Tomix VS Kato ! 90188 - N scale E313 basic set unboxing and comparison to similar priced Kato train

Wow... The longest video I ever made by far! Sorry guys! But this was so interresting and fun that I didn't see time pass!
In this video, I compare a Tomix train set from the perspective of someone used to Kato stuff.
Both train sets that you see at the beginning of the video are around the same price and are designed to be starter Sets. You will see both running in the running session.
I hope you will have as much fun watching it as I had fun making it.

[@railwaymechanicalengineer4587]

JAPANESE MODELS INCLUDE TECHNOLOGIES NOT FOUND OUTSIDE JAPAN !!!!!!! Japanese outline models are not intended for sale outside Japan. Hence only Japanese Instructions. Which if you do NOT understand the technologies hidden inside you may easily DAMAGE the model, particularly the TOMIX Class 313, semi-fast EMU type which can run in various formations up to 9/10 cars. WARNING !!!! CLIP OUT QUICK CLEAN MOTOR BOGIES TOMIX models include technologies you will NOT be aware of. TOMIX Locomotives & power cars include "Clip out, Quick Clean" powered bogies. Which MUST be removed, only by pressing the bogie gently to one side slightly to release it, and then carefully rolling the bogie out of the chassis. Taking care NOT to snag the pick up springs that protrude from the bogie centre top. Once removed bits of hair or similar need to be removed with tweezers. The wheels (without traction tyres) will need cleaning with something like a cotton bud, dipped in a suitable cleaning liquid. After cleaning the bogie can be replaced by carefully inserting it vertically into the chassis, and "joggling it" until it "clicks" back into place. TOMIX MOTOR MECHANISMS Further the mechanism should include "Frictionless" Teflon coated gearing that MUST NOT be oiled or greased. These gears should mesh with the machined polished brass worm drive (a self lubricating metal). So only the can motor will ever need lubricating, with ONE pin head drop of oil on each end of the motor bearings. TRACTION TYRE - USAGE !!! Further most Japanese powered vehicles include rubber traction tyres. To avoid problems with these power enhancing rubber tyres, the vehicle MUST NEVER BE PUSHED ALONG THE TRACK EVEN FOR ONE INCH. Or you risk stretching these traction tyres which will then become useless, and need to be changed !!!!! COUPLINGS Couplings are of the Japanese version of the German "Scharfenburg" type. A type designed specifically for EMU's in real life. The couplings actually work, by clicking together and snatching apart. They are mounted on expanding "flexible mounts" which expand slightly in curves, and reduce on the straight to give more realistic "Close coupling". Beneath the functioning coupling are two small boxes, which in real life open as trains couple to reveal plugs & sockets, for the through electrical & braking Controls, necessary when two or more units are joined together. LIGHTING Under the floor of the cab is a sliding switch which most likely turns on head & tail lights (directionally controlled) as well as the destination blind This switch is necessary as when two units are joined together, these lights must be switchedd off on the cabs that are coupled to comply with railway operating rules !!! PANTOGRAPHS Japanese outline models usually have plastic super detailed, but delicate, lift up (carefully with a finger) and push down unsprung dummy pantographs. If working sprung metal pantographs are preferred, Sommerfeldt (German manufacturer) produce fully function pantographs in "N" scale, of similar types for these models. If used, these will need a tiny hole drilled in the roof at the exact centre of where the plastic dummy sits. To allow these functioning pantographs to be screwed to the model, with the tiny brass screw provided ! Functioning pantographs will also require proper copper catenary & masts, for the pantograph to run along. Also available from this large range. BOOK SET CASES This 3-car set is obviously a "Starter" set including a "basic" controller. If you are only buying a EMU (and there are literally hundreds to choose from), they come in what is known as a "Book set case", made from hard plastic with a popper catch lid and foam interior. These are normally A4 size so designed to fit on the book shelf, hence their name !

[@leewaymodels]

That's great information. I will pin your comment. I must admit I wasn't aware of some of it. I have another similar starter set that I received from Japan and will share your information when I film it.

[@Trainsaregreat365]

This is the first video i seen on this channel and it got me hooked I'm so surprised that you only have like 700 subs i expect you to have at least 10k very underrated and keep up the good videos cheers from trains are great

[@leewaymodels]

Thanks Trains are Great! I really appreciate it. I am still amazed that 700+ peoples are actually interested by what I have to say. Cheers!

[@tridbant]

Thank you. Very informative for a newbie like me.

[@leewaymodels]

No problem. Summer is very busy this year but I plan on doing more once things calm down.

[@ericreed1673]

Thanks for sharing. A couple of comments. Unless things have changed, Tomix tracks have alot more options, lengths and curve radius. Also, not sure why you felt you had so much trouble putting the track together, but I set mine up and take it apart all the time as I don't have a dedicated space currently and have never had an issue.

