Any Japanese HO?

[Hathaway Browne]

I'm probably not looking hard enough (nor in the right places) but do any manufacturers make any HO models based on Japanese prototypes like the Shinkanzen?

 

[UP2CSX]

HB, there's a fair amount of Japanese prototype equipment in N scale but almost none in HO. I assume the small spaces available to model railroaders in Japan makes N scale the logical choice. Kato occasionally puts out some HO models - I know they had a Bullet Train at one time. I'd cruise around e-bay and see what was available but don't get your hopes up for HO.

 

[kenw]

I've seen some in HO over the years, but don't recall any details on who made it. I may have seen it while in japan, and if it was there, it was incredibly expensive!

I bought some low-end "models" (no power, rough detail, very toy-like) of the Shinkansen and others in N scale while I was there in the 90s.

Someone made a fantasy version of a shinkansen Amtrak in HO, I think I've got a version of it somewhere upstairs. It's very crude iirc.

 

[Hathaway Browne]

Thanks for the replies, I did think that HO was scarce - probably for the size limitations you suggested Jim.

I'd love to have a "Romance Car" on the layout..

3 eras (l-r: '57-'68, '63-'99, 1980)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Odakyu_RomanceCar_Old_Coloring.JPG

Its got a certain ugly chic about it.

 

[diburning]

Japanese cars in HO are either made by Kato, or only come in brass.