I have just discovered the smallest RTR chassis I have ever seen. It is under a Kato tram. (14-801-5). It is a modern outline bendy tram and has two powered bogies so you get 2 locos for the price. (about
That looks amazing! Surely there's not enough space there for a motor? Do you have a photo of the chassis without its clothes on?
WOW!
That's tiny!! I'd also be interested in a photo of the chassis if possible please.
How does it run? Presumably being Kato it's good, just wondering how well compared to other small chassis.
Here is a picture of the 'naked' chassis. The grey bit in the middle is the motor housing. It runs really well considering its size. It seems to have a flywheel too. In the picture the bits on either end are the PCB and the coloured lens bits from the tram.
If anyone is interested I can supply them via the Ffestiniog Railway shop. I find out a price and post it tomorrow. It seems to good to be true and that I am the only person to have found them seems unlikely.
No, I still don't believe there is a motor in there ;D
Seriously, that is amazing! I would never have thought to consider the Kato "articulated" tram chassis as I have the same tram produced by Tomytec, or rather the static tram with their replacement motorized chassis from "Plaza Japan" on eBay. I'd wondered what the difference between the two was and now I know. Thanks!
(The Tomytec chassis is a big metal block, articulated in the middle.)
Want!! ::)
Me again. Thinks.... if a Lister is possible in 009, then perhaps I might consider dusting off my ideas for a layout based on the peat workings nearby at New Pitsligo.
It is brilliant. I'm in work this afternoon so I'll work out a price and let you know.
Cheers
Looks very interesting.
Two questions
1. Does it have any traction tyres. It doesn't look to from the picture butr it is difficul tto be certain.
2. Any idea whether they are actually 6v motors i.e the two bogies wired in series, or are they totally separate?
Yes, please do let us know all you can about this chassis.
I already have plans in my head for an indusrial layout for which it would be suitable, but I also could not help looking at your short coaches and planning a minimum space continuous run layout - a sort of 'pizza plus' that does just a little bit more than going round in a circle. Do you have any more photos of any other similar rolling stock, if so then I would really like to see them.
Neil
http://www.precisionlabels.com/shunt
John,
Well done for finding this, but I'm surprised that you've haven't suggested the most obvious use yet - powered "gravity" slate wagons! I know it's been done before on both Dduallt in 009 and Tan-y-Grisiau in Sn2 but this looks as though it might be small enough to fit in an FR 2-tonner in 009.
Regards,
Chris
I actually think the wheel base is abit too short for a slate waggon but I'll have a look when I get home.
I've just ordered 5 and will be able to sell them to 009 society members for
Chris
Just had a quick look at the Dundas 2 ton and the wheelbase looks spot on... I think a small slate shunting layout may now have to come to pass... hmm... thinks...
OK that's it. Baseboard made, track laid, scenerey started. Small slate quarry in a brief case.
Somewhere for the little chap to run and an excuse for a self powered slate wagon and somwhere to put some of RT Models excellent little whitemetal quarry wagons.
Pictures to follow... all your fault Chris.
I have used the second chassis as suggested in a Dundas 2ton FR slate wagon. It is even possible to have the wagon empty.
Pictures when painted.
The wagon on the right has the powered chassis.
Gravity trains here I come!
That looks really great!
It opens up a wealth of possibilities - fly and hump shunting, drasines, Indianna Jones Temple of Doom ore tubs....
I know, I'm also considering a 009 bendy tram...
Still have them in stock at the FR shop with special 009 soc discount available.
Looks good 8) I think these chassis have a lot of potential. I,m thinking of trying something based on Thakeham Tiles I/C nos 4 or the WWI Canadian "Bug" trench tramway speeder.
Simon.
The only negative point I've found with them so far is that they do need more weight than you might want to use to build whatever it is... if you see what I mean. I'm adding some whitemetal figures to my slate wagon and will replace the Preiser plastic figure driving my 'Lister' style thing.
Anyway lots of tiny fun to be had.
A market for whitemetal slate loads perhaps? :(
Well it would do the trick. And if its gravitating down hill (hard the other way) then loaded makes sense...
John,
I'd hate to be accused of encouraging you further, but have you seen the article in an old edition of NG&I Review which featured a 16mm scale "walking man" and wagon? Jointing the the legs may be a challenge in 009 but that's what life's all about. Just don't expect a kit (from me at any rate).
Regards,
Chris
It might be possible to have a horse with hinged legs in front of the empty slate wagons to do the uphill run (remember the 'Dougal Corporation horse trams' layout).
Richard
I thought about moving legs and then I immediately thought, 'not me'. I can barely see the chassis in the first place. Someone will do it though. I noticed Preiser now sell some HO figures with waving arms so it won't be long.
I'll leave it to someone else.
Just noticed these on sale direct from Japan but with p and p works out cheaper from FR.
There is also the Tomytec version which is the same tram but with a large motor in one half of the tram and a flexible shaft to drive the other end. Still probably a good chassis for something but not as small as the KATO one.
Also it seems at least one Japanese supplier is now using Parcelforce who have a processing charge of
If you surf along to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZmpxQwasC0 you will see a Portram bogie in action at the Isle of Stoner Railway's Arnold Lane Wharf.
It is pulling 8 ROCO skip style wagons some with whitemetal bodies/loads with no problems.
By the way the train in the background is the Isle of Stoner Railway Brass Band and Male Voice Choir touring set hauled by 'Blower' a loco which dwarfs the new Diesel quite considerably. (GEM 'Dennis' on an outside frame Farish 08 chassis with a pony truck under the cab.)
Now all is well with the pictures on the forum here are some stills of the loco