2010/03/18
Discussing a snowplow in Spring.
Good Evening. Kapinozuka here.
There were days that we saw snow even in Tokyo this winter, and there is even an impression that there was more snow compared to last year. The first thing that get affected by snow in Tokyo, is the public transport system, so we saw staff finishing up their after-hours work early and briskly leaving work, here at Hobby Search.
Right, and the train that plays an active part in the winter of snowy countries are the Russell Car or Rotary Snowplow etc. That's right, it's already spring here, but today we will be looking at snowplows
The Japanese sea side regions of the Japanese archipelago keeps getting the damp snow pilling up, so much that it's hard to keep up trying to get rid of it. And of course, the snow on the railway is too much to be removed by hand, so there has been snowplows produced and dispatched to the areas of heavy snowfall, even from the JNR age, to even now, as JR at present.
DD53-2 Snow-plow Locomotive `Improved ` (2-Car Set)
The series DD53 is also one of them, and has been placed as a snowplow locomotive at Niigata Regions. The rotary head placed at the front car is used to gather the snow, and blasts the snow to the sides, such rough job at 20km/h, a speed which a standard snowplows couldn't manage. Looking at the image, you could imagine the large black mouth swallowing the snow. However, apparently there were incidents where the snow that was spat out had cut the overhead wiring, and blasted the houses by the railway etc, possibly due to it's immense power... such a lively locomotive, don't you think?
Now, the locomotive itself is the box shaped car joined at the back, generating the power to move forward. During the summer, the rotary head can be removed and can run as a locomotive on its own. There was times where it had lead the passenger train until the 1970s, but as there is less and less passenger trains these days, it seems they mostly hibernate in the summer.
However, there was a commotion when the second car was decided for use as a temporary replacement leading car for the [Banetus Story Car] in 2006. It was rare enough for it to run in summer, and it was also rare for it to be leading passenger train. And as it was for a limited period while the Series C57- 180 was under maintenance, you could say that's also rare. As there may never be other chance like this, its understandable for it to become the topic of talk.
There was also another temp replacement for the [Banetsu Story] leader car in 2007, but this time it ran equipped with the sleeper express headmark for "Dewa" and "Choukai" that it had been using before, so this was a very valuable opportunity for the fans that wanted to capture this rare event on camera.
For those of you that would like to recreate that rare scene of Series DD53-No.2, these items are recommended.
- 12 Series Banetsu Monogatari (7 Cars Set)
- Series 12 `SL Ban-etsu Monogatari` (New Color) (7-Car Set)
- Train Mark For Locomotive Part3 (S7010) 4pieces
*This contains "Dewa" and "Chokai".
Right, lets take a look at other snowplows, shall we?
DD53-1 Snow-plow Locomotive `Shinjo Rail yard` (2-Car Set)
This is the same DD53 series as the previous one, but is the car number 1. the places it had been positioned had changed from Niigata to Asahigawa to Shinjo, but it was scrapped in the JNR period, and is currently preserved in the "Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park".
JNR DD53 Rotary Head (Unassembled Kit)
JNR DD53II Diesel Locomotive (Unassembled Kit)
The series DD53 has also been released by World Crafts. This kit is recommended to those that pursue a sharper modeling and a weightier feel than the standard plastic product, as this assembly kit is made of brass. Oh, and the Rotary head and the series DD53 itself are different products, so they are sold separately.
DD18-1 Russel Head
This is the series DD18, the product of reformed series DD51, a standard convex type diesel train. This series DD18 isn't just another snowplow, its only used between the old Yamagata Shinkansen line and Akita Shinkansen line area, so it's a very rare train. Therefore, it's not something you could see on a standard rail. Unfortunately, it has retired due to the arrival of it's successor snowplow train.
*The old line of Yamagata Shinkansen area = Yamagata Line. Standard active area of the Ou Main line.
*The old line of Akita Shinkansen area = The standard active area of the Tazawako line + Ou Main line.
