Upcoming: Tramway HO kiha 35 railcar

[bikkuri bahn]

I saw this product advertisement at a hobby shop in Osaka.  Sometime in 2012 (proby later rather than sooner) Tramway will release a plastic model of the suburban commuter diesel railcar of the type kiha 30/35.  These were specifically developed for service on the Kansai Main Line out of Minatomachi (the current JR Nanba), and were the first diesel railcars designed for commuter services.  I plan to reserve a couple of examples when more details are released.

http://robope.sakura.ne.jp/sblo_files/3dmodel/tmshow/dc35dd16.jpg

[marknewton]

Nice one, bb!

 

I'm fast getting to the point where modelling a specific time and place no longer appeals to me that much - a generic "Japanese" layout that could accomodate all of these lovely new releases looks like the way to go.

 

Cheers,

 

Mark.

[bikkuri bahn]

Oh, and I reserved a DD16.  The hobby shop owner said don't expect Tramway to deliver their product on time.

[marknewton]

bb, have you got your DD16 yet? Mine arrived a little while back, and I'm very happy with it. I also got a Tramway EF65 recently, which is a very sweet little machine as well. And yes, I ordered two of the Kiha 35s! 

 

Cheers,

 

Mark.

[bikkuri bahn]

Yes, got the DD16 a while back.  I am thinking of which combination of Kiha 30/35/36's to order- at 17,000 yen a pop for the motorized versions, I want to maximize my consist possibilties at the lowest cost.

[marknewton]

I know what you mean, I've gone for one motorized car, and one trailer. Judging from photos, they were run in consists with other classes of DMUs, so that will give me a bit more variety.

 

All the best,

 

Mark.

[bikkuri bahn]

Yes, you're right about the mixing of consists- I have a motorised kiha 58 (Kato) that could be used with a couple of kiha 35 trailers.  These "dog's breakfast" consists were pretty common in the seventies and early eighties.  What really would be impressive is a solid consist of kiha 35's (say six cars) ala Kansai Main Line circa 1970, though I will never be able to afford such a setup, not to mention the space to run it

[marknewton]

That would look great. If I ever win the lottery I'll buy 12 kiha 35s, so we can both do that!

 

All the best,

 

Mark.

[bikkuri bahn]

The first run has been released: kiha 35 motors and trailers, and the kiha 35 corrugated trailer (all silver and red front stripe versions).  They seem to be selling well- with some outlets selling out. Other versions will be released from January on.  I have reserved a motorized kiha 30 and a trailer kiha 36. 

[bikkuri bahn]

Scored a stainless version kiha 35 on Yahoo auctions (sold out at most emporiums).  With my two on order for Jan./Feb. delivery, my consist of a kiha 30(M), kiha 36 and kiha 35 is looking to come together.  It appears that Tramway will be offering other color schemes later on, including an all-orange and Sagami Line version.

[marknewton]

Nice. I was tempted to get a stainless version, but I wasn't quick enough!  

 

So I wound up ordering a motor/trailer pair of kiha 35s in the "Capital Region Color", which I assume is the No.5 red. What's the stainless version like - are you happy with it?

 

Cheers,

 

Mark.

[bikkuri bahn]

Yes, the capital region is the all red version. Tempted to acquire one of those...  Haven't seen the stainless version yet, as I'm currently in the U.S. for the holidays.  Stainless is difficult to reproduce in styrene, I assume it will be more of a silver grey.  More interested in the fineness of the corrugation, as I often have chances to see the prototype on Budd-license corrugated stainless steel carbodies on Tokyu 8500's and Nankai railcars.