I am modelling a Steelmill in China with my dad, who remembers it when it was steam worked. We have a couple of RTR models. But I'd really like to model a GJ or a Xk13, perhaps both. They're a much smaller than an SY for example so could mean the steelworks would run better with tight curves and short headshunts. I think I am up to the task of scratchbuilding a body, perhaps I might need to 3D print some parts, but I need a chassis, and I don't think I would be capable if modifying or adding to a valve gear or change out driving wheel diameters. I was wondering if anyone had any ideas about these two classes. I  know the XK13 is a Polish built T3A locomotive, but I don't think anyone makes the T3A in HO scale. Any ideas or advice would be much appreciated

I am modelling a Steelmill in China with my dad, who remembers it when it was steam worked. We have a couple of RTR models. But I'd really like to model a YJ or a PL2, because they're a bit smaller so could mean the steelworks would run better with tight curves and short headshunts. I think I am up to the task of scratchbuilding a body for a Pl2, perhaps I might need to 3D print some parts, but I need a chassis, and I don't think I would be capable if modifying or adding to a valve gear or change out driving wheel diameters. So what I am really after is a 6 coupled wheel set with wheel diameter 1370mm scaled down to HO (or near enough), but then with a double slide bar Walschaert's valve gear, and the valve gear connected to the rear driving wheels. Its quite specific, and was hoping someone would have some ideas. It doesnt necessarily have to be of the form X-6-X, because I think I could remove the final wheels in a 2-8-0 for example. Any help would be much appreciated. 

is there any particular unofficial list of known classifications for MU units?  I mean I know that when you look it up online [as far as english language searches goes] the only thing that seem to almost always come up every time is KiHa but I know for sure there were a lot more than just these two stem words .. in fact I can still remember there was some forum thread somewhere where someone jokingly said that it was possible to actually describe a motorized kitchen and/or sleeper car (I know I know!  thats what happen when its plausible to mix the classifications 'in nearly any ways' as much as in real life only a small number of particular classifications were actually built)

I’ve recently been trying to branch out into modelling locomotives, rolling stock, and train sets from other countries to go alongside my fleet of UK stock, particularly Japanese prototypes. A friend shared a Google drive folder of locomotive drawings with me a while ago, but that’s mainly got steam locos, with a few older diesels/electrics, no modern items!

Any decent sources for Japanese prototype drawings? In particular I’m interested in designs such as the Kintetsu 21000 series “Urban Liner Plus” (above), and the Keihan 8000 series (below), two which I’m struggling to find any form of reference for.

(The above photos are not my own).

Any source of information will help.

Anyway the cover article is on one of the most spectacular pieces of modelling by I’ve seen by a guy called Tanaka Yasuhiko who has a touch of genius in his work.  
 

The level of detail is phenomenal and he seems mechanically adopts as well. Everything proudly scratch built. 
 

this is his site. Enjoy

https://yasuhikotanaka3.wixsite.com/mysite

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/ceqz7v1507ro

Many years ago I started to model the railways of Thailand in 1/32nd scale with a view to building a garden layout

I started with the well known C56 2-6-0s that were a key feature of the proposed death railway to Burma and were brought over from Japan during the conflict.

There are quite a few still in existence in Thailand in various states of repair from the ones allocated to the active steam fleet at Thonburi to a semi derelict one 733 at Makkasan

STL fi.e might help as well.

Cheers 

Dave.

Steam loco crews (1963) (English subtitles) (available in higher quality without subtitles here):

Road vs rail - modernisation of urban lines and the declining fortune of rural lines (1968):

Freight trains (1968):

Modernisation of freight and passenger rolling stock, dieselisation and electrification, the need for the Shinkansen (1960):

The construction and opening of the Shinkansen (1964):

Station and yard workers (1963):

First time topic for me, after many years of quietly reading RMWEB topics.

Having travelled to Singapore many times in holiday, I have had the opportunity to walk along the old railway line from Malaysia into Singapore.

I have been thinking about trying to model this line, however I have no idea where to obtain drawings / plans of the rolling stock used.

Can anyone point me in the right direction as to where I might obtain such drawings of rolling stock?

Thanks

Jeff

Tonight I’m working on a an On762mm industrial diesel, kit by Aru models

Other stuff on the blocks right now include a N scale KiHa54

and a much more done paper KiHaYu15

source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/ngkungyee/3255112994/

Having found myself with plenty of thinking time and stumbling across a reasonably priced KCR Austerity on ebay, unfortunately too late, it got me thinking about modelling the KCR, which has to my knowledge not been done so far. The system was operated during the 1950s by a combination of G12 diesel locos and and a dwindling collection of 2-8-0 Austerities as pictured above. Bachmann produced a suitable Austerity with assorted modification and bizarrely the Frateschi G12 is acceptably close to 00, and not HO as advertised.