J.R. Snowplow-equipped Diesel Locomotive Type DE15
The DE15 series, still active to this date, although it's workload has been reducing recently. Working in 4 different companies, the Hokkaido Railway Company, JR East, and the Central Japan Railway, and West Japan Railway Company. It's based on the series DE10, so it looks exactly like the series DE10 if you remove the Russell head.
Russell Head for Tramway DD13/DD15
This here is a Russell head assembly kit in HO scale (1/80 scale). By equipping it to the series DD13 from Tramway, it will quickly turn into a snowplow similar to the series DD15, an interesting item that is more for mood making. The reason for the term 'similar' is due to the fact that to precisely reproduce the series DD15, you need to customize it with equipment specifically for the snowplow locomotive, directly onto the DD13. So here is a challenge for you, if you want to make it that specific.
Snow removing action! Type DD14 & Type DE10 Snowblower Diesel Locomotive Set
This here is the snowplow set from the Plastic Rail series. It gathers the white balls used as snow, and blows them away, enabling you to enjoy the gimmick similar to the actual snow removal action. The Plastic Rail series normally has blue rails, but this particular kit has a white rail, designed with the concept of snow. It's currently sold out, but it was secretly (?) a popular item for the winder of 2009.
MCR600 Snow Clear Car (Red/Echigoyuzawa)
MCR600 Snow Clear Car (Yellow/Numata)
MCR600 Snow Clear Car (Blue/Yokote)
In JR East, they use a small snow removal motor car to replace the snowplows that has gotten old. The MCR600 are colored differently for the different companies it is used by, and has a kind of mascot-like quality to them. It runs on the rail just like normal trains, but unlike a locomotive, it's just seen as a machine for clearing snow.
The model is not quite 1/150 scale, due to matters regarding the size of internal motor. Its slightly larger than the other 1/150 scale cars, but you won't notice it too much, so may be its been scale downed around 1/148 ish or something. The product name says 'type' due to this reason.
As the snowplows aren't for public use, general passengers can't get on them, but the way it gathers snow when it piles up, and remove them powerfully is cool. It's a need in a snowy country, so for those who collects train models from the snowy regions, or have a layput with image of snowfields, I would really like to recommend these models to you. It could be interesting to feel the winter of Japan with your rail model collection.
*please note that these models in N-scale and HO scale do not have the capabilities to actually remove snow, so please please please, do NOT attempt to experiment with snow.
By Kapinozuka, who awaits the day Baleo Express awakens from its hibernation.
There were days that we saw snow even in Tokyo this winter, and there is even an impression that there was more snow compared to last year. The first thing that get affected by snow in Tokyo, is the public transport system, so we saw staff finishing up their after-hours work early and briskly leaving work, here at Hobby Search.
Right, and the train that plays an active part in the winter of snowy countries are the Russell Car or Rotary Snowplow etc. That's right, it's already spring here, but today we will be looking at snowplows
The Japanese sea side regions of the Japanese archipelago keeps getting the damp snow pilling up, so much that it's hard to keep up trying to get rid of it. And of course, the snow on the railway is too much to be removed by hand, so there has been snowplows produced and dispatched to the areas of heavy snowfall, even from the JNR age, to even now, as JR at present.
DD53-2 Snow-plow Locomotive `Improved ` (2-Car Set)
The series DD53 is also one of them, and has been placed as a snowplow locomotive at Niigata Regions. The rotary head placed at the front car is used to gather the snow, and blasts the snow to the sides, such rough job at 20km/h, a speed which a standard snowplows couldn't manage. Looking at the image, you could imagine the large black mouth swallowing the snow. However, apparently there were incidents where the snow that was spat out had cut the overhead wiring, and blasted the houses by the railway etc, possibly due to it's immense power... such a lively locomotive, don't you think?
Now, the locomotive itself is the box shaped car joined at the back, generating the power to move forward. During the summer, the rotary head can be removed and can run as a locomotive on its own. There was times where it had lead the passenger train until the 1970s, but as there is less and less passenger trains these days, it seems they mostly hibernate in the summer.
