E655

[Guest ___]

Does anyone know whether or not there is an N-scale model out there of the E655 yet? I have not been able to find one in Kato, Micro Ace or Tomix.

[bill937ca]

That's the Emperor's train.   I thought there might not be plans in circulation, but see the third link.

 

http://rail.hobidas.com/blog/natori/archives/2007/07/post_580.html

 

http://rail.hobidas.com/blog/natori/archives/2007/10/post_642.html

 

http://rail.hobidas.com/blog/natori/E655fig.jpg

[CaptOblivious]

I wish there were a model available, but there isn't. I've been keeping my eyes open, 'cause I'd love one too.

[Bernard]

That is one beautiful train and I hope it does come into production as a model train.

[CaptOblivious]

I wonder if it's the iridescent paint that is keeping the various model companies from jumping on this one...

http://rail.hobidas.com/blog/natori/e655fign13.jpg

Note the diagram top center.

[Bernard]

Don - I think you could be right about the paint. When you watch the prototype video, everything reflects off the paint of the train. On what situations is the train used for?

 

[bill937ca]

It's used for the Emperor or state guests on 1067mm lines.  There's more information on Japanese Wkipedia.

 

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/JR%E6%9D%B1%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%ACE655%E7%B3%BB%E9%9B%BB%E8%BB%8A

 

It's only been in service for a year, first trial run was October 25, 2007.  I don't think it sees the light of day very often which may be why there isn't a model.  Those videos you see were probably taken during testing when the train ran empty. 

[Guest ___]

There goes my ride on it.  :P

 

 

It's used for the Emperor or state guests on 1067mm lines.  There's more information on Japanese Wkipedia.

 

http://ja.wikipedia.org/wiki/JR%E6%9D%B1%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%ACE655%E7%B3%BB%E9%9B%BB%E8%BB%8A

 

It's only been in service for a year, first trial run was October 25, 2007.  I don't think it sees the light of day very often which may be why there isn't a model.  Those videos you see were probably taken during testing when the train ran empty. 

[bill937ca]

Early on this train earned the very unofficial nick name of 'cockroach' because of the black/brown color.  It sometimes runs as a five car train without the Imperial saloon.

 

Some more photos, but Japanese text.

 

http://1st-train.net/topic/200708/655-narita.html

[Guest ___]

Early on this train earned the very unofficial nick name of 'cockroach' because of the black/brown color.  It somethings runs as a five car train without the Imperial saloon.

 

It reminds me of the PRR maroon streamlines of the 50's, but for some reason the front reminds me of the Amtrak Genesis units.

[Bernard]

shashinka - I like your avitar!

[bill937ca]

There are some trains in Hokkaido that seem to have a similar shape like the series 789.

 

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10032986

[Guest ___]

shashinka - I like your avatar!

 

Thanks, it wasn't an easy find. Feel free to add it to the board avatar pool.  ^_^

[bill937ca]

http://ca.youtube.com/watch?v=oPInl1r5PoI&feature=related

[marknewton]

There are some trains in Hokkaido that seem to have a similar shape like the series 789.

 

Bill, I think the similarity between the two trains is fairly superficial. Both the E655 and 789 were described in Japan Railfan Magazine No.10 of 2007, and  if I read the specs correctly, the E655 stock is larger, heavier and less powerful than the series 789 cars.

 

Funny thing is, even though I'm not normally a fan of modern trains, I quite like the looks of both these trains. In particular, the E655, which manages to look futuristic and retro at the same time - no mean feat.

 

All the best,

 

Mark.

[bill937ca]

I don't know the series number of this train, but it is similar in general design. How about a kit bash?  Only problem with kit bashing Japanese trains is they are the pricey side if the project fails. Just a thought.

 

 

p.s.

 

This is a Series 281 operated between Shin-Osaka and Kansai International Airport and available from Kato.

 

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10006598

 

;D

[Martijn Meerts]

I guess the biggest problem would be getting a good coat of paint on the E655 version. I believe they use a pearlescent paint on the real one.

[Bernard]

Simple solution, get that kid who kitbashed the 787 Series Relay Tubame with a more accurate paint scheme. He was hi-lighted in another thread.  ;D

[Guest ___]

I'd assume sooner or later one of the big three will release a set.

[bill937ca]

 

[Bernard]

I'd assume sooner or later one of the big three will release a set.

 

I don't know Aaron, after seeing the new videos Bill posted, that paint scheme is outstanding and to replicate it might be too costly.

[bill937ca]

From Kato:

 

http://www.katomodels.com/koe/data_illust/75.jpg

[stevenh]

That link wont work unless you click it from this page: http://www.katomodels.com/koe/

 

Quite funny and disturbing at the same time. I hope the Emperor doesn't see it.

[Bernard]

When I saw Bill's post at first I thought Kato was going to produce it in new releases and I was excited about that but when I went to translate it, it didn't make any sense even the picture is odd....I guess it' what they call, "lost in translation?"

[bill937ca]

 

When I saw Bill's post at first I thought Kato was going to produce it in new releases and I was excited about that but when I went to translate it, it didn't make any sense even the picture is odd....I guess it' what they call, "lost in translation?"

 

It's an E655 EMU cow!!