Technical Reference: Track
Eishindo's
track products includes two types. Sectional track with integrated
roadbed is available in three colors
(wood ties, concrete ties, and transparent), with four curve radii and
three straight-track lengths. Switches are manual; two crossings are
due early 2011.
In addition, flex track is offered in two styles
(concrete or wood ties/sleepers) and two lengths (200mm and 1m). Flex
does not have roadbed (although roadbed is available from
TGauge.co.uk). Sections are joined with short joiner parts. Flex-to-roadbed transition tracks are available in two styles.
Track Dimensions
|
Ref
|
mm
|
in
|
Remarks
|
Gauge
|
A
|
3.2
|
0.12
|
+/−0.1 mm
|
Rail width
|
B
|
0.60
|
0.024
|
at head
|
Rail height
|
C
|
1.0
|
0.04
|
|
Roadbed overall width
|
D
|
12.5
|
0.5
|
average
|
Roadbed overall height
|
E
|
3.55
|
0.14
|
average
|
Parallel track spacing
|
—
|
12.5
|
0.5
|
|
Small curve radius
|
—
|
120
|
4.72
|
15º and 30º
|
Medium curve radius
|
—
|
132.5
|
5.22
|
15º and 30º
|
Larger curve radius
|
—
|
145
|
5.7
|
15º and 30º
|
Largest curve radius
|
—
|
157.5
|
6.2
|
15º and 30º
|
Short straight length
|
—
|
30
|
1.18
|
|
Medium straight length
|
—
|
60
|
2.36
|
|
Long straight length
|
—
|
120
|
4.72
|
|
Short flex length
|
—
|
200
|
7.87
|
|
Long flex length
|
—
|
1000
|
39.4
|
|
Switch and S-curve length
|
—
|
90
|
3.54
|
|
Switch and S-curve offset
|
—
|
12.5
|
0.5
|
Track planning software featuring the full Eishindo track library is available from AnyRail.
Technical Reference: 103 Series
Introduced in December 2007, the 103 Series was Eishindo's
first trainset. A set comprises four cars: two powered units in the middle, and two non-powered units on the ends, which
contain directional lights. The 103s have some quality control issues, with reliability varying considerably between units.
The mechanism consists of a chassis part that press-fits into a shell. The chassis holds the trucks and motor.
The shell holds the gearbox in place over the one powered truck. Springs pass current from both trucks up to two power strips
embedded in the underside of the shell roof.
Technical Reference: Hankyu 9000 Series
Introduced in March 2010, the 9000 Series is Eishindo's
second trainset. A set comprises four cars: the two end units are
powered, and contain directional lights; the two center cars
are non-powered. The 9000s have Eisnindo's second-generation
mechanism, which is considerably better-running and more reliable
than their 103s.
The powered chassis is a self-contained mechanism; the shell simply slips over the top. The drive train is
permanently assembled and cannot be dismantled without cutting parts that cannot be repaired or replaced. The trucks are held
in place with tension springs; these can be replaced if necessary.
Note to kitbashers: Although it may appear there is room to shorten the chassis, there really isn't. The
gap between the motor and the truck tower is deceiving; the problem is that there is no room for the truck to move forward
because of the motor bulge on the underside of the chassis. Plus, the mechanism is permanently assembled: the electrical
strips are secured to the gearbox by melted pins. Removing these pins leaves no practical way of reattaching the electrical
strips. All chassis parts are made from engineering plastic, so there's no way to glue or bond the parts.
Technical Kiha 40 Series
Introduced in April 2010, the KIHA 40 Series is Eishindo's
third powered train. The KIHA is a single unit, with no couplers; this
reflects how the real units operate, which are
self-powered diesels, and thus have no pantographs as the other
trainsets do. The KIHAs have Eisnindo's second-generation mechanism,
which is considerably better-running and more reliable
than their 103s.
The powered chassis is a self-contained mechanism; the shell simply slips over the top. The shell contains two
lighting units, one in each end. The drive train is
permanently assembled and cannot be dismantled without cutting parts that cannot be repaired or replaced. The trucks are held
in place with tension springs; these can be replaced if necessary.
Note to kitbashers: Although it is possible to shorten the
chassis, the chassis parts are made from engineering plastic, so there's
no way to glue or bond the parts.
If you need a shorter chassis, try the 9000 Series. Lengthening the chassis is certainly an option,
but note that as the units get longer, the more trouble they have with sharp curves.
|
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