The EF81 done, I’ve been trying to decide what DCC project to tackle next. I’ve settled on my Kato 651系 for several reasons. First, the set is being re-released next month, which means a new wave(let) of interest. It also means a new wave of spare parts if I mess up. Too, the pre-fitted interior lighting—bulbs all, prone to melting the roof when powered by DCC, and custom tailored to each carriage—present an intriguing challenge.
I’ve already begun ordering parts, so look forward to the first posts in a couple of weeks.
I understand the reason why you decided to make your 651 Kei the next DCC guinea pig but still, I can’t help noticing that you didn’t try to convert any of your Microace sets.
It is true. This is partly because I am intimidated by them, partly because at least one of them will require expensive decoders, and partly because I’ve decided that when I convert a train, I’m going to do the works all at once. The Super Hitachi will be cheaper because it already has interior lights fitted, and converting those to LEDs is inexpensive.
Héhé… thanks for answering me. Microace are indeed very intimidating. They are expensive and whitout spare parts readily available, except if you like to find and buy junk trains, in case you screw things up.
By the way, if your winter layout is still up and runing I wouldn’t mind seing a vid.