Tonight was the moment of truth. How would the electrics fare having been in storage? The simple answer is very well!

The controller was plugged in, and after a minor glitch traced to a loose wire on the controller connection, we were ready to go! The track was cleaned and teeh first trains to run for over a year were let loose.

I took along a single box of bits to try out, pictures below:

The first example is a very nice Micro Ace Kiha 48 two-car DMU. This model runs as well as it looks...

Next up is the very impressive EH200 articulated locomotive. The prototype was designed specifically for the Chuo mainline connecting Tokyo and Osaka via the inland route, as opposed to the Tokaido which follows the coast. The line is heavily graded with sharp curves, and this class would be most at home tackling these atop a rake of oil tankers. This impressive model is a Kato product.

The Modemo Tokyu 300 tram has cropped up on RMWeb a couple of times. A fine model and again a beautiful runner. Personally this model suits my protoype very nicely, operating in the south-western areas of Tokyo.

Yes your eyes are not decieving you, I do have some UK outline models. I obtained the Dapol Voyager specifially for this layout when it was set in the UK. At the peak there were 6 examples of this type operating the layout. I still think it looks very nice, but is noisy (at least this one is) especially in comparison with the Japanese stuff.

The much talked about Tomytec Portram, still yet to have its motor fitted. At about the same time I obtained a box of 12 Tomytec trucks, collection number 3, which included this very impressive low-loader. I think this looks very effective...

Although this is obviously the Dutch 'Koplopper' unit, I had the oppourtunity to get this a year or so ago. I had been after a Dutch unit as Mrs Dreyfus is half Dutch. Also the high-level cab unit is very similar to a number of Japanese units - see the Super Azusa in the previous set of pictures. This lovely Minitrix model can take power from either the track or overhead. Note the cant added to the curve which adds to the overall effect.

Now I'm happy with the mainlines, next week will test the branch and sidings, then a couple more weeks of play!