Kato Shinkansen

[carmelmodelrr]

I’ve just been made aware of this passenger train.  It would certainly be a conversation piece if I bought it.  Do this loco and cars run on US N scale track with US power? 

Thanks in advance.

Carmelmodelrr

[samusi01]

Should work fine but DCC compatibility ranges from non-existent to drop in.

[McKeen]

Yes, Yes they do.
 Which Shinkansen are you looking at?

[carmelmodelrr]

10-1697S which I think includes at least one loco and 3 other cars, including one car that looks like the loco.

Carmelmodelrr

[Point353]

10-1697S which I think includes at least one loco and 3 other cars, including one car that looks like the loco.

Carmelmodelrr

The motor is in one of the intermediate cars included in the 10-1697S set.
The full train is 16 cars, which is completed by the 4-car and 8-car add-on sets 10-1698 and 10-1699.
https://s3-ap-northeast-1.amazonaws.com/kato-model/schedule/pdf/20241227213728676e9f88dc3a9/(%EF%BC%AE)%EF%BC%AE700%EF%BC%B3%E6%96%B0%E5%B9%B9%E7%B7%9A%E3%80%8C%E3%81%AE%E3%81%9E%E3%81%BF%E3%80%8D.pdf

[MK]

@carmelmodelrr I have that full set (16-car, 8 foot long total  ), fully DCC'ed.  You need an EM13 motor decoder and FL12N which is a pair of decoders for the lights at both end.  It took me 5 minutes to drop the decoders in.  No shell removal, frame milling or taking apart, etc.

It runs just fine on any US N-Scale track.  I often bring the set to shows and run it at full speed (Digitrax throttle pinned to 99   ) on T-Trak, even on inside corners without it flying off the tracks.

You can add interior lights but I chose not too.

It's breath taking and often attracts a lot of attention.     The prototype is also breath taking as I have ridden on it a few times. 

Let me know if you have any questions.  I bought my set in Japan.

[peteski]

Shnkansen is a general Japanese term for any high speed Japanese bullet train rail network and trains. There are dozens of N scale models representing many types and eras of the prototype trains.  They all run on standard N scale tracks and are like any typical N scale models from Kato, Tomix, or other companies. They operate on standard 12V DC throttle and can be modified for DCC.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shinkansen

[Lackawannae8]

yup I ironically own a few of them and have worked on tons. they are quite reliable and run great. the couplers are a bit funky to get acclimated to but once hooked they run. the biggest hurdle right now is  finding reasonably priced EM13 decoders for them if you run DCC. the newer runs are a simple install.

[Point353]

the biggest hurdle right now is  finding reasonably priced EM13 decoders for them if you run DCC.

https://midwestmodelrr.com/kat29-351/

[Lackawannae8]

https://midwestmodelrr.com/kat29-351/

Still high I was getting them for $16 a pop a few months ago. regret not buying them all now

[peteski]

Still high I was getting them for $16 a pop a few months ago. regret not buying them all now

Some Kato Shinkansen models can utilize those decoders for plug-n-play install. In others (older models) you need to do a wired install (sometimes not very easy).
Plaza Japan has EM13 listed for $12, but the shipping cost will likely kill you.  But remember that you also need two functions decoders like FL12N for the end unit headlights.

Those Kato brand decoders are made by Digitrax and I'm not a fan.  I prefer ZIMO version, but those are pricier.

[MK]

Still high I was getting them for $16 a pop a few months ago. regret not buying them all now

I have never seen them this low in the US unless someone was clearing them out.  In Japan, sure, and slightly cheaper.  Was this at Midwest?

They are typically $25 and up from anyone stocking them in the US.

[Dwight in Toronto]

ESU’s 58731 is a DCC/Sound option, as a drop-in alternative to the DC EM13 decoder.
But I’m sure all the Railwire folks already know that.  Just say’in.