However, there was a commotion when the second car was decided for use as a temporary replacement leading car for the [Banetus Story Car] in 2006. It was rare enough for it to run in summer, and it was also rare for it to be leading passenger train. And as it was for a limited period while the Series C57- 180 was under maintenance, you could say that's also rare. As there may never be other chance like this, its understandable for it to become the topic of talk.
There was also another temp replacement for the [Banetsu Story] leader car in 2007, but this time it ran equipped with the sleeper express headmark for "Dewa" and "Choukai" that it had been using before, so this was a very valuable opportunity for the fans that wanted to capture this rare event on camera.
For those of you that would like to recreate that rare scene of Series DD53-No.2, these items are recommended.
- 12 Series Banetsu Monogatari (7 Cars Set)
- Series 12 `SL Ban-etsu Monogatari` (New Color) (7-Car Set)
- Train Mark For Locomotive Part3 (S7010) 4pieces
*This contains "Dewa" and "Chokai".
Right, lets take a look at other snowplows, shall we?
DD53-1 Snow-plow Locomotive `Shinjo Rail yard` (2-Car Set)
This is the same DD53 series as the previous one, but is the car number 1. the places it had been positioned had changed from Niigata to Asahigawa to Shinjo, but it was scrapped in the JNR period, and is currently preserved in the "Usui Pass Railway Heritage Park".
JNR DD53 Rotary Head (Unassembled Kit)
JNR DD53II Diesel Locomotive (Unassembled Kit)
The series DD53 has also been released by World Crafts. This kit is recommended to those that pursue a sharper modeling and a weightier feel than the standard plastic product, as this assembly kit is made of brass. Oh, and the Rotary head and the series DD53 itself are different products, so they are sold separately.
DD18-1 Russel Head
This is the series DD18, the product of reformed series DD51, a standard convex type diesel train. This series DD18 isn't just another snowplow, its only used between the old Yamagata Shinkansen line and Akita Shinkansen line area, so it's a very rare train. Therefore, it's not something you could see on a standard rail. Unfortunately, it has retired due to the arrival of it's successor snowplow train.
*The old line of Yamagata Shinkansen area = Yamagata Line. Standard active area of the Ou Main line.
*The old line of Akita Shinkansen area = The standard active area of the Tazawako line + Ou Main line.
J.R. Snowplow-equipped Diesel Locomotive Type DE15
The DE15 series, still active to this date, although it's workload has been reducing recently. Working in 4 different companies, the Hokkaido Railway Company, JR East, and the Central Japan Railway, and West Japan Railway Company. It's based on the series DE10, so it looks exactly like the series DE10 if you remove the Russell head.
Russell Head for Tramway DD13/DD15
This here is a Russell head assembly kit in HO scale (1/80 scale). By equipping it to the series DD13 from Tramway, it will quickly turn into a snowplow similar to the series DD15, an interesting item that is more for mood making. The reason for the term 'similar' is due to the fact that to precisely reproduce the series DD15, you need to customize it with equipment specifically for the snowplow locomotive, directly onto the DD13. So here is a challenge for you, if you want to make it that specific.
Snow removing action! Type DD14 & Type DE10 Snowblower Diesel Locomotive Set
This here is the snowplow set from the Plastic Rail series. It gathers the white balls used as snow, and blows them away, enabling you to enjoy the gimmick similar to the actual snow removal action. The Plastic Rail series normally has blue rails, but this particular kit has a white rail, designed with the concept of snow. It's currently sold out, but it was secretly (?) a popular item for the winder of 2009.
MCR600 Snow Clear Car (Red/Echigoyuzawa)
MCR600 Snow Clear Car (Yellow/Numata)
MCR600 Snow Clear Car (Blue/Yokote)
In JR East, they use a small snow removal motor car to replace the snowplows that has gotten old. The MCR600 are colored differently for the different companies it is used by, and has a kind of mascot-like quality to them. It runs on the rail just like normal trains, but unlike a locomotive, it's just seen as a machine for clearing snow.
