Hello, all; I am working on some N-scale EMU models that will be in the neighborhood of 60 scale feet, 73 feet, and 85 feet, respectively.

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Any thoughts on how to power the cars? The 85-foot car might work with Kato's RDC chassis. However, I would probably lean toward something with better speed control that can drag multiple trailers.

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Many thanks,

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Luke

Hi Luke,

I'm assuming that EMU is an acronym for "Electric Multiple Unit" or something like that. If correct, my thought would be that there are 2 options to consider.

Tomytec chassis - available in a variety of wheelbases and truck centers. Depending on your specific prototype, they will likely need some modifications, but they seem to fit the bill for a lot of modelers.

The second possibility would be to utilize chassis from one of Kato's Japanese MU train sets. They seem to churn these out in different prototypes and variations, and one or more might yield chassis that will fit whatever you are building.

One source for both is a company called Plaza Japan. I am sure there are others, including some hobby shops in the US that carry a lot of Kato Japanese prototype models.

Is speed control of the Kato RDC a common issue? I haven't run mine much (been without a layout for a while) but I don't recall any problems.

Best of luck with your project.

Tom D.

Hi Tom, thanks very much for your thoughts.

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I wasn't thinking about the powered chassis from Kato, Greenmax, TomyTec, etc., but I will take a look and try to find lengths that might work.

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Thanks,

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Luke