Superb EF66 Intermodal
Posted by: Masioka on: 4 October, 2008
I think this is the Kato model. Unbelievable pulling power for N gauge – talk about inspirational.
Gaugemaster D
Posted by: Masioka on: 29 September, 2008
Gaugemaster D, originally uploaded by f.g.t.
Here is the new analogue Gaugemaster D controller I have purchased for the layout – no DCC for me yet as I am only just returning to the hobby. Old dog and new tricks comes to mind. 
It has twin track capabilities and my initial tests show a very smooth power band.
Microace EF510-1 in motion.
Posted by: Masioka on: 27 September, 2008
Test running on a piece of Peco flexitrack with my new Gaugemaster controller.
MicroAce A1160 EF510-1
Posted by: Masioka on: 8 September, 2008
MicroAce A1160 EF510-1, originally uploaded by f.g.t.
MicroAce A2762 MCR600
Posted by: Masioka on: 8 September, 2008
Fancy A Bit Of Modelling?
Posted by: Masioka on: 8 September, 2008
How’s this for a prototypical scene?
What a backdrop. I’d have a go at modelling it if I thought I could afford all the house kits.
On The Slippery Slope
Posted by: Masioka on: 7 September, 2008
EF510-1 + EF81404 3092レ
Originally uploaded by Kuma*Neko
To get me started on this project I have just purchased on eBay two MicroAce models, namely the EF510-1 JRF locomotive (as pictured above) and their rather wonderful MCR600 (DBR-600??) Type Snowplough.
Hopefully they will arrive in the next couple of days and photos will follow accordingly.
Snow News Yet!
Posted by: Masioka on: 4 September, 2008
I have discovered just how impatient I am; I know I only ordered the starter set on 23rd of August, but that was last month. I can’t get used to this pre-order/back-order system, why can’t everything be in stock, you should expect that from a sole distributor, surely? Anyway I am assured it will be with their next delivery from Kato in 2/3 weeks. Mind you that’s what they said when I ordered it 2 weeks ago. Sigh. I’ll do my next order direct from Japan to see how they compare.
Whilst I have been waiting I’ve been thinking through some ideas. I know it sounds a bit of a cliché but I think Masioka is going to be a snow covered layout situated somewhere in northern Japan, maybe Hokkaido. I believe the Shinkansen route is due to be expanded in the direction of Sapporo in the future and I fancy modelling the construction of it alongside normal service routes. I guess this would make my N700 set largely redundant, but I will need something to play with while the layout is being built.
So, to get the ball rolling, has anyone any tips and advice for modelling realistic snow. It won’t be littered with clichés (well maybe the odd snowball fight). I’m looking for fairy deep snow on the tracks and a fair covering elsewhere. Slush, banks of cleared snow. Realistic weathering to simulate that grey grime left on vehicles and trains.
Anyway, you get my drift – no pun intended. 
Any thoughts?
You have to start somewhere …
Posted by: Masioka on: 24 August, 2008
N700 Shinkansen, originally uploaded by f.g.t.
Well, I’ve taken the first steps and ordered the Kato N700 Shinkansen starter kit from M G Sharp in Sheffield.
The set is on pre-order and should be with me in about 3 weeks.
- None
- jtrains: Yes, the exchange rates are killing our rolling stock dreams.
- fgt: All is well. I have just realised that with the exchange rates as volatile as they are, I cannot proceed with this project for a bit. Maybe next
- captoblivious: The horrors! I hope all is well?