The model is not quite 1/150 scale, due to matters regarding the size of internal motor. Its slightly larger than the other 1/150 scale cars, but you won't notice it too much, so may be its been scale downed around 1/148 ish or something. The product name says 'type' due to this reason.
As the snowplows aren't for public use, general passengers can't get on them, but the way it gathers snow when it piles up, and remove them powerfully is cool. It's a need in a snowy country, so for those who collects train models from the snowy regions, or have a layput with image of snowfields, I would really like to recommend these models to you. It could be interesting to feel the winter of Japan with your rail model collection.
*please note that these models in N-scale and HO scale do not have the capabilities to actually remove snow, so please please please, do NOT attempt to experiment with snow.
By Kapinozuka, who awaits the day Baleo Express awakens from its hibernation.
 Customer Evaluation
Average Evaluation is 5.00. 1 people have submitted their evaluations. |
2010/03/18
Been to the Miyazawa Models Exhibition (Roku)
Hello.
Roku here.
Today is Thursday.
It's not Tuesday.
It's the day for the Railway blog.
Since I went to the Miyazawa Models Products Exhibition, I think I will share a bit of the action.
Revoltech Getter Go
To tell you the truth, I'm not really familiar with this Getter Go. (although I do have the DVD that has the Neo Getter in it...)
The humongous weapon, Sword Tomahawk
Hmm, I wonder if the Getter Go is fueled by the Getter line?
Because the Neo Getter ran on plasma.
Neo Getter 1
This is the Getter than is energized by plasma. (The theme song for this work is cool, don't you think?)
It has a very wide range of movement, must be thanks to it being a Revoltech.
You can make cool action poses.
And here is another Revoltech...
Revoltech Eva Type-02 The Beast Series No.090
It looks like the invincible pose.Magenta 20 Cen
The Eva Type-02 at the Exhibition
The movement range is of course very good, but it also has a fulfilling number of effect parts too.
We are taking reservations for this popular item at the moment.
This is irregular, so I think I'll finish here for today.
By Roku.
There was Wolfwood in Revoltech!! (I actually voiced "I want this!" at the exhibition.)
Roku here.
Today is Thursday.
It's not Tuesday.
It's the day for the Railway blog.
Since I went to the Miyazawa Models Products Exhibition, I think I will share a bit of the action.
Revoltech Getter Go
To tell you the truth, I'm not really familiar with this Getter Go. (although I do have the DVD that has the Neo Getter in it...)
The humongous weapon, Sword Tomahawk
Hmm, I wonder if the Getter Go is fueled by the Getter line?
Because the Neo Getter ran on plasma.
Neo Getter 1
This is the Getter than is energized by plasma. (The theme song for this work is cool, don't you think?)
It has a very wide range of movement, must be thanks to it being a Revoltech.
You can make cool action poses.
And here is another Revoltech...
Revoltech Eva Type-02 The Beast Series No.090
It looks like the invincible pose.
The Eva Type-02 at the Exhibition
The movement range is of course very good, but it also has a fulfilling number of effect parts too.
We are taking reservations for this popular item at the moment.
This is irregular, so I think I'll finish here for today.
By Roku.
There was Wolfwood in Revoltech!! (I actually voiced "I want this!" at the exhibition.)
| Customer Evaluation
Average Evaluation is 5.00. 1 people have submitted their evaluations. |
2010/03/17
Sneaking mission to Miyazawa Models Exhibition!!
Hey, It's me! I've snuck in to the exhibition hall by camouflaging as a luggage of the manufacturers!
I'm gonna commence mission!
Moving out!
Exhibition Staff: "Hey You, Stop! INTRODER!! Somebody, call the guards!!"
Oh Dang It!
Better return to base for now!
...
......
Hyahoooo!! Gabas here, returned from the Miyazawa Product Exhibition for the first time! Gooood Evening! I've wondered around aimlessly up and down, left and right throughout the exhibition hall!!
