Looking for a Hobby Shop in Japan which does Custom DCC installations

[Blackcaim]

Hi guys, I’m planning to go to Japan in a few weeks, just would like to know if there’s any store in Japan (specifically Osaka and Tokyo) which provide Custom DCC installations? I’m looking to convert some steam trains, such as the C63 and the D51 steam trains to DCC, but I’m not sure how to go about it. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. 

[Kamome]

Not sure there are any commonly known stores that install DCC here, especially when modification of chassis or hardwiring are concerned. Hobby Centre Kato sell some DCC converted models through the store but are around 3-4 times the cost of the original model. They used to offer a fitting service but I can longer find any information in this regard.  

 

Some local shops may install DCC but probably not set up for drop-ins or timescale of service may be longer than your stay. It’s a tricky one as adoption of DCC in Japan is generally reserved for those with space for their own layouts which is not the mainstream. It is far more prevalent in HO or HOJ scales but still not hugely common and as many n scale collectors use roundy, roundy rental layouts, DCC is neither really necessary nor a service offered by many. 

 

You are probably best searching for Japanese blogs on dcc installations for specific models in places like ameba.

[Kingmeow]

I don't know where you are from.  But if you are from the US, you'll probably have better luck finding some there to do a custom install than in Japan, for the reasons that Kamome mentioned.  For hard core decoder installers in the US, where the train is made or what prototype it is is irrelevant, other than your usual concerns like is there room for the decoder or can the motor be isolated, etc.?

[cteno4]

One of our club members here in the US found a shop in the Midwest that did DCC conversions on just bout any trains. He had a bunch of his trains converted by them [he hated doing anything electrical} at reasonable prices. These days though the shipping back and forth will be a chunk of change as well added on. There were a couple that had some issues that the chap then fixed for free, but at the cost of another round of shipping it back and forth. With decoder, labor, and shipping it will add up.

 

I would look to see if anyone is local to you. Check you local train club if you have one. 

 

Anyone that installs DCC in trains will have no problem figuring out how japanese trains go together.

 

jeff

[Blackcaim]

Hi guys, thanks for the info, unfortunately I’m from Malaysia, and the hobby is a very niche hobby there. We definitely don’t have a local train club where we are at. Anyway, we will be visiting the Hobby Centre Kato, and we will see what they have. 
 

Appreciate the info. 

[cteno4]

Hobby Center Kato does have a customizing service, but from all accounts it’s quite expensive and i doubt would happen quickly. But worth a shot.

 

jeff

[bc6]

While in Japan I stopped by RG-ROKKO and peeked upstairs it seems like they have a repair shop maybe. I would reach out to Masahuru and see if he can offer custom DCC installations.