One of the most universal N gauge products coming from Japan at present is the tram. Although based on Japanese prototypes, the design is generic enough not to look too out of place on a Continental, UK or US layout. Quite simply, there is not the range of affordable modern N gauge trams available elsewhere.

The 'big three' manufacturers of Kato, Tomix and Micro Ace all produce at least one type of tram or tram-train; however the masters of the tram in Japan is Modemo. Modemo are not the best known of manufacturers, however they have come to prominance over the last few years with their Tokyu 300 tram - this has appeared a number of times on UK models, notably Ring Road.

Modemo's latest release is also bound to prove popular...

http://www.1999.co.j.../10131951b/30/1

This is a five section vehicle, with three wheel sets. The prototype operated the Hiroshima tram system, as is a Siemens design...so eminently suitable for European models. he quality of Modemo's products have improved hugely over the last few years, and this new model comes with a fly wheel and the likelihood of directional lighting; something lacking from the Tokyu 300.

Some of Modemo's other more modern tram offerings are perhaps less universal in their design...

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10103200

http://www.1999.co.j.../10078319a/20/1

That said, if you like tramway modelling in general then some of Modemo's older-style trams are pretty appealing. To me at least...

The highest profile modern tram has to be the Tomytec 'Portram' and 'Centram' models.

These were released last year, and proved highly popular. The well-made bodies display a hugh level of detailing, however all the internal details get lost once the separate motor unit was fitted. The initial set of bright liveries have been augmented to form quite a sizable range.

Hot on the heals of the Tomytec releases came the Kato Unitram. For many it was a shame that the same Portram design was followed, however it should be remembered that the Kato models are intended for more 'serious' modellers, whilst the Tomytec is aimed more at the collecters market; a similar (but slightly more expensive!) premise to Pokemon.

http://www.1999.co.j.../10119218b/30/1

Kato have also supplied a small 4-wheeler...

http://www.1999.co.j.../10003890a/20/1

...and a budget twin car set...

http://www.1999.co.j...10113311a2/20/2

For the finacial ambitious, World Craft also provide some tram models; both ready-to-run and in kit form. This is quite a cute (hugely popular Japanese way of describing little trains!) 4-wheeler...

http://www.1999.co.j.../10106449a/20/1

It is perhaps unfortunate for the H0 modellers that there is barely anything suitable in terms of trams. Masterpeice produce a few brass kits, along with chassis and detailing parts, but sadly none of the modern-type trams have made the conversion up a scale.

I finish this short piece with a quick mention of tram trains. These light rail vehicles are produced in fairly large numbers, especially by Modemo and Tomytec. They often carry bright or advertisement liveries. A rather 'loud' example can be seen here...

http://www.1999.co.j.../10064262a/20/1

Hopefully we will have a few tram trains running on Yamanouchi Oshika in the future, however these really deserve a post to themselves one day.

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UPDATE - 02/12/10

Just the day after this entry was posted, Tomytec have announced yet another design of modern tram is due for release in March. These sets are used by the Kumamoto City transport bureau; being introduced in 1998. It looks like they will follow the same pattern as the Portram/Centram models...being available as an unpowered model with separate motor chassis.

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10134270