Modelling Japan's Railways Modelling Japan's Railways
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Modelling Japanese
railways is not always easy
when
you live outside Japan, most model shops do not stock Japanese models
and
those who do usually have only a very limited selection. That does not
mean
that modelling the Japanese prototype is impossible. These pages may
assist
you in obtaining Japanese models and creating a Japanese-looking
scenery
for your personal or club layout. This page contains many links to
manufacturers
(their Web pages are usually in Japanese only) and shops who can supply
Japanese
items. When you live in Japan, life is much easier, as there are many
model
shops and department stores where you can buy models. Today there are a
few specialist model shops who carry a useful selection of Japanese
models and some can even order specific items for you.
Manufactures of Japanese railway models
Today there are
several mass-manufactured
makes
available to mainly N-scale modellers. There is also a high number of
small
manufacturers who make their products, mainly from etched brass. These
brass
models are beautiful, but as usual, beauty has to be paid for. HO-scale
is less popular due to the lack of space in most Japanese homes. Tomix
and Kato both have a small range of HO-scale items which are
top-quality, other HO is usually made in small quantities and at high
prices. This page gives an overview of what's available. The list is by
no means complete.
Items of interest
The links below lead to articles written by myself or others, all articles cover a specific area of interest.
the
modelling news page, filled with news on Japanese model railways,
new
products, events etc.
Control of Japanese model railways
All Japanese railway models run on 12V DC, international standards on polarity do apply, so no surprises. DCC is not yet accepted on a wide scale in Japan, Kato is most active in DCC and has a co-operation with Digitrax.
Control equipment for your 12 V DC model trains, not necessarily japanese prototype.
Digital
Command Control, what it is, what it could do and some history on command control systems.
Tomix train and accessory control equipment in detail.
Kato train control equipment, an overview of what is, was and could have been available.
In Japan modelling conventions are a recent development. Starting in 2000, the JAM organised two conventions until so far. Other exhibitions are held in department stores, hired rooms etc. One of our reporters attended the 2001 JAM convention. Click on the header for a more extensive report.
For the 3rd time the JAM organised this exhibition in Tokyo. Click on 'JAM 2002 Convention' for a report.
Track for Japanese model trains (N-scale only)
An overview of N-scale track systems and their use with Japanese N-scale models.
A
series of articles about maintainance of your Japanese model trains.
Model trams could be an extension of your model railway or a subject on their own. There's a choice of japanese prototypes available.
Taiwanese
prototype model trains are a special interest. Taiwan has a railway
systems that has a character not unlike that of Japan. In Taiwan trains
built in the USA, Japan, Taiwan, Korea and South Africa all run together on the
same system!
Where
to buy?
A few model shops and individuals have taken the plunge and can supply Japanese models outside Japan. Most of them are located in Australia, the USA or the UK. Most run a mail order service.
In
Germany you can get Japanese railway models from Japan Model Railways. Open to everyone.
Highly recommended! Shop
specialises
in Tomix and Micro Ace, but can supply all
other
makes on request. A 'brick & mortar' shop is open from May
11th
2002 in Kamen, Germany. Well worth a visit!
M.G.
Sharp are the UK's leading Kato dealer,
they
are located in Sheffield, but can supply world-wide by mail order.
Doug Coster's Japanese Trains is a good address to buy Japanese model trains when
you
live in or nearby Australia. Doug can supply world-wide!
Adrian Cybriwsky offers a service on eBay
He is specialised in used (better said: pre-owned)
models.
More details on his site 
1999
Hobby Search is a Japanese mail
order
business. Reasonable selection of mainstream manufacturers, including
HO
scale.
Railcraft
Awaza is a good site to spot new Japanse model railway
products. Japanese language.
In the USA, some Japanese stuff is available from the following suppliers, all run a mail order service.
N-Scale
Supply is
doing some Kato, Kawai, Tomix and Micro Ace.
New
Hall Station is a new name to me. They have a good selection
of Kato, Tomix and Micro Ace. Based in California, USA.
M.B. Klein, one of the oldest models shops in the US, can supply most of the Kato and Tomix buildings. Loads of other stuff available.
Direct
links to manufacturers
Listed below are some direct links to Japanese railway model manufacturers. Only a few pages are in English. Clicking on the logo or the name will take you directly to the manufacturer's website.
Kato have
set
up a Japanese homepage. Available in both Japanese and English.
Kato have also set up a website for their US-outline
customers, a few items could be of interest for those modelling
Japanese
outline
Tomix have an extensive website, unfortunately it
is
only in the Japanese language.
Green
Max offers kits of many EMU's and structures and lots of
seperate
parts like bogies, pantographs etc.
Hasegawa, the parent company of 
Modemo Modemo offers a selection of modern and older
Japanese
trams and some JR EMU's in N-scale. In H0 scale Modemo offers fine tram
kits.
Japanese language only.
Micro Ace offers
a wide range of N-scale rolling stock. Steam locos are theri
speciality,
but electric and diesel locos and MU's have been added to this rapidly
growing
range. Japanese language only.
Kawai
offers
some freight wagons, one steam locomotive model and some very nice
structures.
Diorama
Display Factory makes
ready-made
scenics, custom-built scenics built to order are also possible.
World
Kogei makes N-scale brass kits and completed models, pages
are
in Japanese only.
Endo also
have their website. (Japanese only).
Hand-made brass models are made by KTM, beautiful, but expensive. (Japanese language)
Tenshodo is
a company that makes jewelry for him and her, brass models for him,
other
shiny stuff for her. Their main store is in Ginza, Tokyo.
TexT
offers models of modern EMU's. At the moment their products
are
still not available, but samples have appeared recently in the Japanese
modelling
magazines. Their plans are promising, the EMU's will have a flywheel
drive,
a first in N-scale.
Tokyo-do
is the parent company of TexT, Tokyo-do offer a range RTR rolling
stock,
some kits and limited edition repaints.
Real Line
is a manufacturer of outstanding N-scale steam loco models. These could
easily be taken for HO-scale when judging from the pictures!
Train
offers die-cast 'models' of many Japanese trains. Scale is about 1:150.
These
models are not very detailed and meant as collectables rather than
operational
models.
One Mile is another manufacturer of 1:150 die-cast models. They also make very nice 1:80 scale model buses.
K's
Worksoffer detailing parts and a few kits.
King's Hobby offer locomotive
kits
and detail parts. Not cheap!
Kuromaya has a large range of
rub-on
transfers for customizing your models.
Platz
Hobby have a range of containers, kits and
accesories.
Shinkasha
have a range of kits, detail parts and decals. Site includes some
prototype
photos.
Win
offer kits and some ready-to-run items.
Modelnics
offer something special, 5-inch gauge models for ride-on use.
DigiQ TRAIN
by Konami. Infra-red controlled toy trains. About N-scale
size,
I could see other use for the control electronics.
Ginga Model supplies etched-metal
detail parts and wires that fit the catenary supports made bu Tomix and
Kato.
LazyJack
offers
brass kits of signals, coach parts etc. in 1/80 and 1/87 scales and a
few
1/150 scale coach parts. Those signals look awesome!
Hogarakadou offers
models
of Japanese freight containers, that can be used on your container
cars.
Attractive are the colourful liveries of these containers.
Products of interest, not necessarily Japanese
Click here for some links to manufacturers of interesting model
railway
and modelling products.
Text by Mark Veneman
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