I am just getting started with model railways and want to go with N gauge for space reasons. I'm mostly interested in Japanese trains. I have a few questions if anyone is kind enough to answer them I have read a lot about DCC for control, and as electronics is my other hobby I am very interested in it. From what I have read most Japanese trains use TCS, which does not seem to be the same thing. Presumably they are not compatible, which could be a problem as I live in Europe (in Japan until the end of the month). I saw a few threads where people have done conversions, but looks quite involved with such small trains. Assuming that is the case, presumably everything else is interchangable (track etc)? I understand there are slight differences in scale between European and Japanese models. I have seen a really nice Z gauge "starter" kit which I am tempted to get too... Tokyo Marui PRO Z Gauge Full Diorama Scenery Set A+B . It is 20,000 yen, not bad I think. Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Welcome to Trainboard. I am only familiar with DCC in North America so can't answer your questions about what other places use. I'm sure someone here will know.
American (and European) N scale is 1:160, the Japanese use 1:148. Since the old Japanese network was 3 feet gauge, the engines and cars are about the same size than American models. I think I read somewhere that DCC is not so popular in Japan, but I might as well be completely wrong. The only Japanese models I have is a steam tank engine and a Green Max factory kit. This is all I know about Japanese models. Maybe there are dedicated Yahoo groups for this??
As far as I know TCS is exclusive to Tomix, which is the largest Japanese model train manufacturer. It is very commonly used in tetsu cafes and public layouts to create a "driving experience" along with micro cameras. Shinkansen models are 1:160 and most other Japanese trains are 1;150 which better represents the 3ft6in track gauge. The track gauge is 9mm as with all N gauge trains. The major N gauge manufacturers are Tomix, Kato, Micro Ace, and Greenmax. N gauge is 95% of the Japanese model train market. Japanese trains are 12v DC, but their power packs run on 100v DC mains which can require step-up or step-down converters depending on your country and power supply. Apart from some Kato trains, Japanese trains are rarely DCC compatible. I haven't heard of Z scale running on DCC. Japanese model train forums: JRForum : Discussion in the English language about scale models of Japanese trains. Japanese-Z-Scale : Japanese-Z-Scale There are several Japanese dealers who ship Japanese trains from Japan. EMS shipping is fast, traceable and insured to 20,000 Yen. Hobby Search Model Train Store eBay Store - Kato: Tomix, Microace, Modemo HWJapan Tokyo-Rail , Japanese Model Railroad Shop There is also a dealer in Europe. JapanModelRailways
Hobby Search has sets A & B for 24,120 yen. Completed Diorama Course (Basic Set A/B) (Model Train) Pro Z(Tokyo Marui) PZ3-001 Accessories Z Scale Better find out how that other dealer would ship it. It could be fast, it could be very slow. It is a good set, but you have to buy the controller seperately. Hobby Search began taking reservations for Sets C and D this week. Completed Diorama Increase Plate (C type/Straight Course) (Model Train) Pro Z(Tokyo Marui) PZ3-002 Accessories Z Scale Completed Diorama Increase Plate (D type/45-degree Corner Plate) (Model Train) Pro Z(Tokyo Marui) PZ3-003 Accessories Z Scale Pro Z Controller (Model Train) Pro Z(Tokyo Marui) PZ5-001 Other Pro Z Items Z Scale
This is a Japanese model train forum which I find very helpful: Japanese Modelling & Japan Rail Enthusiasts Forum
mojo- Welcome to TrainBoard! I don't get to see many photos of model railroads featuring Japanese protoypes. Would sure like to follow along as you create a layout. Could you post a few photos of your efforts? Boxcab E50
Thanks a lot for all the helpful advice. This is a very welcoming forum! From the sound of it then, the best thing to do is try and have everything on the Japanese TCS system and go from there. More reading is required I think! I will try to do some pictures along the way. The shops here in Tokyo are wonderful for just browsing and getting an idea of what is available. They tend to discourage photography though. Japan using 100V can be a bit of a pain. Step-down transformers are readily available, but often you can just replace the PSU (the "wall wart" as I have heard them called) instead. Bill - thanks for pointing out about the controller, I didn't notice that. I'm going to have another look today, and will post back later. Update: I took a look again today, I think it does include the controller.
I don't know anything about TCS, although I do know the vast majority of Japanese trains are analog controlled, much moreso than US/Europe. I think this has mostly to do with the fact that very few Japanese layouts are permanent and the wiring is much simpler with analog/power-routing turnouts than with DCC. Agree that you'd probably be best off simply going with off-the-shelf JDM products and adapting them (i.e. power supply issues) where applicable.
Beside Hobby search, the other good dealer in Japan is Hobby World. I have used both and they are both excellent. See link. HWJapan Jim
I use the Kato non DCC models and have several which have been successfully converted to DCC and run great. I will admit they are not set up for DCC and I am not good at conversions other than "drop in" so I have someone more competent take care of that for me. The picture below is the conversion of a Kato commuter train (10-481) The Japanese regular gauge is 3'6" (1067mm) which works out to about 1:120 scale for 9mm gauge track. Tenshodo makes some really beautiful 1:120 models but those rarely make it out of Japan. As a compromise, Japanese manufacturers use 1:150 for non-Shikansen models which is why a Kato D51 Mikado model is much the same size as the Kato USRA Mikado model even though the USRA Mike is a much larger locomotive. The Japanese high speed trains run on standard gauge and are modelled in 1:160 scale. I have the Pro Z diorama and have reviewed it for the Model Railroader website. I have no way of checking (other than the calibrated eyeball ), but I think the Pro Z wheels are a bit wider than Micro-Trains so they track better on the crossover under the mountain. The diorama is very fun and allows me take trains "on the road" and also to do quick tests but with no turnouts, it has very little operating potential. I have had zero problems running 100v Japanese transformers on American 110v. I'm discovering the fun of Japanese models myself and I like to help out when I can.
Also Plaza Japan...good prices and excellent service. No hesitation to use charge cards. No problems in 7 years I've used them. Steve E.
