I’m just curious about this train from Kato and was wondering how well it runs. I have only seen photos of it, but can't decide or tell if its worth buying.
They run nice I have the 0-4-0 steam loco with two passenger cars the loco is actually a dummy the first passenger car is powered. You can't go wrong with this little engine set.
Oh, well now I’m glad I asked because I was wondering how they could get a decent running motor in that little Loco.
I think he means Z-2 Z2 [1296] - $39.95 : TCS, Digital Command Control Decoders My brother has one of the Pocket line steam sets and it looks and runs great. The mechanism in the coach is the Kato 11-104. http://www.katomodels.com/product/nmi/poke_power.shtml While not an exact prototype this train runs on the Matsuyama, Japan tram system. The locomotive is a diesel powered replica but you wouldn't know it until you hear it running.
I like mine (original 10-500 set) and you can get unpowered add-on coaches. The 11-104 is a a 4-wheel mechanism so pick-up could potentially be a problem. I say potenially as I've never had a problem but I mostly run it on a loop to impress the kids. The "Pocket Line" steeple cabs are kind of cool, too. http://www.some train store.com/v/vspfiles/photos/KAT-10-502-1-2.jpg Andy "Tetsu Uma"
I have a small spot on my layout that I’m thinking of putting in a small circle around a municipal structure or maybe a park for seasonal displays such as a small scale Christmas tree with a Christmas train in December and changing the tree to maybe a merry-go-round or something in the summer. So I need it be able to run it in a small 9-3/4 radius, but if I could have DCC then instead of a separate circle, I could have a small but tight loop of the main. I’m just tossing around some ideas right now.
The 11-104 chassis used in the pocket line works right down to Tomix 103mm (4") mini curves. Same goes for the 4 axle powered Kato B Shorty chassis. Bandai has also recently come out with their own shorty powered chasis, no experience with how well it works.
You can also check out this set of the little pocket set this one is blue and red might be better if you wanna model a christmas scene although its a little more expensive cause it comes with a power pack and track its still worth it. http://www.some train store.com/Kato-N-starter-Set-p/kat-10-501-1.htm
The train can run on the 103mm radius curves of Tomix Mini Fine Track. I use the steeple cab all the time on my traction layouts. I have wired it to run on overhead wire with a pole replacing the plastic pantograph. The steam version is a perfect attraction (fake) train. There is also a two car light rail version for your city streets.
Wow, I had no idea that there was anything smaller that 9-3.4”R. I’m planning on using it on my Unitrack layout so 8.5" Unitrack would be great. Wow, 4" now i got to see that. I’m not fond of battery stuff, but I guess if it already comes with the track and I can use my own controller it might work.
Wow, that’s incredible. It doesn’t look like its readily available in the USA yet, but I’ll keep it in mind. I just used XtrkCad to see what fits in my existing layout and I think the 8-3/4” Unitrack will work the best, but it depends on whether I’m going to make it a town square or a park. I have to think about it and also see what’s available.
Tomix Track in action. 4 inch and 5.5 inch curves used here. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7sTIRe6sOo
Kato lists the 216 (8.75") on their website. 20-170 and 20-171. I did a little checking and the Kato 10-501-1 set appears to use standard 315mm radius Kato Unitrack. I bought the two radii of Fine Track for testing purposes. There is a basic loop set (91080) of 103mm (4") radius which also comes with Tomix's oddball terminal connector. A 40' IM boxcar binds up on the 103mm but handles the 140mm all right. I have an idea for a narrow industrial layout using beer can shorties and a B-mann 44 tonner. If I use the 140mm, I think it would clear a Kato NW2 but I haven't had a chance to test that. I get Fine Track from Hobby Search in Japan and with them, you can order online and pay with PayPal. I had a problem with the website and was able to communicate with them in English. (Which is good 'cause I don't like the wife knowing too much about my train money.) I think Plaza Japan also lists it on eBay from time to time. Hope this helps. Andy Tetsu Uma
The battery powered controller has sound. There are 4 sounds: A Japanese door chime (doors are closing) Sound of the train running Bell A Japanese station announcement (now arriving at...)
