Tiny chassis by Kato

[Isle of Stoner]

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

[Graeme Dunbar]

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?

[invercloy]

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.

[Isle of Stoner]

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.

[Graeme Dunbar]

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!!  ::)

[Graeme Dunbar]

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.

[Isle of Stoner]

It is brilliant. I'm in work this afternoon so I'll work out a price and let you know.

Cheers

[david788]

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?

[NeilMac]

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

[Chris Veitch]

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

[Isle of Stoner]

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

[Isle of Stoner]

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...

[Isle of Stoner]

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.

[Isle of Stoner]

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.

[Isle of Stoner]

The wagon on the right has the powered chassis.

Gravity trains here I come!