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. 

[Jim G]

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.

The ESU 58731 is a great solution that even includes sound. But, it is VERY much more costly than the motor-only decoder, and, at least here in Canada, it is surprisignly hard to find. One of our largest Canadian suppliers, Kingston Locomotive Works, told me that they only receive them from their distributor "every couple months" and have sold very few in the entire time they have handled them.

One other thing: Kato's trains that use these motor or motor & sound decoders have changed multiple times over the years with entirely different chassis access to install the decoder. Plus, the installation is rather tricky for all the versions, including even a current version that has a bottom "hatch" that does not require removal of the body from the chassis, but still requires removal of the truck & driveshaft nearest the decoder slot. Once the truck is removed, you have access, but it is still very easy to (a) not get the decoder in correctly, and/or (b) damage the contact strips on the motorized railcar, with the decoder then not working. It is very important to get online instructions for the version of train you actually have!

It's not the easiest setup for installing a decoder of either type, and you will ALSO need a PAIR of light decoders as mentioned erlier to get the lights working on both of the end (aerodynamic) cars on this 2-ended train.

But, the YouTube videos that show it running are a very impressive show!

Jim G

[Dwight in Toronto]

@Jim G  - check out RailCargo46 here in the GTA.  Marc Bruno is my go-to guy for ESU decoders.  I’ve purchased at least a half dozen 58731’s from him over the years, and plenty of other items.  Side bonus … he has never added HST to his advertised prices; not sure why!

https://railcargo46.com/product/esu-58923-loksound-5-micro-dcc-direct-kato-japan-blank-decoder/