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Decoder Install in Kato Shinkansen Train

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  • Member since
    March 2021
  • 17 posts
Decoder Install in Kato Shinkansen Train
Posted by BigEBaker on Friday, February 10, 2023 10:28 AM

I have a question for the group. I want to add a Kato Shinkansen train to my roster of passenger trains and wanted to know if anyone has installed a decoder in them. What decoder did you use and was it difficult to install? How did the set run on your layout?

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 1,498 posts
Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Friday, February 10, 2023 12:29 PM

Extremely easy to install. The decoder is made by Kato. Part No 29-351. There are a few YouTube videos showing the procedure. Simple Google search finds them. Limited functions, but enough to get things moving and lit. Programed using normal DCC techniques. 

Good luck.

Robert l

LINK to SNSR Blog


  • Member since
    March 2021
  • 17 posts
Posted by BigEBaker on Friday, February 10, 2023 1:45 PM

Thank you Robert. Good to here about the install. Now to find a set I like.

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 1,498 posts
Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Friday, February 10, 2023 3:47 PM

I have the Shinkansen N700A Nozomi, 16 cars, closely coupled, runs smooth. The all-metal wheelsets make a very satisfying harmonic hum. But that's Kato, isn't it.

I also have the European TGV Lyria, 10 cars, also Kato. Not quite as slick as the Nozomi, but still very nice.

BTW, it might be too late to ask . . . but are you running HO scale. My stuff (and my advice) is N scale.

Robert

LINK to SNSR Blog


  • Member since
    March 2021
  • 17 posts
Posted by BigEBaker on Saturday, February 11, 2023 8:05 AM

I run N scale. I was looking at the E3-2000 series (10-1255) and wanted to know if Kato motor function decoder 29-351 would work. I didn't want to buy the set if I could not run it on my layout.

  • Member since
    January 2014
  • 1,498 posts
Posted by ROBERT PETRICK on Saturday, February 11, 2023 10:38 AM

Ah yes, the Tsubasa. Nice! Kato also makes the sparkly mint green E5 Hayabusa and the (mustard yellow) 923 Doctor Yellow.

As far as I know, all Kato Shinkansens use the 29-351 EM13 decoder as well as the FR11 and FL12 lighting decoders.

Good luck.

Robert

 

PS  As bright and crisp and clean and colorful as the Kato N scale models are, the 1:1 JNR trains are even more so. Weathering is not required!

LINK to SNSR Blog


  • Member since
    March 2021
  • 17 posts
Posted by BigEBaker on Saturday, February 11, 2023 2:36 PM

Thank you Robert for the information. I have quite a few passenger trains on my layout and this will be my first bullet train. I can't wait.

Steve

  • Member since
    September 2023
  • 1 posts
Posted by jesse99 on Friday, September 22, 2023 9:13 PM

I use Digitrax decoders, and I find them relatively easy to install in my model trains.

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