CENTRAM (2)

And they are out! Tomytec's Tetsudou Collection CENTRAM model appears to be another gem. The motorized model is available for little under €50,-. A bargain for such a great running tram. The CENTRAM is available in white, silver and black.

Available on eBay through Plaza Japan.

A peach from Tomytec

A little package from Plaza Japan arrived today. It contained this beautiful model of the Okayama Railway 9200 series ´Momo´ (which means peach in Japanese) from the Tomytec Tetsudou Collection. Like the previously released PORTRAM´s, the tram body easily slides onto a TM/LRT01 chassis, making it an excellent runner. No problem at all with turnouts and tight curves.

The body is coloured light grey (a little metallic even, or is that just the light reflection?), making it, at least in my opinion, a more appealing model than the PORTRAM. It doesn't have such a clean look. I really like the livery it comes in, which was designed by the famous Japanse designer Eiji Mitooka. The biggest difference with the PORTRAM is the extra door at the rear end. This makes the tram more convincing for right-hand traffic.

I think the front also looks a lot better. I has many nice details. Especially the headlights stand out. Pantograph and roof details are identical to the PORTRAM.

I'm sure this model will be a real eye-catcher on any N scale tram layout. At least it will be on mine :)

More doodling in AnyRail

A couple more designs for a 30x40 cm baseboard, using the Tomytec Mini and Super Mini range. That stuff is really useful!

A tram with issues

The newest addition to my German tram fleet is this lovely little Kato model. I think it looks great next to the Arnold Düwag. Despite its looks the performances are... well disappointing. The model can't make it a single time around the layout without stalling. Adding some lead helped a little, but still it doesn't negotiate the turnouts gracefully. I think the solution will be to convert the tram to overhead power, but that will have to wait untill later. For now she just has to stand there and  be pretty :)

CENTRAM

And they keep coming, those Tomytec Tetsudou collection trams! To be released this month are three new 'CENTRAM' units, which, in real life, operate on a very short loop line in central Toyama. Available colours will be white, silver and black. Like other Tomytec trams, these come as display models, which can be motorized using the TN-LRT01 chassis.

Getting started

The track arrived today. A perfect fit for a IKEA Ribba 30x40 cm photo frame :) The little Arnold tram felt at home immediately.