TGV models?

[liquidcross]

Can anyone recommend some decent ones? Here's the catch though...they don't have to be operating models. They can be just good ol' plastic ones. (Actual operating models wouldn't run on my layout...the curves are too tight.)

[M636C]

liquidcross,

I have a number of HO Lima TGV sets. There are two types, the older type with simple "clip together" connections of the articulated trailer cars, and the newer ones which have more complicated connections on the trucks, which allow the cars to move apart very slightly on curves to allow use on sharper radius curves.

They all run pretty well on normal train set curves down to 18" radius or so. The older units run surprisingly smoothly, even at TGV speeds around quite sharp curves, much more so than conventional locomotives and cars. So don't assume they won't run on your layout before you try them!

These are normally sold in sets consisting of two power cars (one a dummy) and two end trailer cars. If you want to add intermediate cars, make sure that matching cars are available. Some of the lower price Lima sets still use the older articulated connection, but intermediate cars are no longer generally available. But at least locally, the more basic four car sets are fairly inexpensive.

Mehanotechnika make sets similar to the older Lima type, with intermediate cars but I have only seen the Thalys (red and silver) sets. I haven't seen any double deck trailer cars in model form.

Kato make the original orange and white PSE sets in N scale, but I don't know anything about them (they should be good!)

Peter

[Supermicha]

Lima and Jouef made two sets in the past. One was the orange TGV PSE (paris-south east) and the other the current silver blue TGV Atlantique.

Mehano (www.mehano.si) makes a nice set of the newsest TGV duplex with bi level cars. I think it might be available via IHC.

[liquidcross]

QUOTE: Originally posted by M636C

They all run pretty well on normal train set curves down to 18" radius or so. The older units run surprisingly smoothly, even at TGV speeds around quite sharp curves, much more so than conventional locomotives and cars. So don't assume they won't run on your layout before you try them!

Peter

What about 9 3/4" radius curves? ;)

I looked at the Kato ones...pretty expensive. I'd likely be putting my TGV set out on display anyway, not actually running it.

[M636C]

If the 9.75" radius is in N scale, it would probably be OK. If it is HO, I'd like to know what you normally run on those curves! Shays and log cars?

The HO models are generally cheaper than the Kato N scale cars, so if they were for display, a basic Lima or Mehanotechnika set would be the way to go!

As well as the PSE and Reseau sets, Lima have made postal TGVs and both types of Thalys sets, and the tilting TGV P-01 prototype in HO.

Peter

[pedromorgan]

may i suggest that if you were going to buy one of these models, that you hold fire till christmas. hornby are in the process of taking over lima/jouef and if that happens then they should be cheaper for americans, the paintwork will be much better, and build quality should be improved.
all this is assuming the takeover goes ahead of course and even if it does then it will take some time for these models to find their way down to us.

only the TGV duplex has double decker carriages. lima were the only people to make a model however mehano (IHC) have one one their cards for later this year. they actually have 2 on their cards, a toy like model and a decent model.
as i said, there are some great models in the pipeline so just hane on for a while.

Peter