I've got the latest version of the Hudson (2019-2), same style mechanism as the new D51 498 2-8-2 and also negotiates 11" radius curves with ease. It takes the same decoder as the NW2 in the boiler with a little modification and wiring. I have the 10-534/10-535 Tsubame Ltd Exp for it to pull, the heavyweight observation car also has an illuminated drumhead and a slot for an FL12 function decoder.
I have a three of them (C62) and I think they have a great look. 4-6-4s generally have good lines and I can't think of a bad looking one anywhere. (My other woman is a CB&Q S4 but my wife understands. ) The old mech is Kato 2003 and the new one is 2019. I have 2019-1 and 2019-2 and I know -2 is the new mech but I'm not 100% positive about -1. I don't have much run time on the 2019s but the 2003 is a pretty good runner. The C62 was a D52 Mikado boiler on a new 4-6-4 frame in 1948-49. It still holds the world speed record for narrow gauge steam. It was also used to pull the space train in the anime series Galaxy Express 999. I love those box pock drivers. I didn't have a chance to take a picture of my C62 but here's a picture from Hobby Search. We've got to tell Hiroshi (at Hobby search) that he's got a wheel on the ground. The new Kato 2019 has much more detail than the older Kato 2003. Andy Tetsu Uma
I was searching Google last night and I think I saw a photo of a prototype C62 with the 999 sign on the front. I thought that was very cool. I guess I'm going to have to start saving my pennies for a steamer now!
That was a promotion for Galxay Express 999 which was a manga and then an early anime series from the late '70s though the mid '80s. Much later, MicroAce made a model couple sets of the train in the show. Yes, those are cannons in the photos. In Galaxy Railways, one of the locomotives is a Big Boy. Galaxy Railways Andy Tetsu Uma
All the C62's with 2019 catalog numbers are the new mech. I went on a trip behind C62 3 in Hokkaido in 1990, they are an impressive engine for narrow gauge, I would have loved to see one at full speed in their heyday. I'm not sure if I've posted it before on TB but here's the video I took. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kCdO9cLN6iI
That was very cool! I have to say I love the lines of that loco. I'll have to keep my eyes open for one of those.
It's like Christmas morning for me today! The Super Rail Cargo set I've been waiting for arrived today. Two DAYS ahead of the minimum expected delivery date. Not bad for a 16 car train set coming from Japan! And I also got my 10 car G SCale narrow gauge stuff this morning also! I'm in train heaven for the moment! Now, to do something about a DCC decoder for the Cargo set! Also, does anyone know HOW the M250 Cargo train is loaded/unloaded? Might have to think about another N Track module for this set maybe!
My Koki 107 and Chiki 5500 container cars (wagons?) came today. I have 6 cars total, two Kato Chiki 5500 singles, a Kato Chiki 5500 two cars set and two Tomix Koki 107 cars, one with and one without containers. The Tomix cars are the ones with the see through frames and are very, very light. The Kato cars have a metal weight under the cans (I'm a trucker, we call containers "cans"). My ED75 is cruising around the oval with them right now. (btw, I ran my Kato PAs for the first time yesterday with my Cali Zephyr. Makes me wish the WP had a few.)
I couldn't stand it any longer so I ordered a C62 for myself. What kind of cars would this pull (if they're even available)?
Videos I found on You Tube featuring Minitrix and Fleischmann I was browsing You Tube and found these Videos Featuring the latest from Fleischmann and Minitrix at the 2010 German Toy Fair. These were created by Eurorailhobbies.com to promote sales. I'm making my wish list now.. Hahaha! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QVeb9rXJOok http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ov503koTpw0 Here is an extra cool video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mkhknZl4vI Enjoy Bill :thumbs_up:
The Tsubame ("Swallow") would be an appropriate train. The basic set (7 cars) is available at Hobby Search. Hobby Search - Kato Tsubame Andy Tetsu Uma
Oh, that is nice! Interesting how there's a rapido coupler on one end and Kato knuckle couplers on the other.
It isn't a regular Kato knuckle coupler, it's actually a smaller (around z scale) dummy coupler designed to match the prototype. Since you don't generally see them doing shunting or double heading they went for looks over functionality. If you really want to most of Kato's Japanese steam include extra parts in the box for replacing the front with a functional rapido coupler (and I think some of the newer models also have proper N scale automatic knuckle couplers, just like the electrics come equipped with rapido but include 2 Kato knuckles).
The new DD51 Mikado comes with two extra pilots, one has a Rapido and the other a dummy knuckle that will couple with working couplers, to replace the factory fitted scale size dummy. The Tsubame set comes with a replacement Kato knuckle coupler for the front of the train, the dummy on the observation looks like it could easily be replaced with a body mounted MT coupler but I'll probably leave mine as is because, like the Japanese, I won't be doing much switching with it. The heavyweight observation with lighted drumhead is nicely done.
I guess I should order the set before they're sold out. I don't plan on doing much switching with mine Japanese trains either. It'll be nice to see them roam around my WP layout though.
Those are cool videos. We'll want to see pictures of your new acquisitions when they come in, too. Andy Tetsu Uma
I noticed that Kato has a new series Imperial train 10-853. My wife says the new model is the original 1960 configuration. Does anyone know if the new model (10-853) includes the easy DCC for lighting? Kato 10-853 Thanks, Andy Tetsu Uma
I have the older 10-418 set from a couple of years ago, it takes Kato lighting kits but not FL12 decoders for the marker lights. From what I gather the old set was the 1990's version of the train, the main difference I can see in the photos of the new one is that the cars with six wheel trucks have been backdated with friction bearing trucks in place of roller bearings.
