Japanese Model Railroading - Basic guide for beginners

[Shan]

Thanks for all this very useful info. 

 

One simple question before i start buying things, just to be sure!....

 

So the loco, no matter what country or manufacturer it comes from, will run on voltage of up to 12v.... which is supplied by the controller.... correct?

 

I'm in Australia and we use 240v mains power.   So for example, i can buy a loco directly from Japan and as long as I'm using a locally available controller that runs on 240v, I'm good to go,  right? 

[Kamome]

The 240V AC in, is not what the controllers output. You can make sure the controller is ok for your trains by looking at what the controller outputs (sends to the rails), most n scale appropriate controllers output up to around 12V DC. At 12V, essentially full power, an n scale train will usually be almost flying off at the corners. 

 

You will need to check the power adapter though, and make sure it’s happy to take 240V otherwise there’ll be heat and smoke and possibly flames. Japan uses 100V from the mains and some older controllers (Kato standard S as example) bought here only came with a power adapter usable for up to 110V. 

 

Most trains will be fine on most n scale appropriate controllers. I say most as there are a few exceptions, most of which you needn’t worry about if you’re buying newer locos and controllers. 

 

[MeTheSwede]

To make clear, both Kato and Tomix current day products work with 100-240V from the wall socket, i.e. works anywhere in the world, just like your laptop or mobile phone charger. The only thing you need to add abroad is a plug adapter because the shape of the plug probably won't fit the socket in your wall.

 

Older equipment might not work safely abroad. Check what input voltage is printed on the AC adapter (transformer) if picking up second hand equipment.

[Shan]

Excellent, thanks both of you so much for your advice. 

 

In just going to be buying a barnd new controller from one of the hobby shops here in Australia, so no need to worry about the plug adaptor.   Just wanted to be sure the loco i buy from overseas will work with it.  All of the Kato locos I'm interested in seem to be out of stock absolutely everywhere here locally!