Many kinds of rail motorcars were used in 762mm gauge Kiso logging lines which ceased operation in 1975. Today some locomotives and cars are survived, and there are operating lines for tourist attraction at Akasawa forestry park. Recently, my narrow gauge friends visited the area and sent me some pictures and measured sketches of preserved rail motorcars, which encouraged me to make O-16.5 models. Though styrene models are still under planning, I made simple cutout paper models derived from drawings.
Sakai Works delivered several 1.5 ton rail motorcars in early 50's which were large in size among other railcars. They were later modified at local shop using automobile parts. It is obvious that radiator grille is from Datsun sedan. It was called as refrigerator because of its boxy case style. It is used to carry crews, not a freezer car.
In my drawings, underframes are not in true scale and designed to fit power
trucks for Bachmann GE-44 ton Diesel,
Photo by Kenichiro Ukai,
September, 1999
Iwasaki Rail was one of large suppliers of micro size rail motorcars. LM-5A were delivered during 1959-1962 equipped with Mazda 600cc engine. Originally built with soft canvas top and opened sidings, the survived prototype was later modified to closed cab.
In my drawings, underframes are not in true scale and designed to fit power trucks for Bachmann San Francisco Cable Car.
Photo by Kenichiro Ukai,
September, 1999
Special thanks to Kazuo Arai for providing me measured sketch of the prototype.