Two questions about the new Kato Resort Shirakami

[EF57]

Beautiful model, as I expected.  But?

 

1. The power unit is in the „top car“, as they say.  Why?  

 

2. Why do some models with Shibata couplers have air hoses, while others (like this one) don‘t?

[kvp]

9 minutes ago, EF57 said:

Why do some models with Shibata couplers have air hoses, while others (like this one) don‘t?

Just look at the prototype. Shibata couplers have multiple variants. The basic coupler is just mechanical with air hoses and MU cables doing the air and electrical linking. More advanced variants have the two air connections built in, while the most advanced ones have MU connector boxes on top or bottom. In this case, the prototype has everything built into the couplers, so no hoses or cables are required for full mechanical, air and electrical connection.

 

https://www.jnto.go.jp/scenic-railways/list/resort-shirakami/

On the photo, the uncovered coupler has two sealed brass rings above and below for the air hoses and the MU connector box below the coupler. Usually these connectors are hidden by a dust protection cover.

[katoftw]

27 minutes ago, EF57 said:

1. The power unit is in the „top car“, as they say.  Why?  

Cos the HB-E300 trains comes as two and four cars sets.  The two car sets only have cab cars, so easier and cheaper for Kato to put the motor in the cab cars to suit both two and four car versions.

Edited April 5, 2018 by katoftw

[EF57]

great!  thanks!