Tomytec 12M 'Mule'

[Jes]

Hi al,

I have recently ordered a Tomytec 12M 'Mule' because I think it's perfect traction for a micro layout. I hope anyone can tell me a bit more about this model. Is it modeled after a specific prototype? What search terms can I use to learn more about the kind of railways these cars were used on? Any help is welcome!

 

Jesse

[railsquid]

It's a freelance design reminiscent of early Showa-era railways, you'd most probably find something like this on smaller private lines out in the sticks.

 

Where does the "Mule" translation come from?

[bill937ca]

Kumamoto Electric Railway 71 has been referred to as a mule.   It is a former passenger car that was later equipped with more powerful motors to pull several freight cars, hence a "mule". Car 71 was formerly a Japanese National Railway  90 type.  Kumamoto Electric acquired 71 in 1954. During the 1950s Kumamoto Electric was able to interchange wagon loads with JNR, but the traffic was not heavy enough to require electric locomotives. Wagons were handled behind passenger cars on scheduled trips. (Electric Railways of Japan, Volume 3). Car 71 is preserved but not currently operated.

 

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Kumaden_moha_71.jpg

 

Moha 71 Japanese language history

 

http://rail.hobidas.com/blog/natori/archives/2011/07/15_2.html

 

http://js3vxw.cocolog-nifty.com/photos/kumamoto_d/kumaden_71_.html

 

[kvp]

The paint is freelance, but the prototype of the car is the Choshi railway DeHa501 (afaik previously Ueda railway Moha 2321, even before that an Ohmi railway type 1 from 1924) The first two variants mentioned above were made by Tomytec: http://www.tomytec.co.jp/diocolle/lineup/tetsudou/tetsudou01.html

 

[Jes]

Hi, thanks for your help. Now I have some leads for further research.
I particularly like the link with the interior photos of the Moha 71. Such a beautiful car with its wooden, cast iron and brass details. A true product of a bygone era.

 

Are there any photos of 'Mules' pulling freight cars? One of these pulling a couple of cars would be a great little train for a micro layout!

 

[bill937ca]

This is the Kumamoto Electric in the good old days. Oh, how I'd love to walk into these scenes! Color starts on pages 4 and 5. There are several mixed train scenes.

 

http://tsushima-keibendo.a.la9.jp/kumamoto/kumamoto1.html

 

http://tsushima-keibendo.a.la9.jp/kumamoto/kumamoto2.html

 

http://tsushima-keibendo.a.la9.jp/kumamoto/kumamoto3.html

 

http://tsushima-keibendo.a.la9.jp/kumamoto/kumamoto4.html

 

http://tsushima-keibendo.a.la9.jp/kumamoto/kumamoto5.html

[bill937ca]

Here is a Japanese language Wikipedia page for Moha 71 cars including their days on the Hiroshima Railroad.

 

https://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/広浜鉄道の電車#熊本電気鉄道モハ71形電車

 

I've heard the mule tag is the result of Moha 71 getting upgraded motors: "Although it was a compact car, it was a powerful car equipped with four electric motors of output 48.5 kW, and it was also used for towing a freight car until 1979 (1972) cargo business discontinuation ."

Edited January 9, 2018 by bill937ca

[Jes]

Wow, wonderful photos, thanks for sharing!
 

 

[kvp]

The european term for the mule was tractor motor car. A self propelled passenger or freight car capable of towing standard loco hauled cars in regular service.

[Jes]

Hi all,

Finally received the little car. Can anyone tell me what railway is mentioned at the back of the package?

[kvp]

Tomii railway. A fictional railway of the Takara Tomy company.

[Jes]

I guess I can stop looking for it on Google Maps than ;)

[Nick_Burman]

22 hours ago, Jes said:

I guess I can stop looking for it on Google Maps than ;)

 

Alas yes, but... http://www.jnsforum.com/community/topic/11840-route-of-the-tomiiden-line-and-a-not-so-potted-history/?tab=comments#comment-141108

 

One day I must bring the story up to date...

 

Cheers NB

[Jes]

Hi all,

I have ordered a Tomix pantograph set 0224, which really improves the looks of the 'Mule'.
The pantograph comes with two grey pieces of plastic, but I can't figure out how to fit them. Does anyone know where they go? Or are they not needed for this particular model?

[katoftw]

between the instulators on the pantograph mech and the roof.

[Jes]

Thanks. At first that didn't fit, but with the pins shortened it all fits nicely together. :)

[bill937ca]

Choshi Electric Railway Deha 101 history.

 

http://rail.hobidas.com/photo/archives/2009/01/101_1.html