JRF freight consist numbers?

[katoftw]

What do freight trains in Japan normally consist of car wise?

 

I've noticed a few model manufacturers show say for example a EF210 to pull 10 cars.

 

Is there a set number?

 

Are smaller brand lines different? ie Like whatever they have on the day etc?

 

Thanks.

[kvp]

In the past there were mixed freight, but currently most freight trains are fixed sets. The length depends on the amount of stuff to be moved and the maximal train size of each line, determined by siding and block lengths and gradients. For container trains, the length could vary, but when they are not running 100%, it's common to just leave a few cars empty so they'll have the full capacity on the return trip. 

 

In short, tailor your freight train length to your layout. Yard size and gradients are the main limiting factor, like the prototype.

[katoftw]

cheers thank you.  answers my question.

 

that way all my sidings can be the same length.  around 1300mm.

 

for my layout, i was looking at max 8 car shinkansens, so max 9 car communters and loco + 8 freight car sets.

[westfalen]

The best answer would be to have a look at the videos I've posted of my day spent watching freight trains at Kiyosu just west of Nagoya and count the cars.