Japanese Model Trains - Railways, Trams, Light Rail and Narrow Gauge
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Welcome to my website and thanks for stopping by. My name is Bryan Carey and this site is dedicated to my model rail hobby. The site not only covers model trains but also includes trams and light rail vehicles. I mainly model using the N Scale track gauge which is the second most popular scale in the world. Recently I also started using H0e scale to expand my options and model narrow gauge railways.
The site features some photos of my model train collection which mainly consists of Japanese rail but it also covers some European and North American trains as well. Most of my collection consists of trains and trams from the era 1990 to 2011 but there are also vintage rail types dating back as far as the 1920's. Brands that make up my collection include Kato, Tomix, Tomytec, Microace, Greenmax, Modemo, Fleishmann, Roco, Liliput, Bachmann, Bemo and Minitrix.
Over the years 2008-2012, I have created many different types of model rail layouts. Some of these are featured in the site with photos of each one. The layouts use mainly Tomix and Kato products from Japan. These two brands provide most of the track, structures and buildings as well as the trains/trams.
H0e Narrow Gauge Layout - Kato Unitrack
After creating several N scale layouts in previous years, I decided to have a change during 2012 and create a freelance H0e layout. It has allowed my to indulge my passion of narrow gauge (schmalspur) and to model a layout based on some of the picturesque railways of Austria and Germany. During the process I have been able to assemble a fantastic collection of H0e models from Liliput, Roco, Halling, Bemo and Egger Bahn. It has been a great experience and has offered me a contrasting experience compared with my previous Japanese layouts. I have created several pages that detail both the layout and my H0e collection.
H0e Narrow Gauge Layout Design - Kato Unitrack
Zillertalbahn - Liliput H0e Loco's and Rolling Stock
Mariazellerbahn - Roco and Halling H0e Loco's and Rolling Stock
Öchslebahn, Rügen, Rhein-SIeg-Eisenbahn, Döllnitzbahn - German H0e Narrow Gauge
Waldviertlerbahn
and Pinzgaubahn - H0e ÖBB Narrow Gauge
Japanese Model Railway Layout - Kato Unitrack
Following on from my previous layout (Japanese Model Tram Layout), I decided to build a freelance layout that would allow me to use some of my collection of Shinkansen bullet trains, express trains, diesel locomotives and freight cars. The layout features a contemporary Japanese urban environment and uses an interesting way to display the large Kato buildings. Click on the link below to learn more.
Japanese Model Railway Layout - Kato Unitrack
Japanese Model Tram Layout - Tomix Fine Track
I began my model railway hobby in 2011 by building a freelance layout that would feature the Japanese trams that I have recently added to my collection. For inspiration I examined the features of many popular tram lines in Japan (Toden Arakawa, Toyohashi, Toyama, Manyosen, Tokyo’s Setagaya, Okayama, Iyo Railway). Hopefully I was able to include a little bit of each line in the layout. The link below contains a brief description and some photos of the result.
Japanese Model Tram Layout - Tomix Fine Track
Tomix Fine Track Designs
During 2011 I have spent a lot of time designing model train layouts. I rely on the AnyRail software to visualize my ideas and develop the best approach to achieve the result I am after. Several of the layouts use the latest Tomix Wide Tram Track. Click on the links below to examine some of the layouts I have designed.
Tomix Fine Track - Shelf Layout Designs
Tomix Fine Track - Small Layout Designs
Tomix Wide Tram Track and Tomytec Bus System Layout Designs
H0n30 Model Railway Layout - Kato Unitrack
Although my railway modeling mainly uses N Gauge, I have also developed in interest in H0n30. It uses the same 9mm track as N Gauge but the trains and scenery are at 1:87 scale. It simulates narrow gauge railways and provides a nice contrast to my normal modeling activities. My first H0n30 layout is a simple logging and mining railway using BCH Minitrains. Click on the link below to find out more.
H0n30 Model Railway Layout - Kato Unitrack
Other N Scale Layouts - Kato Unitram and Unitrack
My father Kevin is also interested in N Scale model trains. I have designed two layouts for him using the AnyRail software. The first is a European alpine layout based on Austrian ÖBB railways. It is created with Kato Unitrack and the Noch Colorado preformed layout. It also uses a custom designed extension which makes the layout more unique.
The second layout is a North American layout called "Southern City". This is a urban layout built around the basic Kato Unitram layout. As well as the Unitram, it features three lines of Kato Unitrack with two crossovers and some sidings.
Click on the links below to learn more about these two model railways.
Austrian ÖBB Model Railway Layout - Kato Unitrack
North American Model Railway Layout - Kato Unitram and Unitrack
Train Simulators - Trainz, BVE and MSTS
In addition to my model train activities, I also enjoy enjoy using train simulators. The Trainz (TRS 2006, TRS 2009) program from Auran is my favorite. In particular I enjoy using the tram add-on's for Trainz, Modula City and Cabon City from Trainzland. Others include the Japanese rail simulator BVE and MSTS (Microsoft Train Simulator). Click here to find out more about my interest in Train Simulators.