Photos of My First Model

[Jeff_O]

Hello,

 

Just joined this great forum. Today I received my first model from Japan - a Meitetsu 5500 two-car set in scarlet red. It's great - the detail is fantastic! I bought this mainly as a display model as I live in a Brooklyn apartment and I don't have much space for a layout. Perhaps I can start a coffee-table layout but that would be it, if I do start one. Being an electric enthusiast, I thought this would be a good starting point and so far, I'm not disappointed.

 

I bought it from Hobby Search, and it took about 2 two days from the time it was shipped, until it reached Brooklyn. Didn't expect it that fast!

 

Anyway, I'm attaching some photos of my model - hope it shows correctly. If anyone has suggestions on what models would be good to consider next, please do. Thanks for reading and looking.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[bill937ca]

Here are the 5500s in action. I have the four car powered set and its a great model.

 

You could have your order shipped SAL and save some money.  EMS is fast (it gets priority going on and off the airplane), tracked, requires a signature and insured up to 20,000 Yen while SAL is not tracked and not insured and only gets available air space. But there's lots of time to find all this out. 

 

The Japanese are masters at creating very small layouts, some as small as 24 x 18".

 

[Mudkip Orange]

Meitetsu (Nagoya Railroad) is an interesting line, and it interfaces with a lot of the other interesting systems (the Tokaido Shinkansen, "blue trains" and fast freights on the Tokaido Main Line, and Kintetsu).

 

Up until a few years ago, Meitetsu also operated in mixed traffic across the "Inuyama Bridge," and it was not uncommon to see full-size trains bearing down on little kei trucks and guys on scooters. There's actually a thread on this location, which you can check out here: http://www.jnsforum.com/index.php/topic,2574.0.html

 

Here's the English route map: http://www.meitetsu.co.jp/english/route/index.html

 

The system isn't quite as disconnected as it might seem; many Meitetsu trains inter-operate to and from the Nagoya Municipal Subway (and vice versa), which isn't shown on that map. One of the big differences between Japan and the U.S. is there isn't such a hard and fast separation between the "subway" and the "commuter" railroads - they often share tracks and terminals.

[Bernard]

Jeff O - Welcome to the forum! Out of curiosity what made you choose the Meitetsu 5500 set? Is there a particular type of train you want to collect?

[grumbeast]

That's lovely Jeff and wonderfully clear photos too

 

welcome to the forum!

 

Graham

[Jeff_O]

Thanks for the info, everybody!

 

Yes, I do need to check out SAL for my next order. I wasn't sure which way to ship it. But next time I may try SAL.

 

As for why I chose, this model, I liked the design of it. I also wanted something with all sorts of interesting details on its roof. Plus the color is nice, too.

 

I also like the fluted stainless steel look. I was looking at the 6100 series cars. Looks like something very Cleveland RTA-like or SEPTA-ish (almost like their new commuter cars).

 

Well, I've got to check out power-packs, tracks, etc., to see what would be best for a layout if I do start one.

 

Thanks for the comments

 

Jeff

[disturbman]

It just hit me... this is a MicroAce add-on, not a powered train, isn't it?

[Jeff_O]

yes, that's right.

[quinntopia]

That's a really great looking model you got their Jeff!  I see why you chose it....striking color, good lines, love it!  I may have to get one myself.  Funny, there are so many photos on the hobby shop websites, but they're never as flattering as the photos that folks post in these forums.  I've probably looked at the same train on HS several times, but the photos are so poor, they don't promote the train very well.

[bc6]

Hey Jeff welcome to JNS from another new yorker. Those are some nice photos you posted, Ive never been into the old time trains but I like yours.