Japanese model trams
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Modelling
trams could be an interesting add-on for your model railway layout or a
subject on its own; the choice is yours! When modelling after a
japanese prototype you have several options and it's possible to build
a convincing japanese tram layout in both HO and N scales. Several
manufacturers offer ready-to-run tram models and with a little bashing
or some scratchbuilding a lot more is possible.
Advantages of a model tram system:
- Tramway systems ususally have tight curves as the tracks follow
the roads and often the tracks are laid in the centre of wider streets
in cities or along the side of the road in more rural areas. In Japan
there are quite a few smaller systems still in operation, although
there have been several closures during the last years. On the other
hand, some tram systems enter a new era when they are upgraded into
modern 'light-rail' systems, often with disused or lightly-used railway
lines being converted into tram lines. A model tram system is an ideal
modelling project for those who like urban settings and only requires a
limited space.
- Trackwork can have very tight curves, about 100mm radius in
N-scale, about 200mm radius in HO-scale is a good guideline when
designing a model tram layout. Junctions and crossings differ a lot
from full-size railways and are much simpler. Tomix offers suitable
track for use with N-scale trams. In HO you could use the Luna track
system or the tram track offered by ER-Decor. Scratchbuilding your
track is also possible. Orr supplies point and crossing components for scratchbuilding your own tracks.
- Trams often run in cities, where there's little space available.
Tracks are often paved in the road surface and the trams have to share
their right-of-way with other traffic.
- All japanese trams are bi-directional, no need for return loops or 'balloon tracks', trailers are rarely used.
Disadvantages of a model tram layout:
- Smaller choice of R-T-R models available.
- Urban settings may not be the type of scenery you like.
- The simple service pattern requires little shunting, and may not appeal to shunting enthousiasts.
- You may need to kitbash or scratchbuild items you are not able to buy off the shelf when you are building a full-scale railway.
Available products:
N-scale:
- Tram cars are offered by Tomix (Tomytec Tetsudo Collection,
with add-on powered chassis), Kato, Modemo and a range of small manufacturers.
- Track
is offered by Tomix (Mini Fine Track system, with seperate pavement
sections) and Kato, where the Kato track has a wider choice of
pointwork and crossings, Tomix has more choice in sleepers, paved in or
even grassed in track.
- Accesories are made by Green Max, Kato and Tomix
HO-scale:
- Tram cars are made by Modemo and a range of small manufacturers
- Track is available from Tillig (Luna tram track) and ER-Decor.
The Tillig track is available in 16.5 and 12 mm track gauges, ER-Decor
only in 16.5 mm gauge.
- Accessories have to be scratchbuilt or kitbashed from european or american products.
Links to manufacturers
- Tomix supplies N-scale light-rail vehicles in their Tetsudo
Collection range. A seperate powered or rolling chassis converts these
collectible models into fully functional model vehicles. The Mini Fine
Track can be paved in with special paving sections.
- Modemo offers N-scale tram cars, including the modern Tokyu
Setagaya line 300 class. A range of HO kits is also available, these
are meant as static models, but can be converted by a skilled modeller.
- Linie 8 offers modern tram cars in HO and N-scales. Apart from
many european prototypes several japanese models are available: in HO
there are Combinos from Hiroshima and Nagasaki (both out of production)
and an ADTranz tram from Kumamoto. In N-scale there are Combinos form
Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
- Kato
offers the German KSW tram car that runs in Hiroshima in both N and
HO-scales. Now there are more N-scale trams added, most from the
Hiroshima and Toyama systems.
- Tillig offers the Luna tram track system for HO-scale in both 16.5 and 12 mm track gauges.
- ER-Decor supplies 16.5 mm gauge paved-in tram track.
- There are many small manufacturers that offer brass tram car models in both N and HO scales.
N-scale trams as offered by Green Max, these can be motorised with a Kato 'Shorty' powered chassis, which just slides in.
N-scale tram stop by Green Max
Tomix tram track and paved in points
Combino trams in N-scale, Hiroshima (left) and Nagasaki (right) as made by Linie 8
A Kumamoto ADTranz tram, in HO (1:87) scale, by Linie 8
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