[@leewaymodels]

Hi Eric, thanks for the info. I am used to Kato tracks and stuff. It is the first time I tried any Tomix. As such, maybe some of my first impressions might be not what someone with a lot of experience with Tomix might realise. Since I made that video, I looked at the different options I could find eBay and they seem to offer a wider variety then Kato in both curves and types of points. Also, I don't think that the tracks are bad and actually prefer the overall look of the Finetracks (excluding that ugly power connection). I just think that they are not as sturdy as the one Kato makes (mainely because of replaceable fish plate on the Unitrack and bigger guides to insert the track together compared to the Finetracks). My biggest concerns for someone outside of Japan with the Tomix Finetracks remains availability. This relatively ok when you order a train set or other bulk track pack but when you need to do a adjustment or missing any parts, you can't just go to the store and get it.

[@Trainsaregreat365]

I like the fact that they are holes for nails on the tomix track

[@leewaymodels]

This was the first Tomix train set I had. It is actually one of the reason why I thought that this system was designed more to be permanently assembled compared to the Kato unitrack.

[@Hyperbole77]

I like the Captain kangaroo background music

[@leewaymodels]

Thanks for the feedback

[@davidlutton3055]

I have this 313 train. Thanks for this, I have no idea where I got it nor did I know it was Tomix. I converted it to DCC and it runs great. Great informative video.

[@leewaymodels]

Good to know. Was it difficult to convert to DCC?

[@orsomebricks6635]

Great video. The Kato snap-track converter allows you to connect to the rival Tomix track.

[@leewaymodels]

Thanks for that. I ordered a set to test it out!

[@TylerRavensak]

Thanks

[@TheTiktok4321]

Very true, however, since Tomix and Kato have different track lengths and curve radii, making a contiguous layout using both is very difficult.

[@leewaymodels]

Good point!

[@Trainsaregreat365]

Well i watched till the end

[@fredtedstedman]

nice set , those tight curves are like torture to watch !!

[@leewaymodels]

I agree with you. They sure made me laugh when I saw it worked on them! Thank for watching.

[@genmeroyoko]

Tatami room! That's cool

[@leewaymodels]

Thank you, it was a great way to use the space. They are very versatile!

[@TheTiktok4321]

Note that if you are in the USA, I would recommend starting with Kato. Tomix is awesome and I like its look a little more, but you just can't buy Tomix in the US without paying extensive shipping costs from Japan. Most hobby stores in the US carry Kato. With regards to internal lights, most trains from Kato and Tomix do not include internal lights, but are available as an add on purchase. Despite the difference in the width of the track bed, the rails are all N-scale which is an international standard, so all N scale trains run on all N scale track regardless of manufacture.

[@leewaymodels]

You basically note my #1 issue with Tomix Track. Unless you plan everything beforehand and do one big order, shipping and delivery time can add up quickly. I did found out however pretty quickly that a lot of Japanese sellers offers discounted shipping to USA and Canada, especially on eBay so you really have to shop around.

[@MB-tp2hv]

Wow! Lots of interresting information and a very good comparison. You should've made it in several parts though as the video is quite long.

[@leewaymodels]

I never taught about it, perhaps I'll do that in the future

[@duck1946]

Tomix do a lot of street running (trams) track sections. II am in the UK and have recently just purchased some Kato track, i have found my Kato and Model Power GP38.s will go around the smallest radii curves and points with no problem, I use a wall plug type transformer and a Guagemaster Combi controller, excellent.

[@leewaymodels]

I have not tried the tram tracks yet. Maybe I'll do that. I grew up with Model Power models. Affordable and easily available. Too bad they are not in business anymore.

[@NgenicKMicroTrains]

Even though it is only a Japanese instruction manual, it is a great video! Amazing Japanese-style room! I wonder where you got beautiful tatami and fusuma. Very nice!A big cheer from Japan. Subscribe!

[@leewaymodels]

Thank you, I got these a while ago (maybe 20 years!) when someone I knew used to work for Mitsubishi Corporation. Some of his colleagues knew a store that would normally sell to Asian restaurants. Strange place! It was at a random floor (something like the 11th floor!) of a skyscraper in Montreal. No sign anywhere to let you know it was there. They actually sold everything for a very reasonable price and delivered it right to my door! This room is about half of my available living space so no kidding when I say that I have very little space to play trains!

[@kyoungmankim4439]

Hello. TOMIX and KATO TRACK are compatible with adapters. Also, the one in front of the vehicle is the TN coupler. It can be connected to the vehicle in front of it.

