Greenmax DMU kits?

[Pashina12]

I'm looking at this Greenmax kit, 2-part KiHa23, prepainted, says includes motor (though I don't see it in the photo), assembly instructions look super straightforward... pricewise they seem basically the same as a Tomix 2-car set that's ready to run. So: are they worth it?

[katoftw]

I don't have one.  But judging from the instructions.  They don't come with directional lighting.  The Tomix version would.

[ToniBabelony]

Get ready to run models whenever available over kits. If there are alternatives within the ready to run range, go for the best quality. That's my mantra I developed over the few years. Those older Greenmax kits also usually include the old bulky motor, so go for the Tomix version. You really can't go wrong with Tomix IMO.

[kvp]

For mix and match dmu-s it's a good idea to standardize on one type of coupler. The Tomix body mount ones are good for example and could be fitted to most Tomytec and Microace units. The other alternatve would be the rapido but many Tomix JNR era dmu cars come with TN preinstalled and those are hard to convert back.

[Pashina12]

Thanks for the feedback, I'll be patient then!

[Pashina12]

For mix and match dmu-s it's a good idea to standardize on one type of coupler. The Tomix body mount ones are good for example and could be fitted to most Tomytec and Microace units. The other alternatve would be the rapido but many Tomix JNR era dmu cars come with TN preinstalled and those are hard to convert back.

 

I've had it in my head - without really putting much thought/research into it yet - to use MicroTrains Z-scale couplers on my N scale stock, in the way I've been using MicroTrains N scale couplers on my TT scale stock (the N scale MTs are almost right to scale for TT, and I know a few N scalers around here who use the Z scale couplers for the same reason, closer to scale size). I'll have to do some research then and see how the Tomix ones look (with regards to size and appearance) and operate. Although operational considerations are probably not really important for DMUs which aren't going to be coupled/uncoupled repeatedly during operation (though it will be a vital point for freight equipment).

 

For my part, Rapido is not an option.

[Fenway Park]

I have built three of the Green Max kits 2 x 45 and 1 23 series. NIce kits which assemble well although the glazing needs some trimming. The old chassis does not compare well with the Tomix later version as does the lack of lighting.

 

MIne will be used in the middle of a train with the outer cars from Kato and Tomix.

 

I have found the Kato Kiha 30/35/36 series will couple to Tomix TN which is useful.

[Pashina12]

I was about to ask how the Greenmax kits look for potentially repowering with a better/smaller motor, but then it occurred to me that if the price is basically the same as the Tomix RTR version then it hardly seems worth it for something not even as good, however much I was hoping to make a KiHa23 be my first purchase (can't explain why but their look has quickly grown on me!)

[Fenway Park]

Luckily JNR were happy to mix their DMU cars in the 1970s so that any variant seems to be OK, regional differences aside. Certain types such as the 23/45 and 30/35/36 were supposed to be used on more intensive local services. Hence the sliding doors, but it would appear they could be found on more rural routes. 

 

The only route specific types, I can think of were the Kiha 57 that had special trucks for the Usui Pass with its rack rail. Once the route was upgraded with overhead electrification and the EF63s they were sent to Shikoku.

 

JNR mass built DMUs started with the Kiha 10/11/16/17 series followed by the Kiha 20 group which appeared to be for general use. The 04/5/7 series were older. As said the 23/45 30/35/36 were for more commuter routes but the single cars in these grouping were used more as add on vehicles as I have yet to see photos of these operating as single cars. I stand to be corrected. 

 

Looking forward to seeing your project develop. 

[Densha]

I somewhere read that KiHa 30/35/36 actually ran on Shikoku on local services mixed with practically all other types of JNR diesels. These were leftover units that were cascaded from the Tokyo Metropolitan Area as more and more lines got electrified over there. However, as these these Kihas are built as commuter trains they weren't really suited for local services. Because of that they only ran on Shikoku for a short while.

 

Long story short: just get the KiHas you like and combining is almost always prototypically possible.

Edited March 12, 2017 by Densha

[Pashina12]

I found a site where it listed what was assigned to the Kouriyama depot in 1974 - 3x KiHa16, 1x KiHa18, 1x KiHa22, 9x KiHa23, 4x KiHa25, 9x KiHa28, 3x KiHa45, 5x KiHa51, 13x KiHa55, 15x KiHa58, 3x KiHaYuNi18 and 4x KiHaYuNi26, and as far as I've gathered, DMUs on the Aizu Line were from Kouriyama.

 

And indeed they were quite mix-and-matched. In photos I've seen on the Aizu line were trains made up of KiHa55+23+something else, KiHa28+26+23+26,  KiHaYuNi26 (red)+Kiha?+red KiHa40 (or variant), KiHaYuNi26 cream/red+KiHa18+red KiHa25 (this train I rather want to model, I like the look of the lashup). So I'm thinking if I build up a fleet based on that 1974 roster there of a KiHa16, two 23s, a 25, two 28s, a 45, three 55s and three 58s, and a couple of KiHaYuNi26s, I could put together whatever 3 or 4 car combination I want (maybe by a lottery? lol) and have it be pretty representative of your average train around 1974.

 

 

Related but tangential, anyone have any experience with the Bona Fide kits? I see body kits for KiHa18, KiHaYuNi18 and KiHa51, but kinda pricey - almost the cost of a 2-car Tomix set. But if the kits are of good quality I could justify the cost, since I haven't found any other options for those three types?