Review: nanoGauge Class 923 Doctor Yellow

There are several different train models in the nanoGauge series. In this review, we will be taking a look at the Class 923 Doctor Yellow (nGT_004).

Doctor Yellow is the nickname for the high-speed test trains that are used on the Japanese Shinkansen ("Bullet Train") dedicated express passenger train routes. The trains have special equipment on board to monitor the condition of the track and overhead wire, including special instrumented bogies and observation blisters. The 'Doctor' part of the name is from their test and diagnostic function, and the 'Yellow' part comes from the bright yellow color they are all painted. More info on Wikipedia.

The bricks and instruction sheet in this set

Some of the special bricks in this set

Similar to other trains in the nanoGauge series, the build is quite straight forward, even though it has a difficulty rating of 4. There is nothing particularly tricky. The only part that might be a bit frustrating is the first step. I like all the new types of special bricks included in this set which lets you build a more aerodynamic looking train. As a custom builder, I am excited by all the possibilities these special bricks bring.

Extra bricks included in this set

Below are photos of the completed train. I think it is a really nice looking design. If you have the nanoGauge Basic Full Set, you can attach this train to the motor and boogie units and let it run on the track.

If you want to grab yourself some nanoGauge trains, click here to get them at discount =)

Review: nanoGauge Shinkansen Series E6

Today, we take a look at another train from the nanoGauge series, the Shinkansen Series E6 (nGT_003). For those who didn't already know, nanoGauge is a train set series based on nanoblock. 

A bit about this train from Wikipedia:

The E6 series is a Japanese Shinkansen high-speed train type operated by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) on Komachi "mini-shinkansen" services on the Tohoku Shinkansen and Akita Shinkansen from Tokyo to Akita since 16 March 2013. A pre-production set was delivered in June 2010 for extensive testing, with 23 full-production sets delivered between November 2012 and spring 2014. Click here to read more.

The bricks and instruction sheet included in this set

The special bricks in this set

This set is rated at a difficulty level of 3, but there is nothing particularly tricky about the build. What I like about the nanoGauge trains are the special bricks Kawada introduced to make the trains look more aerodynamic. If you're a custom builder, these bricks could come in very handy.

The extra bricks included in this set

Below are photos of the completed train. As you can see, it's a nice looking train and the special bricks were put to good use. 

The Shinkansen Series E6 next to the Steam Locomotive.

If you want to grab yourself some nanoGauge trains, click here to get them at discount =)

nanoGauge Steam Lomotive Quick Review

nanoGauge is the new series of nanoblock based train sets from Kawada. If you love nanoblock and trains, then you'll love these. 

Today, we take a look at the nanoGauge Steam Locomotive (nGT_006). I got it from here at discount, if you're interested. There are many different train designs available in the nanoGauge series, but this is my personal favourite. 

The bricks and instruction sheet in this set

The special bricks in this set

The interesting thing about nanoGauge trains is that they come with a bunch of new types of bricks that you rarely, if ever, see anywhere else. These special bricks allows you to build things with a smooth top. Below are photos of the completed train.

Extra bricks included in this set

It was quite easy to build, nothing particularly challenging. The end result looks great, as you have seen above. While these nanoGauge trains are designed to be used with the full kit that comes with the motorised units, rails, etc, they can also be built and displayed by itself, like in the photos above. If you like trains, I say go for it! =)

nanoGauge Basic Full Kit Review - Part 1

Difficulty: Level 3
Time to Complete: 60 minutes
Item Code: nGS_001

Introduction

nanoGauge is the new motorised train set from Kawada that is based on nanoblock. It is currently only officially released in Japan, so I ordered mine from Plamoya for around USD130 (excluding shipping). The box is huge, so shipping costs a bomb! 

Front of the box

Back of the box

Contents

This set comes with everything you need to get started, including the user manual, train build instructions, tracks, motor and bogie units, controller, power supply and of course, nanoblock bricks to build the actual train itself. I will go through all the items in more detail below.

Contents of this set

User manual

The user manual is a single large sheet of paper and it tells you everything you need to know to get your nanoGauge set working, so it's fairly simple to set it up.

AC Power Adapter and Controller

The controller unit allows you to control the running of the train. You can control both the direction and speed of the train. An AC power adapter that uses 100-240v is provided, so it should be supported everywhere. Yes, this thing runs on AC power, not batteries.

Motor and Bogie Units

One motor unit and four bogie units are included in this set. The motor unit drives the train, while bogie units allow you to build the other carriages that are attached to the motor unit. Each carriage would need two bogie units, one in front and one at the back. The bogie units have studs on top, so you just treat it like a brick. The motor unit however does not have any studs. Instead, a really huge brick is provided which you can build your carriage on top and around it, which the motor unit then slots into. 

Track Sections

Bottom of the track sections

There are 8 curved and 4 straight track sections and that is enough for you to build a reasonable sized track. They slide and click into place quite nicely, and each section has two points where you can actually attach nanoblock bricks under and that is also the place where you can attach the cable that connects to your controller. These things can't bend much, so if you want to create a track with portions that are elevated, you will need a very very long track.

Bricks for the train

The train itself is quite simple, but I am sure you already knew that looking at the amount of bricks above. Even though they rated the difficulty at Level 3, I think it is more like a Level 2 at most. What is interesting though, is that Kawada introduced a bunch of new of brick types with nanoGauge. As you can see below, most of them are slated bricks and their purpose is to allow us to build more aerodynamic looking trains.

Some of the new brick types

Part 2 of this review will look into the building of the train and my thoughts about nanoGauge.

Just Got My nanoGauge Basic Full Kit

Just my luck, the nanoGauge Basic Full Kit I ordered from Japan (this shop) just arrived, but it got stuck in customs, so I had to spend almost two hours to go collect it, clear customs and bring it back home ... Anyway, here's the set ... Yes, I couldn't wait to get home to open it and snap a pic to show you guys ... Hahahaa ...

Here are a few photos of the nanoGauge Basic Full Kit (nGS_001). It cost me about USD130 (excluding shipping). More photos can be found here.

Some videos for a better look at the nanoGauge:

nanoGauge Available Now

The nanoGauge nanoblock train sets are available now in Japan. Click here to get it from Plamoya.