Hokutosei DD 51 from Kato in HO

[bnicolas1987]

Hi,

I've bought two DD51 in the Hokutosei livery, thex are very fine, the only real problem is the place for the DCC decoder, the only free space is in the cabin and it is a little bit annoying.

 

So, here are the fotos:

 

 

I would like to buy the kato carriages to do this train (Hokutosei) but there are sold out at Hobby Search, does anyone have a tip to buy those at a regular price? (not the ebay selle that sold them twice the price...)

 

Thank you for the replies.

 

See you!

 

Nicolas

Edited October 16, 2013 by bnicolas1987

[Darklighter]

According to Kato's stock list the carriages are all available (http://www.katomodels.com/distribution/stock_e2.shtml) so shops like www.loco1hobby.net or www.fmodels.jp should be able to get them for you. Or you can order them at Mokeiyabigman on Rakuten Global http://global.rakuten.com/en/store/mokeiyabigman/item/4949727055886/ (EMS shipping only) or at www.AmiAmi.com http://www.amiami.com/top/detail/detail?gcode=RAIL-09689&page=top/search/list?s_keywords=3-515$pagemax=20$getcnt=0$pagecnt=1 .

You can find more info on these retailers here: http://www.jnsforum.com/community/forum/51-suppliers/ .

[bnicolas1987]

Hi,

I didn't know about the kato website eith available material.

 

I send an email on Keitaro's webshop, member of this forum, i hope he can order those carriages, and the EF 510.

 

I'll tell you if the cars can be ordered.

 

See you.

 

Nicolas

[keitaro]

Thanks Nicolas.

 

the EF510 is a fantastic prototype right?

 

I have a few in my N Guage fleet now.

 

the Cassiopeia versions and a freight in the red livery ( I actually got the red one for 1500 yen from a model convention used but looks practically un-used the box barely had a mark and the model appeared un-used with clean wheels.

 

maybe i missed the topic but do you have a layout or are you in a club would be interested in seeing pictures.

 

---------

 

Just a tip kato update their availability once a month only. so it is inaccurate as i have found, same goes for tomix.

 

tomytec also have an availability list for those interested.

it was last updated in sept however i think sometimes this is only done every 2 months

http://www.tomytec.co.jp/diocolle/zaiko/zaiko.pdf

 

 

Thanks David

[bnicolas1987]

Hi, Thanks for this information about Tomytec, but this list is hard to understand for me as it is only in japanese. (But I'll try to understand it when I can be in the computer)

 

For the layout, I unfortunately haven't one at the moment, but I'm thinking in building a little one in a few month. (A modular round trip around the living room, I'll show you the plan when it will be done)

 

For the EF 500, it is a great locomotive, but the most beautiful electric for me is the EF 66...  (So vintage... I have the Tomix in HO, it was hard to put the DCC in it...)

 

See you.

 

Nicolas

Edited October 18, 2013 by bnicolas1987

[keitaro]

I like that too.

 

Strangely enough my favorite Ef would be the EF56 ugly yet beautiful.

 

Though it`S been along time since  HO was done. I think tenshodo.

 

i have the n guage.

 

Thanks,

Dave

[Matteo_IT]

So, as I'be just received these locos... can somebody explain me how to open the engine? just to replace the LEDs and try to make dummy the second unit...

Thanks!  

[bnicolas1987]

Hi,

It's a little bit hard to open them.

 

First you have to remove the cabin, then the rest of the body, there are locked with clips just over the two main carriages.

 

If you want an advice, let them as they are and put two same digitals decoders with the same parameter.

 

I have an exibition with the modular club layout in two weeks (at Geneva Airport if you want to come), so I'll tryy to make them run without modifications with both unit motorised.

I'll tell you if it works well.

 

See you.

 

Nicolas

Edited November 14, 2013 by bnicolas1987

[bnicolas1987]

Hi,

As Matteo_IT asked, here are the constructor plate of the DD51 in Hokutosei / Cassiopeia livery

 

Here is an original picture (I make it smaller for the forum) (source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:JNR_DD51_1093_Hokutosei_20110621.jpg)

 

Here is a zoom on the plate:

 

And here is the Kato model:

 

See you.

 

Nicolas

 

EDIT: added source for the picture

Edited November 18, 2013 by bnicolas1987

[Matteo_IT]

Many thanks!

[bnicolas1987]

So, as I'be just received these locos... can somebody explain me how to open the engine? just to replace the LEDs and try to make dummy the second unit...

Thanks!  

Hi,

As shown in video there: http://www.jnsforum.com/community/topic/8151-the-limited-express-hokutosei-in-ho-scale/

 

The two DD 51 with an ESU decoder are runnig pretty good!

 

For me there is no need in making one in dummy.

 

See you!

 

Nicolas

[Matteo_IT]

I've made one dummy, as I use them in standard DC current...

I removed motor and replaced the middle pivot with a 2 mm screw, I removed also the weights, circuit board and the gears to reduce the drag...

[bnicolas1987]

Hi,

A little bump for this thread, herer is the first test for my new DD51 with sound from the Kato Custom Shop.

 

 

The sound is still too high (I think) but I'll need to hear it in a louder space to think about reduce it.

 

I'll make a small movie when the second unit will be here...

[beakaboy]

WoW! Very, Very Nice sound. Its probably the right volume for shows, but might need reducing in small room,etc

[marknewton]

Sounds great - very growly!

 

Cheers,

 

Mark.

[bnicolas1987]

Hi,

Here are them, a pair of rumorously DD51...

 

 

Sorry for the poor quality on video.

 

I hope I can run them soon in front of a big train...