People’s Republic of China N Scale trains

[Yavianice]

Some production pictures of the CRH2A

 

 

[disturbman]

There are also more pictures of the upcoming 6K: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/I59L12iSQAL828AKkqiaQg?fbclid=IwAR2lRrl7wM68i2shg_AjWgAbT-82RZM7zUZ3G-m2pWbPmHjpydpTFgY0LZ0

[Nozomi329]

Charming model's n scale 6K and the official DCC/sound decoder is out for sale (and almost sold out in an instance) in their own Taobao store here: https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.5-c-s.w4002-3296285912.14.1f3427ecBMwZaO&id=652700023901

They also introduced the new "secret box" selling method, where the price is slightly (￥20, about $3) lower than normal, and there are a total of 40% of chance you might get one of the rare road numbers. (The details of this is explained in Charming's Wechat subscription account here: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/kx25S21BbNWYvCVYO5LJ_A)

[disturbman]

I have been following Charming's Wechat and have been tempted by the 6K but I'm waiting for the HXD3 as I would like something more contemporary.

I quite like the idea of the "secret box", it makes for a real surprise. Damn, I might still buy one. I haven't checked the price, how much is the 6K selling for? edit: Pretty cheap, 82 USD.

Edited August 14, 2021 by disturbman

[disturbman]

I received a Wechat message from Changmin saying that the HXD3 should be available this year.

[gavino200]

10 hours ago, disturbman said:

I received a Wechat message from Changmin saying that the HXD3 should be available this year.

 

Did they mention which livery/line is being modeled?

[disturbman]

Not part of the question I asked them. But seeing the modus operandi of Chinese manufacturers and the different liveries and running numbers proposed on their 6K, we can expect different models and liveries. Though I only have seen pictures of the HXD3 in its blue livery.

[Nozomi329]

11 hours ago, disturbman said:

Not part of the question I asked them. But seeing the modus operandi of Chinese manufacturers and the different liveries and running numbers proposed on their 6K, we can expect different models and liveries. Though I only have seen pictures of the HXD3 in its blue livery.

There are 3 different experimental period paint schemes other than the general blue/white one.

The first and earliest one is a blue with red ribbon scheme, used on the test loco SSJ3 (2002-Now displayed in museum) 
Then there’s a green/white scheme when the loco was first designated as DJ3 (For the Japan assembled ones before 2006).

After that there’s a blue scheme when it was designated SL1 (For the Chinese assembled one in 2006).

Only after that comes the general mass production blue/white version.

Except for SSJ3, the rest all share an identical car body. SSJ3 is a little more different in the body, but is still generally the same shape and size. The technology and equipments only had minor difference.

Some photos can be found here: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/6504290034?&share=9105&fr=sharewise&unique=B36127952AF94D82F270EBF97622C7BF&st=1629095466&client_type=1&client_version=12.7.8&sfc=copy&share_from=post

Some of Charming’s previous exposed photos have shown the green version might be in this run. Not sure about the others so far.

[Nozomi329]

Charming model’s N scale HXD3 is announced here: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/kJeg0wbYCHR-OrQBLVBQdA

There are at least 6 different road numbers, including the DJ3 and SL1. In the last few pictures Charming says “see you at 8pm on Friday”. It’s unclear whether this will be the start of sales, but it has been their tradition to start selling a new product on Taobao at 8pm Beijing Time (12:00pm UTC).

[disturbman]

It seems confirmed for Friday, at least one HK shop is taking reservations for Friday release.

 

edit. @gavino200will be happy, there is a lot of nice liveries.

Edited August 24, 2021 by disturbman

[disturbman]

And a bit more infos still: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/u1MAy2-IVpM47vIDFvcEuQ

[disturbman]

There are also some reviews of Charming 6K on the Chinese Internet. Overall feeling seems positive, though there has been a few complaints about the (plastic) pantographs, the too tight inserts of the box and some possible painting quality issues. I have not really been able to find more details about it. The pictures that I have seen seemed pretty good, it might be clearer face to face or just affect a specific batch.

https://www.chiphell.com/thread-2348447-1-1.html

 

edit: the order page for the HXD3 is already up but not functional, https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.5-c-s.w4002-3296285912.12.596c726bLQNO6f&id=654089146958.

And it seems that their next N product will be the 8K, https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.5-c-s.w4002-3296285912.14.596c726bLQNO6f&id=651620348644.

Edited August 25, 2021 by disturbman

[disturbman]

The Taobao page has been updated and now shows the different road number that will (should?) be available, there are 16. We are just missing the number/color matrix and a few other options (blind box, DCC, sound). I expect the matrix to be released tomorrow morning Beijing time.

I'm not really sure which one I want, I find all of them nice. I might buy more than one or go for a blind box or two 🙈

[Kiha66]

The 8k is very exciting to me, I may end up picking one up when they come out.  The use of the Next18 plugs is a very good direction for them to be going, I hope American stuff follows their lead.  Any word on what the prices will be for these?

[disturbman]

For the 8K? We still don't know the price of the HXD3. I would guess double the 6K or about. Around a 1000 yuans probably.

