Bernard Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 I just noticed that Tomix has put out a C57 Steam Engine and I recently (impulse buy) bought the Kato version. Upon further research I see that MicroAce has one. Does anyone have any experience with all 3 makes of this model and what are your thoughts? (Also which model would be the easiest to install a decoder) Tomix: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10091720 Kato: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10003471 MicroAce: http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10068799 Link to comment
lbriand_fr Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 There are links on the Tomix here: http://www.jnsforum.com/index.php/topic, 1029.0.html The price of Tomix is twice the Kato, but if I had a choice, I will buy the Tomix. I have a micro-Ace C57-1 Yamaguchi (A9909) and the quality is very good. I gave it to someone for installation of a decoder, and it broke a rod. :angryfire: Since I do my own DCC conversions. Link to comment
Martijn Meerts Posted October 19, 2009 Share Posted October 19, 2009 I have a Kato and MicroAce version of the C57, and the Tomix one on order. The Kato runs well, but as you already know it's not an easy DCC install ;) Haven't tried the MicroAce much, I ran it to see if it works, which it did. I didn't notice it running better or worse than other MicroAce steamers, and generally they just run very well. I really wanted the Tomix version as well because it looks much more detailed than any other (affordable) steamer I've seen so far. The only problem is that I'll end up having 2 C57's with the same running number, and I don't like that ;) (I already have the D51-498 twice.. the Orient Express version and the regular version..) Link to comment
to2leo Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 Only in JNS forum do we see we are comparing reputable and reliable Japanese manufacturers. If we are in the other boards we will be talking about how to fix Bachmann, add weight to Atlas, bet your luck on model power, or to hope for Walthers to come up with one. Kato is the cheapest of the three and it shows with the ugly unsightly model engine popping out. It also does not have working direction lights. I think I would pick MicroAce in this because Tomix price is a bit over the top. Link to comment
Martijn Meerts Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 The MicroAce version has the motor visible as well actually. And the Kato one has a headlight, that's really all it needs. Steamers with tender didn't run backwards all that often, especially not those used for express service. Link to comment
westfalen Posted October 20, 2009 Share Posted October 20, 2009 My brother has a Kato C57 180 that he installed a decoder in, I can't remember the details but it runs well. Kato has these instructions. http://www.katomodels.com/hobby/customshop/jouhou/decoder_sheet1.shtml http://www.katomodels.com/hobby/customshop/jouhou/istl/c57.shtml I have the Micro Ace C57 1 in imperial train guise that also runs well. Link to comment
Bernard Posted October 20, 2009 Author Share Posted October 20, 2009 Westfalen - Interesting website of Kato trains and decoders. I was surprised to see the C11 listed, there is very little room to get a decoder in there but they did. Link to comment
westfalen Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 I did a C11, its out of action at the moment though. My brother put a DZ125 in a Micro-Ace C12. Link to comment
Martijn Meerts Posted October 21, 2009 Share Posted October 21, 2009 As long as you don't mind the decoder (partially) visible, pretty much any steam locomotive can be converted to digital really. Link to comment
Recommended Posts