Nick_Burman Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Hi all, I'm interested in purchasing some WaMu 70000 boxcars. Both Tomix and Kawaii make them, the main difference being that the Kawaii model comes in a 2-wagon package. Which of the two is the best model? Cheers NB Link to comment
David Posted June 21, 2011 Share Posted June 21, 2011 Kawaii makes a whole bundle of WaMu 70000 cars, in various sized sets. I think they all use the old silver wheels, so no advantage over Tomix there. If you want to model a specific area Kawaii may have the set to match, the Tomix are just a generic design. The Tomix have a newer, more detailed mold (even the newer Kawaii all seem to be from the original mold). The Tomix model is designed to accept the 0396 TN knuckle couplers, which makes me think the coupler pocket is a bit different. If you want to couple to American/Kato knuckle couplers you'd probably want the Kawaii which can be upgraded with Kato or other brands of knuckle couplers. Like wise if you want to coupler to Tomix's smaller knuckle coupler you'd want the Tomix unit. Link to comment
Nick_Burman Posted June 22, 2011 Author Share Posted June 22, 2011 Thanks David, I'm looking for plain WaMus for the time being. I think I'll go for both. Cheers NB Link to comment
Guest ___ Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 I prefer the Kawaii. Having a couple of them as well as a couple of TOMIX, I personal;ly find the Kwaii WaMu's run smoother. Link to comment
westfalen Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 Kawaii makes a whole bundle of WaMu 70000 cars, in various sized sets. I think they all use the old silver wheels, so no advantage over Tomix there. If you want to model a specific area Kawaii may have the set to match, the Tomix are just a generic design. The Tomix have a newer, more detailed mold (even the newer Kawaii all seem to be from the original mold). The Tomix model is designed to accept the 0396 TN knuckle couplers, which makes me think the coupler pocket is a bit different. If you want to couple to American/Kato knuckle couplers you'd probably want the Kawaii which can be upgraded with Kato or other brands of knuckle couplers. Like wise if you want to coupler to Tomix's smaller knuckle coupler you'd want the Tomix unit. I've been fitting my Kawai four wheel freight cars with Fox Valley Metal wheels and Micro Trains 2004 couplers. Link to comment
Kabutoni Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 I prefer Kawai over Tomix, as they are a bit better running, more varied. Next to that, when you buy them, you support a small company that has to fight its way through the big boys. Which is always a good thing IMHO. Link to comment
Nick_Burman Posted June 22, 2011 Author Share Posted June 22, 2011 Actually I was thinking more along cosmetic lines - which of the two brands better represents the prototype wagon? Anywhere wher I can find data about the prototype? Cheers NB Link to comment
David Posted June 22, 2011 Share Posted June 22, 2011 They are about the same, though Kawaii is better about the actual markings - again a generic car vs. many different ones with depot or other information. The Tomix mold is newer and seems to have more details like rivets (oversized N scale rivets) and better edges (the small pieces are more defined when viewed close up). Link to comment
Nick_Burman Posted June 22, 2011 Author Share Posted June 22, 2011 Thanks all folks. I think eventually I'll get samples of both models. Cheers NB Link to comment
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