Thank you. Most of the train stores in Akhibara would not allow filming, but on the 2nd floor (I think) at Poppendetta, they had a cool layout I was able to film. I'm going to the Kato store tomorrow, and I believe they allow filming, at least around their layouts. Iain
The Kato shop is expensive. If possible, you should try some of the shops in Akihabara. Some people have uploaded videos on youtube about model train shopping there. I hope that you all have a great time!
Thank you! Yes, I figure that the Kato store will be full retail prices, but I have to go and see it! I might buy something there. I was already planning on spending quite some time in Akhibara for video gaming, so will double up checking out model trains and save a little! Iain
Everything is coming along nicely. Have you considered using tape for the super elevation? It might be easier to get the angle you are looking for using the layers of tape and if for some reason you chose to use styrene you could easily measure the thickness of the tape to know the thickness for the styrene.
Thanks. I've toyed with tape and different thickness of styrene now, and I'm still undecided on if it's worth the effort! It's also hard to run trains around it without adhering the track, at which point it's hard to change after the fact. I like the very slight bank though. Iain
Thanks! I'm mostly happy with the slight superelevation, as I think for the era it fits. The superelevated Kato Unitrak I agree is a little too much. That said, I was surprised just how much elevation change and superelevation the shinkansen tracks do have in real life! Iain
I live in Japan, I've covered most of the county by train. Japan has one of the best and most diverse train networks in the world. To many trains to even ride, not enough time. Japan rail pass is increasing in price but its still worth it if you use the train as your main Transportaion method. As far as Bullet trains, Japan has numerous Bullet trains outside of Tokaido shinkansen, as Tokaido shinkansen is not the fastest, Tohoku and San-yo Shinkansen are Quicker but may not have the best views from the train due to tunnels. Many limited Express and Commuter trains to see, and even small local trains are still very reliable. There are also freight trains to see but Japan is very passenger centric when it comes to trains. If you have any questions about Japanese trains i could give you some info if you wish.
Thank you for all the great information. There are so many trains here! We have been here 1.5 days and have taken 8 rides across the subway and JR lines, and seen lots of other trains / routes along the way. I'm looking forward to the Tokaido Shinkansen in a couple of days, even if not the fastest. The N700S looks like a wonderful train. Iain
@@gncascadedivision indeed the N700S is nice and has new features, but the N700A is still very dominant on Tokaido shinkansen, either way they go the same speed and are still comfortable to ride. My favorite shinkansen is the E7/W7 on Joetsu and Hokuriku shinkansen, They have a beautiful exterior, and interior has beautiful seats with some wood accents, also has Grand class. These trains also dont tend to be as crowded as Tokaido.
Yes, I actually ended up on the N700A from Tokyo to Kyoto and then back again. I thought the N700S was more widely in use, but I guess there are still so many sets of the N700A trains, it takes time to replace them. It was still a great ride! And yes, I really like the E7! The blue exterior is very nice, and I hear that the Grand class cars are very nice! Maybe on my next trip...
Hah, yes, good eye! My previous layout was OO gauge based around Newcastle Central. On top of the lighting deck, I'm planning a simple back and forth line for OO / HO trains. On the shelf above my workbench is also an in-progress OO gauge TMD layout. Iain
Great update, enjoy your trip.
Thanks! Really looking forward to it. Iain
Have a wonderful time in Japan. Would love to see video inside Kato HQ and store if they let you take it.
Thank you. Most of the train stores in Akhibara would not allow filming, but on the 2nd floor (I think) at Poppendetta, they had a cool layout I was able to film. I'm going to the Kato store tomorrow, and I believe they allow filming, at least around their layouts. Iain
The Kato shop is expensive. If possible, you should try some of the shops in Akihabara. Some people have uploaded videos on youtube about model train shopping there. I hope that you all have a great time!
Thank you! Yes, I figure that the Kato store will be full retail prices, but I have to go and see it! I might buy something there. I was already planning on spending quite some time in Akhibara for video gaming, so will double up checking out model trains and save a little! Iain
Everything is coming along nicely. Have you considered using tape for the super elevation? It might be easier to get the angle you are looking for using the layers of tape and if for some reason you chose to use styrene you could easily measure the thickness of the tape to know the thickness for the styrene.
Thanks. I've toyed with tape and different thickness of styrene now, and I'm still undecided on if it's worth the effort! It's also hard to run trains around it without adhering the track, at which point it's hard to change after the fact. I like the very slight bank though. Iain
I like your slight elevation. My superelevations are too extreme and exagerated (I use Kato track). Your layout is impressive!
Thanks! I'm mostly happy with the slight superelevation, as I think for the era it fits. The superelevated Kato Unitrak I agree is a little too much. That said, I was surprised just how much elevation change and superelevation the shinkansen tracks do have in real life! Iain
I live in Japan, I've covered most of the county by train. Japan has one of the best and most diverse train networks in the world. To many trains to even ride, not enough time. Japan rail pass is increasing in price but its still worth it if you use the train as your main Transportaion method. As far as Bullet trains, Japan has numerous Bullet trains outside of Tokaido shinkansen, as Tokaido shinkansen is not the fastest, Tohoku and San-yo Shinkansen are Quicker but may not have the best views from the train due to tunnels. Many limited Express and Commuter trains to see, and even small local trains are still very reliable. There are also freight trains to see but Japan is very passenger centric when it comes to trains. If you have any questions about Japanese trains i could give you some info if you wish.
Thank you for all the great information. There are so many trains here! We have been here 1.5 days and have taken 8 rides across the subway and JR lines, and seen lots of other trains / routes along the way. I'm looking forward to the Tokaido Shinkansen in a couple of days, even if not the fastest. The N700S looks like a wonderful train. Iain
@@gncascadedivision indeed the N700S is nice and has new features, but the N700A is still very dominant on Tokaido shinkansen, either way they go the same speed and are still comfortable to ride. My favorite shinkansen is the E7/W7 on Joetsu and Hokuriku shinkansen, They have a beautiful exterior, and interior has beautiful seats with some wood accents, also has Grand class. These trains also dont tend to be as crowded as Tokaido.
Yes, I actually ended up on the N700A from Tokyo to Kyoto and then back again. I thought the N700S was more widely in use, but I guess there are still so many sets of the N700A trains, it takes time to replace them. It was still a great ride!
And yes, I really like the E7! The blue exterior is very nice, and I hear that the Grand class cars are very nice! Maybe on my next trip...
Do I see an Azuma ??
Hah, yes, good eye! My previous layout was OO gauge based around Newcastle Central. On top of the lighting deck, I'm planning a simple back and forth line for OO / HO trains. On the shelf above my workbench is also an in-progress OO gauge TMD layout. Iain