Gee, Gabas is just way overexcited over it.
...so what was there, anyway?
*pouting as he didn't get to look around, due to unexpected obstacles*
Well! Due to my personal interest, I spent most of the time drooling over the oh, sooo many beautiful figurine girls... but my colleagues might give me the cold stare if I go any further into details... so I will be decent and share the stuff less... disturbing? such as toy guns and fashion dolls...
Alright then, let's see them!
Right then! The item that caught my eyes first that wasn't figurine related was this!
NERF products from Takara Tomy!!
The Nerf N-Strike Snipershot CS-6!!
With full length of 1m, it really stood out, in a good way!
What an AWESOME!!
And... the Takara Tomy girl at the booth, explaining the product and stuff while trying soo hard to work the loading action was sooo... MOE!!
Aw dang it! Why wasn't I there?? *starts crying*
oh yeah, I ran away cos I didn't wanna be caught...nvm.
Next up is also from Nerf, the Nerf N-Strike Flash Break CS-6
First from Nerf, a transforming gun!
Apparently, it instantly transforms from the Flashlight to Blaster at a push of a button!!
Oh, and this one wasn't explained... I think she used up all her energy on the Snipershot...
Right, carrying on, this is for those that wants to keep shooting and shooting the Nerf...
NERF N-Strike Double Magazine Kit!
Die Hard 2! It's sooo Die Hard 2!!!
I'm sure they will keep shooting blank and fool Detective McClane! I know it!
gee, I wonder how many of the readers got that one...
Aaaaand stuff from AZON International!!
It's MUGI!!
Cute, soo cute! Mugi!
...
......
............
Criky, isn't the keyboard waaaaay too detailed?
That's right! As expected from Azone, it's made with soooo much detail! Blimy!!
Also...
Great, the day has finally come for my wife to be productized
It's made soo fine; it might attract even those that never played with dolls before!!
PLUS!!
[Strike Witches] Miyafuji Yoshika was also at the exhibition!!
that...That's too much accessories!!
Gosh, That's beyond expectations from Azone! They leave out no detail!
Has there ever been a greater threat to Gabas' wallet!?
Right, that was it for Gabas' Miyazawa Expo. Report~ See you next time~
By Gabas, who noticed that Daiki Kogyo had displayed the Gaiki Gel at the very front...
Hmmm, wonder if these reports are gonna carry on...
| Customer Evaluation
Average Evaluation is 5.00. 1 people have submitted their evaluations. |
2010/03/17
Miyazawa Model Exhibition Report vol.4
Carrying on from yesterday, its me again, Tomeko here. How is everyone?
There are many more featured products from the Miyazawa Models Exhibition Report!
★Tamiya
The car that James Bond used as well, the Aston Martin DBS!
It has great spec as a sport car, but this luxurious outlook is just great.
And the item we shared on our bolg the other day, Komatsu Bulldozer was displayed as well.
It was so much smaller than I expected, very cute size that sits on your palm nicely. Although it's for the military.
Also, from the Mini-4WD, an Avante with Evangelion style design.
The purple and fluorescent orange coloring really does draw attention, very characteristic.
★PLUM
From "Pangya", Kooh and Ken has been made into a Plastic Construction Kit.
Plastic kits are normally machines and robots etc., but this is the rare character type kit.
Looking at the hands and legs parts, it seems to be able to pose quite well.
I had to restrain my urge toplay with ittest how much it can move.
★Pit-Road
Items we have shared before on our blog, such as the IJA 28cm Howitzer and JMSDF Hyuga etc., so many featured products.
Especially the Hyuga, which the latest defense ship that had just gone into commission last year, with the ability to allow multiple helicopters to be used at a time, a ship with high expectations (...).
This is something trivial...
But the JMSDF, as a principal, calls Destroyers and Frigate a defense ship.
(then again, they don't have missiles on them or anything I guess.)
★Good Smile Racing
Stuck it on! It's peeling!? It came off...
If you experienced the above when dealing with decal, this is the item for you.
