I have never seen this type of shipping container before.....
from Japan. I was told that they are for domestic use only and are designed to be loaded/unloaded with a regular fork lift. The cartoon artwork is cool too!!! What I think is really interesting is that they have doors on the sides....making them useful for local or shorter runs. No need to remove the container for access!!! I have seen 1/87, 1/48, 1/24 and 1/32 "normal" containers....do any of you know if there is a company that makes these side door type?
Thanks!
underworld
Given just the one example, I'm not sure, but it looks an awful lot like the containers in the Koki 104 19D Container Loading 2 car set and the Koki 104 18D Container Loading 2-Car Set. They are both manufactured by Kato in 1/80 scale. While a search for "container" at that dealer brought up a number of other containers, some of which looked like the refrigerated variety mentioned in another--related--thread, none appeared to have cool cartoon/anime characters. That said, Japan is awash in cool artwork, from construction and warning signs to, if I remember correctly, cell phone service with Giant Robo as its icon.
Since this is my first post, we'll see how the links turn out...
thirteen
I'm pretty sure that the anime is a one-of-a-kind (or one of a comparatively few of a kind) on an otherwise standard JRF container.
Interesting to note that the KoKi basic design hasn't changed in 40 years. I purchased mine in the late 1960s, same blue car color and same trucks (with humongubearings.) Incidentally, the links work perfectly.
Chuck (Modeling Central Japan in September, 1964 - in HOj, 1:80 scale)
Links work fine! Welcome to the forum! Thanks for the finds!!! I think like Chuck said, the Anime one is probably a one off....or just not very common. They may have gotten some done up for a new release book or DVD.
Chuck
I guess the design works well.....so they are smart enough to stick with it!!! I have found a photo of one that is a bit different design, but it looks older. Has doors on the sides and the ends.....really really rusty too.