EF66

[BarryG]

Just wondering which EF66 is the best to buy, in terms of detail and running etc. Cheers.

[disturbman]

The latest. Just check production dates, afaik, you cannot really go wrong with an EF66. I think Tomix released a couple recently, Railgallery Rokko had some left last time I checked.

 

The main difference between Kato and Tomix is that Tomix does not equip its locomotives with blackened wheelsets.

Edited October 16, 2021 by disturbman

[railsquid]

2 hours ago, disturbman said:

The main difference between Kato and Tomix is that Tomix does not equip its locomotives with blackened wheelsets.

 

Err, they've started doing that in recent releases.

 

Tomix did release a renewed version of its EF66 recently; see:

• https://www.tomytec.co.jp/tomix/products/n/7141.html
• https://www.tomytec.co.jp/tomix/products/n/7142.html
• https://www.tomytec.co.jp/tomix/products/n/7143.html (January 2022)

 

Do you have any very specific requirements, e.g. for era?

Edited October 16, 2021 by railsquid

[katoftw]

Also will depend on which versions you want. There is and early and late version.  Even a weird frieght version.

 

Not all manufacturers make all versions.  So decided which version you want first.

[BarryG]

Cheers, not sure yet but I just really like them. Been looking at early and late versions but can't see a huge difference.

[Ewan.in.gz]

The main difference between first and second batch seems to have been that the second batch came with the roof extending further over the windscreens to help keep dust off the glass. EF66 locos with sun-visors are from the first batch. Some were also later fitted with roof mounted A/C units.

 

JR Freight built a third batch (EF66-100) from 1989 that had A/C built-in, and also had a different cab design that in my mind makes them look more like EF200s!

[katoftw]

https://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10071128

 

Roof mounted air con units

[BarryG]

Many thanks, chose the early type from Tomix. Not had a Tomix ever.

[BarryG]

Getting one of these is hard work, so far ordered from two shops who said they had one, but actually don't! So, order three gone in now....crossing my fingers.

[disturbman]

Where have you been ordering them from?

[BarryG]

36 minutes ago, disturbman said:

Where have you been ordering them from?

First was Model Train Plus, then tried Hobby Search. Now ordered from Plaza. 

[disturbman]

I'm surprised this happened with Hobby Search, I never had and never heard of an order being cancelled for lack of availability. They seem to be tracking their inventory live. Was the item on backorder?

Rail Gallery Rokko English webshop still show that they have a few in stock if Plaza also end up being a dead end.

[katoftw]

When I posted my info. I used HobbySearch as a reference point. And all were sold out. And hasn't been restocked since. So I find it double weird they erred.

 

Keep trying, you'll find it.

[disturbman]

You can always find them. There is always the beautiful world of Yahoo Japan Auctions.

[BarryG]

So, I've got a Tomix EF66 and it's running beautifully. However, the middle bogie derails on Kato points when travelling over them facing the points. Is there a fix for this, it's a bit annoying.