Howdy, Christian,
D51498 is a perfect match, especially the tender trucks. For the present, Google some images. There appears to be a tank of some kind in the back end of the coal bunker (water treatment chemicals?) and a second generator. Other than that (and some boltheads on the ends of the Elesco heater) this model is very similar to the recent KTM model of D51498 as currently operating.
Have fun with the superdetails.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964)
Thank you very much, Chuck! I was hoping you would respond to this.
So it is an Adachi? I found it difficult to locate other pictures of similar models, so I was not sure as to what it was. I did notice the lack of number boards, and was planning on possibly fabricating my own. I plan on making it D51 498, as that engine appears to have remained quite unchanged through the years(aside from a few details) and still operates today. That way, I can have a locomotive that spans a few eras. Knowing that you know a lot more than I do, would D51 498 be a good match for this locomotive?
Adachi, HOj (1:80 scale, 16.5mm gauge). I have its unassembled kit twin brother on a shelf about three meters from where I'm sitting.
I notice that the number plates are missing - apparently never installed. That's a series 2 loco (tender trucks are the giveaway) so the number should be between D51101 and D51849. The kit came with plates for D51107, D51791 and D51837. (It also came with the skyline slug needed to fake a series 1 - D511 to D51100 - but the tender trucks are the wrong design. If you don't have the part, you don't really need to go there.)
I bought my kit in April, 1967. At that time, the price would have left change from $20.00 American. Today it would set you back about $3,000 (combination of Japanese inflation and yen exchange rate.)
I believe the reason that it looks so large is due to the fact that it is 1/80 (I have heard it called HOj before). Also, it completely slipped my mind to take pictures of the underside, although, when I looked at it last, it had no discernible markings of the sort (not even in Kanji). I could be wrong, though. If it is indeed a Tenshodo, then it is a much earlier example, as the most recent Tenshodo D51 is much more detailed, and probably would have sold for more. From what I can tell, it most-likely resembles either a Katsumi or Adachi model.
My best bet would be a Japanese HO scale (that´s 1/80) Tenshodo D51.
Why no pics of the underside? Some mfgs have serial numbers and such there.
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ChristianJD,
I was going to say Balboa, but I don't think so. Looks to be a little off scale to me. Do You know for sure,what scale it is? Looks like a older Pittman motor in it. If You feel up to it....You can give Dan or Curtis an e-mail with Your pic's and see if they can help, they may be able to point You in the right direction. Scroll down a little on the site I will link to for the addy's:
http://www.brasstrains.com/Classic/
Good Luck!
Frank
So I recently aquired an HO scale model of a JNR D51 class mikado, and while knowing a bit about the prototype locomotives, I am somewhat uninformed when it comes to the maker of said locomotive. I am positive that it is by a Japanese manufacturer, but which one I am unsure of. There are no visible markings as to who made it in any if the usual places (I have not had a chance to open it up and look near the motor, though). It also came with no box, so that does not help at all.
What I would really like to know is if anyone out there may have a clue as to who manufactured it (based on visual indicators or perhaps previous experience with locomotives of this caliber). I know it is a long-shot, but I hope someone might be able to help me out. Thank you for looking, regardless.