Consequently, I am very tempted to recreate the KCR... the only stumbling block seems to be the rolling stock, its very reminiscent of the colonial rolling stock seen across Africa and Asia where British companies were tasked with producing wagons and carriages, I have even found references to Cravens producing coaches for the KCR. However, I wouldn't know where to start so before I commit any money to this one I need to find some more information/sources for the rolling stock...

The background material of buildings can be scratchbuilt and the roads and tramsways can be easily populated by the bounty of British and Hong Kong models in 1/76 which makes this project ever more tempting.

What do RMWebbers think? Have I lost the plot or is there potential to model more than just Hong Kong's tramways in 00?

Here is some footage of Keihin-Kamata Station on the Airport Line in the 1970s. Keikyu Kamata Station completed the elevation of both the inbound and outbound tracks on October 21, 2012. This is nostalgic footage of the station and the Airport Line. The Airport Line, which now provides access to Haneda Airport, is run by a small three-car train, the 230 series, which operates in a circular motion. Take a look at the railroad crossing that crosses the First Keihin National Highway in front of the station, which was operated by a railroad crossing watchman (traffic security officer) at the time, and the nostalgic townscape. Photo taken around 1977 (Showa 52)

Does anyone have a list of which issues of Continental Modeller the Thai railways articles by Wim Harthoorn appeared?

Since the CM archive only goes back to 2011 I'm going to try and order earlier issues direct from Peco, and failing that see if any come up on Ebay or similar.

Edit: I was able to find the issues for the first 3 articles on the NMRA Magazine Index.

http://www.olimpia.com:8084/ListAuthor?ID=17978

Nothing exotic or particularly exciting and certainly not much in terms of photography, but just everyday, prosaic trains and locations from an earlier time.

The wife and I visited Thailand on a number of occasions during the 2000's and while she chilled by the pool I was out and about filming and photographing everything of the SRT system. The original films I put on youtube look a bit creaky now So I'm redoing them as MP4s and rather doing short themed videos, I'm picking a location and putting all the train moves onto one video.

My main base was usually the city of Khon Kaen, The regional capitol of Isan in the North East Thailand. This is the mainly single mainline from Bangkok to the Laos border with passing loops at stations, a lof of mechanical signalling and in those days still with a mix of Vacuum and Air braked stock!

I've started with 2009, by which time, I was shooting on a Mini DV Camcorder. A step up in quality from the VHS-C and 8mm formats I had previously used

Local passenger trains were in the hands of the venerable RHN Diesel railcars and the Express railcar services were in the stainless steel THNs. Long distance loco hauled passener expresses were usually in the hands of Alsthom C0-C0s or General Electric GEAs. Freight included Cement trains, Bogie propane tanks, Oild and diesel tankers and still a lot of local pick-up services. Brake vans were still very much in use

I'll start with some stills to give you a flavour of what the station was like in 2009

Kev

"This is the official website of Singapore Railways Museum aka Singapore Railway Museum, a Singapore attraction based on the world of model Trains.

"We are very happy to let you know that we will open the first Model Train Museum in Singapore very soon. Planned schedule for a soft launch is 2024. We are currently looking for a location-sponsor and will start operations quickly after the location is finalized."

Does anyone know any more? The various FB pages and websites give inconsistent information

I have a lot more photos so if there's any interest I can see about resizing a few so I can add more than 2 a time.

We started our journey in Kolkata.

With a population of over 15 million people, Kolkata is an assault on the senses; a heady blend of the colonial and vernacular mixed awkwardly together. A city benefitting from wide boulevards, but chocked by a million vehicles jostling for space. The sights, sounds and smells make it an unforgettable experience. Adding to the chaos was that we were there in the midst of Durga Puja; the primary festival in West Bengal.

Up until recently Kolkata was known as a city of trams, as recently as last month. The entire network was closed for the festival (to make way for the increase in vehicle traffic) and has yet to reopen. The local government have been gunning for the system for years, starving it of investment. Now they have taken their chance. There is a court hearing to reverse the decision, but already there is evidence of 'road repairs' covering sections of the track with tarmac. It is a travesty that a city so chocked with traffic has taken the easy way out and binned off the trams; odd as Kolkata 'Clean City; Green City' seems to be their mantra.

One of the items on our tour itinerary was to use the Circular Railway. One of the main suburban services. As with many other routes in India it is busy, but oddly for a suburban railway there are large sections that are single track with passing loops.

The Circular Railway was an exhilarating experience. The pictures imply the train was packed, and whilst it was busy, most people stood by the open doors for better ventilation. 

Across the river Hooghly, beside the main Howrah railway station is the Howrah Railway Museum, which was also included in the itinerary. An interesting site, essentially it is a park with a variety of local trains scattered about. It was a little careworn and some of the exhibits needed some attention. The steam engines carried some fairly garish colours...I suspect not their usual schemes when in service!

Some local wildlife was also noted at the museum!

The following day we moved on from Kolkata, heading north to the mountains.