[disturbman]

Prices for the HXD3 models were in line with the prices for the 6K. 478 CNY for high volume colors/liveries, 458 for the famed mysterious blind box, and 498 or 528 for the two prototypes.

The models sold quickly, only the SL01 and the blind box are left in large quantities. Half of the others are already sold out.

[Nozomi329]

Kunter's CRH2A is starting to appear at several Taobao dealers, for example, https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.24.708f56feLIDCrX&id=654496378467&ns=1&abbucket=1#detail and https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a230r.1.14.8.1f1a56feTEzxwj&id=650250930160&ns=1&abbucket=1#detail

[Nozomi329]

Charming model's next product appears to be HXD3C as they announced here: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/DAN1NrfNs-j4v6dRzJTrpA

Not as much information is provided than before. Will they be able to start selling on Friday again?🤔

 

Well, not an official confirmation, but according to a Wechat screen shot, Charming is still aiming for Friday 8pm.

Edited September 7, 2021 by Nozomi329

[disturbman]

Where did you see that unofficial confirmation?

 

Are wages in China paid every two weeks? The rhythm of release seems a bit intense, even more for items produced in such small number (500-1000 units) and without using pre-orders.

 

edit: They also created a Taobao page for the NY5 NY6 NY7 in N scale, this should interest @roadstar_na6https://item.taobao.com/item.htm?spm=a1z10.5-c-s.w4002-3296285912.18.1f334217q6XfxO&id=655511307881

Edited September 7, 2021 by disturbman

[Nozomi329]

14 hours ago, disturbman said:

Where did you see that unofficial confirmation?

QQ group chat.

14 hours ago, disturbman said:

The rhythm of release seems a bit intense

Indeed, but they don't seem to be having any issue with sales so far. Charming probably made a good fortune from their HO products.

 

There seems to be a new N scale brand called "MODU FACTOR". Their first product is presumed to be this S25B "先行号" (Xianxing hao, pioneer) double deck intercity passenger train: https://tieba.baidu.com/p/7528822863

This brand appears to be a mix of several different groups of people, even received help from Ocemy Industry, a known brand in the Trainz simulator world.

The S25B is one of the first modern Chinese double deck trains in the late 1990s. Looking at the pictures, the generator car might be produced. The model appears to well detailed (maybe approaching the level of Minitown).

 

Kunter's CRH2A are running on many Chinese modeler's tracks now. The separately applied cab grab irons is an improvement over several Japanese brands, and the coupler covers are molded in the open position in addition to the removable cover. However, the various lines on the body appears to be thicker than the Japanese counterparts.

 

Oh and Minitown has been silent for quite a while (1 year?). They've said unofficially that they were planning to offer some new stuff on a model expo in August, but the expo was cancelled due to a recent COVID outbreak. They haven't officially announced anything yet but speculation suggests reskin or rerun of the BSP 25T sets.

[Sheffie]

I certainly would like the opportunity to buy some Minitown coaches … I can dream 

[disturbman]

6 hours ago, Nozomi329 said:

Indeed, but they don't seem to be having any issue with sales so far.

Announcement was made today, Friday at 8pm. People are starting to complain about the rhythm of release.

 

6 hours ago, Nozomi329 said:

Minitown has been silent for quite a while (1 year?).

March 2021 for the last official announcement. The last model was released about a month ago, iirc. Sound and DCC DF11, https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/ILIeZ7tbtsXGNmg3Y-lM0w

 

AFAIK I only saw it being sold by two shops.

[disturbman]

Charming announced the road number/color matrix of the HXD3C/CA: https://mp.weixin.qq.com/s/uttHKgCSkneR28Ji4YUlJQ. There will be 30 HDX3C different available, the HXD3CA will only be available as part of the blind box.

 

They also updated their "upcoming model" page to include their first N scale car (a gondola) and 5 EMU (CRH5, CRH1A, CRH6A, CR400BF, CR400AF). Release schedule is unknown but this feels big. They seem to want to become the biggest N scale manufacturer. This is 8 N scale models and 4 HO models unofficially announced in less than a week.

They will have a live stream today, right before the release of the HXD3C during which they are planning to talk about new models and perhaps clarify their release calendar.

[Nozomi329]

4 hours ago, disturbman said:

Release schedule is unknown but this feels big.

Some Chinese modelers speculate that Charming bought a large number of raw materials but each run is small, so they are working on all the different trains to consume those plastics.

Anyways, there is a photo of the unpainted CRH1 and CRH5 shells here: http://tieba.baidu.com/p/7531316447?&share=9105&fr=sharewise&unique=6E288EDF3468BD8B28ABDD66EE3218B4&st=1631248500&client_type=1&client_version=12.9.1&sfc=copy&share_from=post

[disturbman]

Someone else indicates Charming might be owning its own factory. Which could also help explain the pacing and quantities we are seeing. In any case, those models must have been in production for a while if there is already prototype shells being shown.

 

My first locomotive will land in Europe this month. I have read contradictory feedback on quality, I’m concerned about the pantographs, but those complaining about motor issues might have had the motor dislodged in transport as other users report good slow speed running.

 

I’m also not looking forward to discover how hard those wipers and cables are to install.