David Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 When it comes to freight and containers (koki) it seems I've got a lot of choices: Kato makes several modern JRF cars, though not much at all in the way of seperate containers. Tomix has rolling stock as well, and a good selection of less expensive containers. Microace also has a little rolling stock, though I haven't seen seperate containers. Finally there are some other companies like Hogarakadou that don't sell any rolling stock, but just sell prototype containers. I know the rolling stock couplers are compatible, but are the containers themselves interchangeable and still sit properly (so they don't fall off when in motion)? [tt] [/tt]For example can a Tomix 12ft container be used on a Kato Koki 106? And do the Tomix/Kato/MicroAce cars work like the prototypes – so if I bought a Kato Koki 106 (sold with 5 JRF 12ft containers) would it accept 2 20' containers or a single 40' container (again without the containers falling off as soon as things are put into motion)? Oh, and any opinions whose rolling stock is the best? Do the Tomix Koki cars have rub ons so that you can have several uniquely numbered cars? Have any manufacturers offered packaged sets of modern (JRF) container rolling stock (not vintage 60s like the Takara set) Link to comment
CaptOblivious Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 In general, yes, yes, and yes. It's all interchangeable, and all fits just as it should. The fastening system is very simple, but allows for precise alignment of the containers. There is an exception: Micro Ace has in the past made sets of modern KOKI with somewhat exotic containers (ISO tank containers, automobile racks) that don't use the standard mounting system. Sonic (you there, Sonic?) has some of these sets and can tell you more. None of the sets come with decals or rub-on transfers. There aren't really any options for avoiding having the same number car repeated. Which is sad, I think. That said, the numbers are so small that you can't even tell from more than a few inches away. But if car numbers are important for your operating methodology, you'll have a problem. In general, I've been most satisfied with the detail and quality of the Kato models, but the Tomix models are also good; the few Micro Ace models I have haven't been the most accurate models, or the most details, but they always come with interesting containers. I don't have any Hogarakadou or Platz containers, but there are several I lust after…they are very expensive. Shameless plugs: http://akihabara.artificial-science.org/2008/07/review-micro-ace-a3251-and-a3252/ http://akihabara.artificial-science.org/2009/01/review-casco-yp-517-case-for-koki/ Link to comment
David Posted October 1, 2009 Author Share Posted October 1, 2009 I don't have any Hogarakadou or Platz containers, but there are several I lust after…they are very expensive. Yeah, that's why I found Tomix the "inexpensive" option. Everyone else wants to charge $20 for 3 pieces of painted plastic (not even models - I can't imagine they're more then a single molded piece so it must be due to limited runs). Personally I'm a fan of the "containerized" tank containers (they're just a really interesting). The Tomix 12' ones look a little cheap, but the Kato Koki 200 has 2 really sharp looking 20' units with a full frame. http://akihabara.artificial-science.org/2009/01/review-casco-yp-517-case-for-koki/ I hadn't realized there was lighting on that one, though the container compatiblity really kills the deal. Good review. Link to comment
CaptOblivious Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 Personally I'm a fan of the "containerized" tank containers (they're just a really interesting). The Tomix 12' ones look a little cheap, but the Kato Koki 200 has 2 really sharp looking 20' units with a full frame. If you like the ISO 20' tank containers, Pro-Hobby has a line of unpainted kits: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10088799 http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10088799 http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10088800 $12 for 4 containers isn't a bad deal. I don't have any, but I'm gonna pick some up here soon. I hadn't realized there was lighting on that one, though the container compatiblity really kills the deal. Good review. Thanks :D Link to comment
cteno4 Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 the pro hobby are pretty nice. i got a few kits and have cut one up. the fit seems pretty good, going to put a set together soon. then need painting and decaling. nice to have a few more tank container options! another container option if you want something odd is the tomytec railway daughters that just came out http://www.hwjapan.com/sh/TOM22332.aspx also we hope to have some japan rail modelers of washington dc containers for sale soon! ill keep the group posted. cheers jeff Link to comment
Martijn Meerts Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 You can make your own decals. I haven't found any rub-on sets, but there are sets that allow you to print your own waterslide decals. I've been wanting to try that, but I've only been able to find stores in the US that sell that stuff, and shipping is terribly expensive :/ Link to comment
cteno4 Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 Yep thats the plan. we just did a run of JRM containers for the club members and hope to have some for sale to the public soon as a fund raiser. it has the JRM logo on one side and matthew's Godzilla/got shinkansen on the other. even limited edition numbering on the container serial numbers! the decals come out pretty well. just cant print white unless you have an alps dye sub printer, but those are rare. you can get white decal paper to print on if you have a lot of white to do and have to go on a surface other than white. there was a powder that you could sprinkle on black toner sections, heat it and it would turn white, but it went off the market a couple of years back. i've ordered from these guys before and good quality, ok price, but is like $8 shipping. ill ask gyula where he ordered the last batch for the jrm containers. http://www.supercaldecals.com/supercal1.html a small piece goes a long way if you cut your paper into longer thin strips (a width that your printer will handle) and keep printing in thin strips along the top edge of the paper, print, slice off then you can run through again. it has a limit, but lets you get a bit more out of your paper. luckily most inkjets today have good small paper handling for doing snapshots... cheers, jeff Link to comment
cteno4 Posted October 1, 2009 Share Posted October 1, 2009 forgot to mention platz has some container decals for the Eco Rail containers. nothing thrilling... http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10094592 also i did look into doing dry transfers a while back, but the process is pretty involved and you end up having to buy about $100 of equipment. not clear how detailed the home made will come out, usually done for larger stuff. do like the dry transfers! cheers jeff Link to comment
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