Foreign Prototype Models - What You've Got and What's New

Excellent!

The Keio 7000 series add in the old color scheme on is coming and I think I'm going to be pulled in . . . .

 

Now, I have a couple questions about the loco. Does anyone know what radius curves it'll take? Does the center truck have some lateral motion? And, which pantagraph is usually up when it's running? Front, back....both?
This will be my first foreign loco and my first ever electric that I've ever had.

 

I have two similar engines, one I've already posted the Tomix version of the ED76 and the Kato EF210. You should have no problems with this engine on tighter radii like 11" (I tested mine of 9.75" and was fine but will look to tight especially when it's pulling freight cars.) The center truck has a lot of freedom with lateral movement. As for the pantographs, here is a video of the train that will answer that question:
[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJJR5BjXNy8"]YouTube - JR貨物 EF66牽引 コンテナ列車[/ame]

 

Ah, thanks, Bernard. I had to ask the pantograph question because in the photos of GG1's I've seen, it looks like the rear pantograph is up and the front down. I really don't know why I'm worried, I won't have any cantenary on my layout anyway (unless I do a Sacramento Northern based one).
I guess the next step will be to get some cars to go with it. Do Japanese modellers use the rapido couplers or do they switch them out?
Me, "Hello, Micro-Trains? Do you have a coupler conversion for a JR EF66?"
Guy at M-T, "A WHAT??"

 

Without writing a technical treatise on the subject, the EF66 operates off 1500V DC electrification and when working hard a loco will draw a high enough current to need both pantographs raised.

 

To the best of my knowledge, the Japanese modelers use the rapidos although some do the converstion. Personally, I just put in Unimates (or use a tranition car) since I am not going to be doing switching with my Japanese trains and I'm really not that good a hand at swapping out rapido couplers for MTs.

(By the way, if anyone has a trick for swapping MTs that doesn't involve cutting or drilling or knows the MT coupler number that installs in the coupler box for the rapidos, please let me know. )

 

Thanks, Russ. That's good to know.
This is going to be fun. I see a whole new learning experience for me!

 

I'm a big fan of the German railways. Here are some of my picts.

 

I love locomotives with the rack and pinion drive like Swiss Crocodiles and ED42s. What is the prototype and who makes those models?

 

Prototype? That's the good thing about German locomotives, they say it on them! Class E75.
http://www.geocities.com/rodeodrive/1704/dr_html/english/drg_g_e.html I'll gather it's Minitrix.
And yes, that's the generation of electrics I love.

 

My latest addition is the Tomytec Toyama Portram LRV. I can run it on C103 track with my 6V battery powered Tomytec tram controller. It can fly on 6V. By comparsion a Modemo tram is very heavy. A great little model for about $40 US for the body and chassis.

 

When you say that, I can see "E75" but before, I couldn't read it clearly. (EJ5?) Thanks for the model info.

I do want to encourage people to talk about their models and what those models mean to them.

When I get a chance, I'll get my ED42 set out and get a picture. The Japanese used them as helpers - one in front and three in the back. I'll bet that was entertaining to watch.

 

Correct on both counts, E75 made by Minitrix. This one is from epoch II (1920-1945).

 

I'll be sure to take photos of my EF66 when I get it in March. lol

 

Maybe pulling a Kato Stack train? . . . .

 

Since my layout will probably be built on a HCD, I doubt it'll be a stack train. Maybe I'll have it pulling my Kato California Zephyr...