Over the last few years a number of very small industrial shunters have appeared from Japanese manufacturers...many of which being generic enough to cover any country.

They usually come in two categories; small shunters and 'motorised chassis' with some generic body added. In the main they do not follow any particular prototype, which is useful if you are after a small industrial without the hassle of building kits.

They often get used as a very useful base for 009 models, and I have seen a number made up into some nice little models.

Below is a guide to a number of these little models that are available:

TGW Tsugawa:

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10132730

This little critter is produced by TGW Tsugawa and looks quite nice despite the rather indifferent picture. Ideal for a little industrial layout, or exchange sidings, and generic enough not to be restricted to Japan... This range currently includes a number of basic liveries, as well as an unpainted example.

It is a very new model, and as yet no indication is given as to the running qualities; although the tiny wheel-base could result in some indifferent running characteristics over insule-frog points. In addition, I would be interested to know how responsive the motor actually is in view of its size...although this is one aspect that has considerably improved over the last few years with these little models.

The photo on the link does it no favours, however the body moulding does not look too bad, although the couplings look massive.

One is being placed on order, so hopefully some of these questions will be answered sometime in the new year.

Also available is this dimunitive electric locomotive, which is perhaps the smallest locomotive available from Japan in N Gauge...

http://www.1999.co.j.../10121956a/20/1

This is a model of a loco from the Choshi Electric Railway; the chassis is also available without the body.

Skynet (Aoshima):

Skynet (Aoshima) also produce a range of very small shunters, two of which are illustrated below.

The yellow shunter was introduced a couple of years ago, and immediately proved popular for its tiny mechanism. Being a slightly older model, its performance was a little too erratic at 'slower' speed (having a bit of a tendency to rocket off at the slightest touch) to be a really useful shunter. Also the body was a little crude, along with the coupling fittings which really meant its main use would be running round a tiny circuit of track with a wagon or two. Finally, and perhaps least suprisingly was it limited haulage capacity.

The green loco has a similar sized mechanism, however this one is a little more refined, although the body is still a little crude. Certainly it is the more controllable of the two.

Finally for Skynet is this little chap...

http://www.1999.co.j.../10088726a/20/1

Unashamably a bit of fun, but a little too large for N gauge....certainly a plausible addition to a 009 model.

Kawai:

Kawai are better known for their range of ready to run wagons and scenic items, although they have occasionally produced small locomotives. Currently in their range is this small shunter, which may well look familiar as it is based on the Bachmann small switcher design.

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10133126

Tomix:

A number of years ago Tomix produce a small free-lance shunter in a number of liveries. Long out of production now, this model sometimes crops up on second-hand stalls at shows.

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10012414

World Craft:

At the opposite end of the scale is World Craft. This is a more specialist manufacturer, mainly dealing with unusual or early models; usually in kit form. They are expensive, and a completed N gauge locomotive will easily set you back £250.00+

They do produce a number of small locos, both as kits or as ready to run. The tiny Deki 3 electric locomotive also features in this range; but costs a little more!

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10124335

It is interesting that neither Kato or Micro Ace produce a small industrial shunter...the smallest shunting type loco supplied from Kato is the JR DE10, whilst MA go a little smaller with the DD16.