Hello from down under.

[ehtcom]

Hi all. I thought I should join this forum for advice and help in the future as I progress from "collecting" models into building a diorama.

I had my first (of many I hope) visit to Japan last December and went on a bit of an n-gauge purchase spree. Really enjoyed the holiday and especially the trains. 

 

I'll post a link to a youtube video showing my haul of mostly Tomix gear. 

My plans are to build a diorame of Akihabara station over the next 5 to who knows how many years. I'll try to fit it all into a 3.3m x 1.8m layout. After 12 layouts on scarm I've settled on this for the moment.

 

Thanks, Earle.
 

 

Edited August 10 by ehtcom
add my name

[Kingmeow]

Welcome Earle!  Love that video and I like the way you think!  🤣  When I went for the first time last September I was not thinking like you.  Since then I have been kicking myself as I was flying Business Class and checked luggage was free!  Not to worry as I'll be going again in October and I have already planned my escapade like you.  Your video only encourages me more!  😎

 

I just wish Japan was closer.  14 hours in a tin can from US east coast is not exactly fun, no matter class you fly!

[miyakoji]

Hi Earle welcome to the forum!

[cteno4]

Welcome Earle, glad you found us!

 

please start a layout topic on your new layout happening!

 

cheers,

 

jeff

[ehtcom]

12 hours ago, Kingmeow said:

Welcome Earle!  Love that video and I like the way you think!  🤣  When I went for the first time last September I was not thinking like you.  Since then I have been kicking myself as I was flying Business Class and checked luggage was free!  Not to worry as I'll be going again in October and I have already planned my escapade like you.  Your video only encourages me more!  😎

 

I just wish Japan was closer.  14 hours in a tin can from US east coast is not exactly fun, no matter class you fly!

Thanks for the welcome. Not quite as long a flight for us. We're southern Australia so around 10hrs. 

When we planned the holiday I had no interest in purchasing any trains, in fact, I'd never even heard of Tomix or Kato and I hadn't had any model trains for nearly 40 years. Back then, n-gauge was pretty rare in Australia and I was limited to Roco and Fleischmann. Which cost a pretty penny. I think Graham Farish n gauge had just started to appear here. 

Anyway, wedding, kids, family saw the trains and motorbikes get sold off and now later in life (nearing retirement) I have time, but most importantly, spare cash at hand 🙂

Whilst trolling youtube for Japan touristy locations I stumbled across a video on n-gauge Japanese models. Down the rabbit hole I plunged and here I am. I couldn't find any info online with regards to the size and weight of packaging, so decided to make the above video to helps others. I had originally planned to go Kato, but decided on Tomix as they have so many more options with track and accessories. Also their packaging is mostly cardboard and very compact by comparison. 
I have actually made a few purchases from Amazon Japan. Every now and then soemthing goes on special and I can get it shipped here for a similar price to purchasing in Japan. I recently purchased a Tomix 90096 beginner set for AU$68.00 delivered and two Kato 23-177 station platform sets for AU$38.00 each delivered. They'll eventually end up being the Chuo-Sobu line platforms in my layout. 😉 
This youtube video was the motivation for my newly aquired obsession.

 

[SL58654号]

Hello Earle,

Welcome to the forum. 
What state in Australia are you from, if I may ask? I'm an American in Japan but I have a few rail fan friends from Down Under and New Zealand, too.
I rather like the mixture of track gauges that Australia is known (somewhat infamously) for. 

[ehtcom]

On 8/12/2024 at 12:25 PM, SL58654号 said:

Hello Earle,

Welcome to the forum. 
What state in Australia are you from, if I may ask? I'm an American in Japan but I have a few rail fan friends from Down Under and New Zealand, too.
I rather like the mixture of track gauges that Australia is known (somewhat infamously) for. 

Hi SL.

Thanks for the welcome.

I'm based in Victoria on the Mornington Peninsula. I'm not a big follower of Australian trains, though I did use them a fair bit growing up. Commuting to school and work.

 

Used to ride on one of these "Red Rattlers" to school on the Frankston line.

 

These were on the Stony Point line. Think they were called "Doodlebug"

 

Haven't ridden a train in Australia for years now.  the Japan visit has sparked my interest to ride again though.

 

Cheers, Earle.

[marknewton]

2 hours ago, ehtcom said:

These were on the Stony Point line. Think they were called "Doodlebug”.

Welcome to the forum Earle. These railcars were derived from US practice, and were classed DERM by the VR - Diesel Electric Rail Motor.

 

All the best,

 

Mark.