Help/tips on finding Tinplate 3-rail O-Gauge trains. Specifically SAKAI

[ATMSBassist]

Hi guys! I'm rather new to the forum and this is my first post!

My girlfriend is heading to Japan this summer for her Japanese class and while she's there on her free time she said she'd do a little train hunting for me!

I love tinplate trains and O-gauge. The most common trains in O-gauge that I know of go by the name of Sakai.

I was hoping that some of you who either visit or live in Japan know where these trains may be. I know O is not very popular in Japan because of size restrictions, but they used

to be popular back in the day.

[seabilliau]

You might try http://www.modeltrainforum.com/ . There are a lot of O gauges on there who are very familiar with O and many are of the age where they might be familiar with historical brands from other countries.

 

Also, keep in mind that many modern O gauge items in Japan may be in British O rather than three rail. So, it might be important for your GF to be educated on the difference. Of course I do believe Two rail O can be converted to Three rail in some cases.

[ATMSBassist]

Thanks! I've made a list for her to look at (with pics) to help her while I'm not there. I've been asking around the forums I'm a member of to se if I can get any info.

[bikkuri bahn]

Tinplate is called "buriki" in Japan.  Sakai Seisakusho is one of the early makes, but it seems Katsumi was more popular with Japanese prototype (and seemingly more scale).  This store, Hagurumaya, in Jimbocho in Tokyo, deals in 3 rail O scale items, and may have some items you're looking for.  Beware business hours are limited, Saturdays 1pm to 8pm.

 

http://www.ne.jp/asahi/bunkasyo/hagurumaya/hagurumaya/index.html

 

pics of some items:

http://www.ne.jp/asahi/bunkasyo/hagurumaya/hagurumaya/omake02/omake2.html