Microace A7892 vs Tomix 98512 - Yufuin no mori

[Shinjinkun]

Hi, guys!

Last year I travelled through Kyushuu with Yufuin no mori train from Yufuin to Hakata. It was a nice trip, hence, I was thinking about buying one set.

However, I've seen that there are mainly two for that train, the Microace (5 cars) and Tomix (4 cars).

I was wondering if you could tell me the main differences between them (which one is closer to the real one, better details, etc.).

As it seems that Tomix is re-releasing in September, I am willing to wait for it and order it if that is the best choice.

What are your thoughts?

Thanks

[Lessigen]

So I believe the TOMIX one is based off of the KiHa 70/71 Series DMU, which is the first version that started out as a 3-car consist. The KiHa 70/71 was a conversion of other DMUs with new bodies. Over time it eventually ended up as a 4-car consist with two of each KiHa 70 and 71.

 

The MicroAce is based off of the KiHa 72 Series DMU which was a bespoke series that was purpose-built for the Yufuin no Mori service, evidently inheriting the design language of its predecessor. The 5th car was added somewhat recently; 2015 according to the MicroAce brochure.

 

Cosmetically speaking, the differences are mostly how the gold accents are applied on the train set. You can see the pics I linked below for comparison. Ultimately I don't think you could go wrong with getting either the MicroAce or TOMIX. Personally, I would lean towards the TOMIX mostly because it's a High Grade item and the detail is really good on those.

 

https://www.tomytec.co.jp/tomix/products/n/98512.html

http://www.microace-arii.co.jp/release/pdf/A7892R2.pdf

 

KiHa 70/71

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Kuha71-Kagoshima-Line.jpg

 

KiHa 72

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/JRK_Kiha72_Yufuin-no-mori.jpg

[katoftw]

Microwave is the only one to do the 5 car Kiha 72. They also do a 4 car 71.

 

Tomix is much cheaper, but they only do the 4 car kiha 71.

 

I've seen both offers from both manufacturers.  I don't see much difference paint wise.

Edited February 25 by katoftw

[katoftw]

The biggest difference for me is the couplers.  The Tomix high grade product comes with proper knuckle couplers.

 

The microace products come with rapido couplers.

[Yavianice]

Tomix does not have windscreen wipers. Micro Ace does. 

 

Once you see it you can't unsee it.

WARNING if you buy the Micro Ace: The front coupler consists of two parts; one part attaches to the main part. It is tiny and will instantly get lost if you are not careful!

[Shinjinkun]

12 hours ago, Lessigen said:

So I believe the TOMIX one is based off of the KiHa 70/71 Series DMU, which is the first version that started out as a 3-car consist. The KiHa 70/71 was a conversion of other DMUs with new bodies. Over time it eventually ended up as a 4-car consist with two of each KiHa 70 and 71.

 

The MicroAce is based off of the KiHa 72 Series DMU which was a bespoke series that was purpose-built for the Yufuin no Mori service, evidently inheriting the design language of its predecessor. The 5th car was added somewhat recently; 2015 according to the MicroAce brochure.

 

Cosmetically speaking, the differences are mostly how the gold accents are applied on the train set. You can see the pics I linked below for comparison. Ultimately I don't think you could go wrong with getting either the MicroAce or TOMIX. Personally, I would lean towards the TOMIX mostly because it's a High Grade item and the detail is really good on those.

 

https://www.tomytec.co.jp/tomix/products/n/98512.html

http://www.microace-arii.co.jp/release/pdf/A7892R2.pdf

 

KiHa 70/71

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/9/96/Kuha71-Kagoshima-Line.jpg

 

KiHa 72

https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/a/af/JRK_Kiha72_Yufuin-no-mori.jpg

Thanks for the comparison. Yes, I know there are different Kiha models in Yufuin no Mori trains. In my case, I think I rode Kiha 71, because it was the older model, with 4 cars.

Taking into consideration the details and the price, I may go for the Tomix model.

^_^

[Shinjinkun]

7 hours ago, katoftw said:

The biggest difference for me is the couplers.  The Tomix high grade product comes with proper knuckle couplers.

 

The microace products come with rapido couplers.

Well, that's another point for the Tomix model then 🙂 

[Shinjinkun]

1 hour ago, Yavianice said:

Tomix does not have windscreen wipers. Micro Ace does. 

 

Once you see it you can't unsee it.

WARNING if you buy the Micro Ace: The front coupler consists of two parts; one part attaches to the main part. It is tiny and will instantly get lost if you are not careful!

Yes, I saw the windscreen wipers and this is indeed one of MicroAce points. However, at the end of the day, I am not sure if the wipers justify a price 10K over the Tomix model. Thanks for your comments 🙂