to the ones on the right of the pic (or the one below) I'll get an order in.

 

[cteno4]

Tomytec have some shops that are close but you will need to modify them a little to get the same effect. Some of them have open front shops like this along with interior details.

 

Sankei shops might work as you could easily cut out the street front walls to get the open shop feel. Shapeways has some fruit boxes in n scale. Might be something Toni could add to his beer crates!

 

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10126410

 

https://www.shapeways.com/product/8VWQQLLU8/16-n-scale-fruit-boxes?optionId=8015268

 

http://www.ebay.com/itm/12g-Glass-Micro-Beads-No-Hole-0-6mm-1mm-Nail-Art-Caviar-Marbles-Microbeads-J-17-/121919527588?hash=item1c62f85aa4:g:d8YAAOSwv9hW2WYn

 

You can make these by slicing off bits of rectangular stryene tubing. Then just fill with microbeads, sand, etc and paint your item color on.

 

Tomix corner shop also might work. One of the forum members I think used the tomix corner shop to kitbash a similar looking open corner shop, I'll look for the thread.

 

Jeff

Edited May 5, 2016 by cteno4

[tridentalx]

Thanks for the suggestions Jeff. I like the Sankei shops. I might hold on and get some of these in August in Tokyo.

 

Couple more pics of progress.  I have laid the track and crossings on the turnback. As this is intended to be a permanent layout the wiring is passed through drilled holes in the baseboard and will eventually be connected to a controller on the front of the layout.

 

Proving run with an EF81. The power tracks are in the turnback area.

 

 

 

Obviously all this will be secured neatly in due course. The Kato points are so easy to wire compared to Peco point motors.

Edited May 9, 2016 by tridentalx

[Darklighter]

Tomytec

Sankei

Tomix

 

And Kato: 

 

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10088207

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10088206

[tridentalx]

And Kato: 

 

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10088207

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10088206

Very nice. Thanks

[tridentalx]

Returning to this thread after nearly a year .. where has the time gone. I made another couple of false starts with this layout. I just couldn't get the spirals and risers up to the next level right. I also wanted to see if I could actually turn a bare baseboard into something with scenic work on it. 

 

During a further brief visit to Japan last August I picked up quite a few bits and pieces for the layout that otherwise cost loads of money to get shipped to the UK. 

 

So here's a tiny bit of progress.

 

 

 

The effect I'm aiming for is this:

 

Edited April 2, 2017 by tridentalx

[tridentalx]

Hi all,

 

A bit more progress. I've done a bit more ballasting with the Kato scatter material. I have also finished most of the woodwork apart from some additional supports under the top baseboard. 

 

All the track has been laid out in broadly the right position for Gora station. Except I realised I was one left hand point short - hence the gap in the photo - but I've got one on order.

 

Off to Oz (Melbourne) for work for a couple of weeks so will be a bit of a gap again before I get any further.

 

I'm determined to use my Tomix bus turntable as there is a turntable in that location at Gora. The base of it is quite thick though so how have others created roadway that is the same height (although the ramp for the crossing is close by and that is nearly flat on the ground).

 

 

 

 

 

Edited April 23, 2017 by tridentalx

[AllScales]

Hi Tridentalx,

 

I'm also looking at a Hakone Tozan layout, I have managed to find 5 of the units through some very active ebaying...

 

I'm using Peco Settrack though as I had some in my bits box and the short radius. My aim is for a 4'x3' layout so I can transport it in the back of my car...

 

Unfortunately building it has ground to a halt as we're tydying up now the builders have gone...

 

Cheers,

 

Friso