N Gauge Forum

General Category => N Gauge Discussion => Topic started by: BramptonBranch on June 18, 2021, 12:33:13 PM

Title: Kato pocket line
Post by: BramptonBranch on June 18, 2021, 12:33:13 PM
I see the new Kato Ppocket line electric look alike in BR black livery is now available.
Has anyone bought one/going to buy one?
Very rule 1 I know but cheap and cheerful?
Thoughts?

Andy
Title: Re: Kato pocket line
Post by: ntpntpntp on June 18, 2021, 12:42:28 PM
I've got one of the standard Japanese versions, I must say it's nice and smooth running. I've not had a chance to give it a load test yet. The pantograph sits a bit low and doesn't actually "ride the wire" on my layout.

(https://www.ngaugeforum.co.uk/SMFN/gallery/110/5885-180621124120.jpeg)
Title: Re: Kato pocket line
Post by: Trainfish on June 18, 2021, 12:53:43 PM
How powerful is it? Would it push or pull a Tomix track cleaner/hoover?
Title: Re: Kato pocket line
Post by: ntpntpntp on June 18, 2021, 01:04:22 PM
Quote from: Trainfish on June 18, 2021, 12:53:43 PM
How powerful is it? Would it push or pull a Tomix track cleaner/hoover?

Not tried as I don't own such cleaning wagons, but I very much doubt it would cope. Not much weight to it.
Title: Re: Kato pocket line
Post by: BramptonBranch on June 18, 2021, 02:04:58 PM
Well rule 1 will probably apply.Think I will take  the  plunge!
Title: Re: Kato pocket line
Post by: msr on June 18, 2021, 02:09:31 PM
It will just about pull the Tomix cleaner (switched off) on level track, but not the CMX cleaner. However, power draw when operating the Tomix cleaner might prevent any effective movement.
Title: Re: Kato pocket line
Post by: Roy L S on June 18, 2021, 03:16:37 PM
Just stuck a Zimo MX616 in my one - cost almost as much as the loco and needed a bit more surgery than expected.

It is whizzing round my layout now - what's not to like, it's a bit of o fun!

Roy
Title: Re: Kato pocket line
Post by: Capri_sam on June 18, 2021, 07:24:43 PM
I'm very much looking forward to having a layout to play with mine on! Bought one Rule 1, as I want to show Kato there's a market for their stuff in the UK, and because I want to show support for an alternative budget, fun side to the hobby.

My plan, borrowed from the Blackpool trams, is to have it as a shunter running a few private owner wagons from a 'heavy rail' siding to a coal merchants down the (tram)way.

https://www.tramway.co.uk/trams/blackpool-corporation-no-717/ (https://www.tramway.co.uk/trams/blackpool-corporation-no-717/)