It will soften the hardest of decals, allowing you to place stick them on nicely, the GSR Super Decal Softener.
And, to tell you the truth,
There is actually more to come.
By Tomeko, who is feeling in the left shoulder too...
There are many more featured products from the Miyazawa Models Exhibition Report!
★Tamiya
The car that James Bond used as well, the Aston Martin DBS!
It has great spec as a sport car, but this luxurious outlook is just great.
And the item we shared on our bolg the other day, Komatsu Bulldozer was displayed as well.
It was so much smaller than I expected, very cute size that sits on your palm nicely. Although it's for the military.
Also, from the Mini-4WD, an Avante with Evangelion style design.
The purple and fluorescent orange coloring really does draw attention, very characteristic.
★PLUM
From "Pangya", Kooh and Ken has been made into a Plastic Construction Kit.
Plastic kits are normally machines and robots etc., but this is the rare character type kit.
Looking at the hands and legs parts, it seems to be able to pose quite well.
I had to restrain my urge to
★Pit-Road
Items we have shared before on our blog, such as the IJA 28cm Howitzer and JMSDF Hyuga etc., so many featured products.
Especially the Hyuga, which the latest defense ship that had just gone into commission last year, with the ability to allow multiple helicopters to be used at a time, a ship with high expectations (...).
This is something trivial...
But the JMSDF, as a principal, calls Destroyers and Frigate a defense ship.
(then again, they don't have missiles on them or anything I guess.)
★Good Smile Racing
Stuck it on! It's peeling!? It came off...
If you experienced the above when dealing with decal, this is the item for you.
It will soften the hardest of decals, allowing you to place stick them on nicely, the GSR Super Decal Softener.
And, to tell you the truth,
There is actually more to come.
By Tomeko, who is feeling in the left shoulder too...
Customer Evaluation
Average Evaluation is 4.00. 1 people have submitted their evaluations. |
2010/03/16
Miyazawa Model Exhibition Report vol.3
★Kaitendo
Kaitendo's booth was a girl fest! YEAH!
Starting with the latest Tamaki figurine, a.k.a. Kosaka Tamaki Season 2, MM from "Kemeko Deluxe!", and from the series still long to go before their pre-order starts, "Dream Club", Amane and Mari were exhibited!
I wonder if that couch Amane is seated on is included too...?
★Aizu Project
The display of their latest product, Shikinami Asuka Langley School Uniform Version. There are many Asuka figurines around, but you could say this is a figure that lets you feel the breeze. The gentle outline, the movement expressed and her expression really displays the liveliness of Asuka very well, I have to say.
★Aoshima
Aoshima had items such as the 1/12 scale diecast bike and "K-ON!" Itasha mini-car collection etc. displayed at their booth. They were made very well at an affordable price, would be a good starting place for the bike model newbie. The itasha mini-car was very detailed, considering the fact that it is a 1/64 scale.
And again, there is still more to come!
By Tomeko.
Kaitendo's booth was a girl fest! YEAH!
Starting with the latest Tamaki figurine, a.k.a. Kosaka Tamaki Season 2, MM from "Kemeko Deluxe!", and from the series still long to go before their pre-order starts, "Dream Club", Amane and Mari were exhibited!
I wonder if that couch Amane is seated on is included too...?
★Aizu Project
The display of their latest product, Shikinami Asuka Langley School Uniform Version. There are many Asuka figurines around, but you could say this is a figure that lets you feel the breeze. The gentle outline, the movement expressed and her expression really displays the liveliness of Asuka very well, I have to say.
★Aoshima
Aoshima had items such as the 1/12 scale diecast bike and "K-ON!" Itasha mini-car collection etc. displayed at their booth. They were made very well at an affordable price, would be a good starting place for the bike model newbie. The itasha mini-car was very detailed, considering the fact that it is a 1/64 scale.
And again, there is still more to come!
By Tomeko.
| Customer Evaluation
Average Evaluation is 5.00. 2 people have submitted their evaluations. |
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