[@leewaymodels]

Thank you for the information I got one of such adapters following another comment I received. About the coupling, I only recently noticed that I could use it so it was not filmed in this video. It really looks realistic!

[@Trainsaregreat365]

I am so surprised that the tomix train worked on the compact track

[@leewaymodels]

Me too!

[@davidsheriff8989]

Great video, never considered Tomix but looks a viable option....

[@leewaymodels]

They are well made for sure. Local availability is the only thing really preventing me from recommending them as much as Kato.

[@thefantasticmro3619]

Tonic only comes with Japan/canadian plug?

[@leewaymodels]

Tomix uses Japanese plugs. They are the same in North America (Canada, US and Mexico) a.k.a. NEMA Type 1 plug. There are many very inexpensives travel adapters available to make this plug compatible with any outlet, if you need it.

[@b.k.s.sthcoast]

Not easy to review products but you did a good job.

[@leewaymodels]

Thanks! I actually enjoy doing these. It is high season for us so I am taking care of professional issues at this time but once things clears out I have some more models to show.

[@msomething3579]

Question, did you a noise difference between the Kato and Tomix? I have some Tomix bridges and found them to be considerably quieter than the Katos. Just checking to see if anyone else has noticed.

[@leewaymodels]

I couldn't say really. I would like to do another Tomix VS Kato with the same prototype to test a few thing. I will be including this!

[@Trainsaregreat365]

You can use google lens to translate from Japanese to English

[@leewaymodels]

Thanks, I have done so in other video I made after this one!

[@charleswalsh9895]

Interesting. Very good in most respects. But the music is annoying. I was pleasantly surprised at tomix

[@leewaymodels]

Thanks for your comment. I personally like the music. I tested both way back when and I thought it felt a bit creepy without it! Maybe I should reconsider for such long videos.

[@subirs12]

I am a newbie, Please tell whether to run two trains on same track ...we will require two controllers? It can be Either Tomix or kato

[@leewaymodels]

Ah... The dreadfully answer... It depends. Let me explain. So far, I have shown trains running on Direct Current (DC) . This is the simplest form of train available. You put power on tracks, trains moves. It is that simple. In that case, if you put 2 trains on the same track, they will run with one power supply, providing it can provide enough power for both (most should). However, normally no 2 locomotives goes the same speed and at some point, they will catch each others and cause a crash. As such I try to run one only one train per track. That being said on DC, there is ways around that if you use switches and sidings but in any situation, both trains are going to go in the same directions. This is different on Digital Command Control (DCC) . Using DCC, each train has a micro chip inside that enable them to be independently controlled. It is more expensive and I do not use this with my N scale stuff (too small for me to install and also $$$). In that mode, the same level of power is applied on the tracks at all time. However, your DCC controllers can talk to each locomotive independently through the tracks. This is similar to a computer network where the controller is like a server and all locos are computers talking to it.

[@leewaymodels]

Also concerning the power pack. You can use any brand. Electricity is electricity. Some have more features then others. If you are just starting out, get one in a train set then you will get a better idea of what you will need. I think you should watch the Video I made concerning a very basic train set. kzbin.info/www/bejne/sIivkIZvmaaNpJIfeature=shared

[@subirs12]

Thanks for ur detailed reply. I will look for DCC from tomix@@leewaymodels

[@isaiahfurrow7414]

Im guessing the Tomix set of track makes a similar size oval to the Kato "inner oval" set.... which i thinknis about $40 US for an oval of track without the power supply, that may ne my first purchase here soon, along with some boxcars and a Loco...

[@leewaymodels]

That might be wroth comparing. I'll keep that in mind for when work season will slow down.

[@kerry_glock]

Instructions in Japanese, but Transformer had English Words for Power, Direction, Stop, Max, 5507 TCS Power Unit. (Transformer Made In USA? lol). No, don’t think so!

[@leewaymodels]

I noted that also. It is the same thing in others train sets I reviewed recently from Tomix including the one that will get posted today or tomorrow depending where you live. I'm not going to complain about it though!

[@garymoore2674]

You have to run new trains in 30 plus mins each way

[@leewaymodels]

That is true. It is known as running in. In this case the train was running fine out of the box so I proceeded with the video. I did finished the process after the video was done.

[@Trainsaregreat365]

Kato make an adapter to adapt from kato unitrack to tomix track

[@leewaymodels]

I got an adapter, glbut not that one directly. Do you have a part number by any chance?

[@Trainsaregreat365]

​@leewaymodels yes I do have a part number it's 20-045

[@Trainsaregreat365]

In my opinion the Japanese make amazing models

[@leewaymodels]

They sure are. I have one I haven't opened yet. I have to schedule it sometime in the future.