Just added these

[Super]

Love that Observation car in the Type-25 and the detailed Pantographs in the Series 485

I thought you'd like the observation car Super, yet another type to add to my collection.  I'm not sure yet if you can get lighting kits for the Tomix models, I think you can, but if they are as easy to fit as the Kato ones may be the big issue as the Kato ones are as you know pretty much just "plug and play"

I have to say I'm becoming a big fan of the back lit type destination displays that you get one the 485 type expresses, like the Kato versions the Tomix one has a number of different ones provided so you can change it if you want.  I wonder how come we never get any features like this on 'OO' gauge/UK made models?

[Super]

Backlit like on the front center or above the windscreen?

Well either are cool, but I quite like the front center ones as they tend to be larger and have graphics as well as text   Of course it would help if I could read Japanese, but the effect is still great

Something a little more mundane than usual, but definitely nice, here's some new wagons to add to my rolling stock, mostly box cars (several of each) and a lone coal hopper (total of 12 wagons).  All of these are 'Roco' brand rather than Kato, but very nice indeed;

[Super]

I love Box Cars but I love Hoppers even more. Nice pick ups Nigel.

Hi Super,

I know what you mean, I like wagons like the hoppers so you can add loads to them which makes them look just that little bit more realistic.  Although the box cars are nice too.  I was particularly happy to pick up these as Roco is one of my favourite brands regardless of scale as they are always good runners and very detailed.  Managing to pick them up at a bargain price for two batches of 6 I was very happy even though I had to ship them from the USA


Cheers, Nigel

I just picked up this Kato Variation (V15) set off eBay, got a discount due to it being unboxed. This is quite an interesting set as it is designed to take a dual lane track and split it to run around the 'island' platform set (I posted pics of that some weeks back further up this thread).

It is designed so you can have the track branch either left or right depending on the orientation of the track in case you want to have two sets with two island platform sets. As you can see you get the two end pieces, a bunch of straight track to go either side of the platforms and then some accessory pieces including two square parts that hold track 'furniture' such as power boxes etc... that go between the split tracks and the end of the platform pieces. Quite a nice and well designed set I think

[Super]

I like the look of the ballast on the split rail and also the added details of the electrical??? conduit built in and the extra parts that go there. Would be neat to see one of those all detailed out. Your envisioned 'N' Scale Layout is going to be awesome.

Hi Super,

One of the main things I like about the Kato track is the really nicely detailed ballasting you get as standard, I know you will get those 'rivet counters' who will say its not as realistic as it could be if you do it yourself. But as far as I'm concerned its good enough and more importantly to me consistent.

I totally agree about the extra detail on the inner parts of those split pieces, its only a small detail, but it really does add to the overall effect and its little details like that which makes the overall better.

I'm sure it will look stunning when I get that down along with the platforms and the signal box (which you already seen), although that was the standalone signal box. The other signal box (you get two in the set) is designed to fit onto one of the platform sections, basically you can take out a panel in the platform canopy and then it clips into there and onto the platform - very clever if you ask me!

There is also a new type of station just been released, the 'DX' versions. These come in island and one sided types just like the standard ones do. The big difference is that as well as all the standard detail there is extra detailing parts and you can install lighting! This takes the form of little circuit board modules similar to the ones that you fit to the coaches but without the clear perspex strips. You can fit them both into the canopy's as well as certain points under the platform pieces - this is all just clip in, no wiring needed for the modules - these latter pieces in the platform can then illuminate upwards to light up some of the detail pieces such as ticket or vending machines and as far as I know structures such as waiting rooms etc...

As you can imagine the DX sets are quite a bit more expensive than the standard ones and the lighting modules are purchased separately, but not too pricey for the latter, you get a box of 10 for under £20. I will be picking up one of the DX sets at some point