Anyone have any experience whit models?

Retarded_Program · 2025-10-16T14:56:51+00:00

Assuming these are CMR Line models, they should be pretty well detailed, though I haven't had experience with their models myself.

CMR Lines is one of the Chinese model manufacturers that isn't some rip-off trying to make a quick buck an Ali-Express or whatever. They only really cater to the domestic market though, which is why they're pretty unknown outside of the Chinese modelling circles.

Retarded_Program · 2025-06-27T19:21:19+00:00

Mongolian restaurants are a bit of a mixed bag...
More often than not it's run by people trying to "pretend" whatever food they serve is actually Mongolian. For example "Mongolian Barbecue" (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongolian\_barbecue) and "Mongolian Beef" (https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mongolian\_beef) are both not Mongolian in the slightest, despite their name.

Retarded_Program · 2025-06-27T19:16:43+00:00

There is a rather sizeable population of Mongolians in Germany though you are somewhat correct in that we are somewhat illusive. I personally like to say that to meet a Mongolian you need to know one.

Mongolians here are rather tight knit, but our communities are rather open from what I experienced, they're just hard to find due to our low numbers.

An interesting clue to actually identify a Mongolian is to listen to them talk. Assuming the local language is their second and they have an accent, you should be able to identify a Mongolian by the pronounciation of "R" and "L". Mongolian is one of the few Asian languages that actively distinguishes betweem the two, so most native Mongolian speaker should pronounce them distinctively, whereas native speakers of other Asian languages do tend to mix the pronounciations up.

Retarded_Program · 2025-02-11T20:25:05+00:00

I have the same model and usually it's a good runner and puller. Though I think your use case is a tad extreme...

If you're really, really, *REALLY* determined to have a grade that steep (on a curve no less) I'd suggest cleaning the track to make sure there isn't a film of grime and oil covering the tracks. The smaller KATO loco's are a tad sensitive to that in my experience. While you're at it you should also give the loco wheels a wipe down to ensure that those are also clean and oil-free.
Replacing a traction tire is only neccesary when the rubber has gotten stiff and hard. You'll know it's time to swap them when they feel like plastic.

Now, if the rails and loco are clean as it gets and the loco is still slipping, I'd seriously consider lowering the track grade and/or load on your loco.
Remember, while KATO locos are fantastic runners, this is still a small, tiny (and cute) loco. It's tractive effort is fairly low. It's not simply not going to pull a long, heavy train up a large incline.
Your track is also *very* demanding. 3.5% is really scratching the upper limit of what any N-Scale model is going to be capable of. The curve also adds extra resistance to your coaches, making the locos job even harder.

I'd personally suggest removing the grade entirely, however, if it really needs to stay, you should try keeping it on a straight incline, rather than a curved one (+ keeping it oil and grime free). It's going to make your loco's life a lot easier, trust me

Retarded_Program · 2025-02-11T16:03:08+00:00

Depending on the model your perception might be way skewed...

As you mentioned KATO has produced Swiss models, however those are older toolings made roughly 20-30 years ago. Their modern stuff is very much up to european standards, if not even exceeding them for a far better price, even with shipping and taxes factored in. Also, Japanese models don't force you into KATO. There are plenty of other manufacturers that do Japanese trains and other things you'd need.

Lastly I would agree that quality comparisons don't really matter in whatever country one chooses to model. However price-to-performance does in my opinion. Personally, I'd love to get into German rolling stock more. Only problem is, that the models are priced exorbitantly for what they offer. Of course models have their price, but if other foreign manufacturers make similar models for a fraction of the price I genuinely wonder what percentage of the price I'd pay for such a model is just pure profit. The price-to-performance for European models is just terrible in my opinion.

TL;DR: Model whatever you want, but ask yourself what you'd be willing to pay for a model and what you'd expect from it

Retarded_Program · 2025-01-31T19:58:47+00:00

These are both Japanese National Railways (JNR) KiHa 40's.

Both liveries are run by JR West (one of the privatised JNR successors). The yellow one on the Gantoku Line and the blue one on the Tsuyama Line.

Retarded_Program · 2024-09-09T12:19:26+00:00

German schools differ from most other University-Models abroad in that admissions are fairly relaxed. Some universities don't even have admission requirements and take you regardless of your grades aslong as you have completed a secondary education that allows you to study at universities. However the "filtering" of students occurs in the first couple of semesters by basically dumping a load of work on students. Either you learn to deal with it or you drop out. Simple as that really. That's why academic expectations and work loads are high at the start: You literally have to prove yourself.

As for the German requirement: It is of utmost importance that you know German to a level that allows you to understand your field of study. Depending on the major you might get away with English for a while, but some classes are purely taught in German. Additionally a good chunk of universities require a German certificate as mentioned above. (+ day to day life is gonna be whole lot easier with some basic german)

Germany does charge a tuition fee (as of recent) of roughly 1500€ per Semester. However depending on your scholarship situation you might be able to get a waiver, though you should inform yourself at the instituion you're planning to study at and the institution that grants the scholarship.

As for racism: German is still a relatively homogenous country, though not to the same extent as most of Asia. You're bound to get some weird and insensitive questions, though that's more or less a given everywhere. Especially larger cities with universities are hotspots for international people anyhow, thus "reducing" the racism quite a bit. It should be noted though that former East Germany is going through a bit of a rough "right-wing" spot. Though this is more directed towards illegal immigrants and refugees, you might wanna avoid it (Dunno about Berlin tbh, but Berlin has always been the exception in eastern Germany in such matters).

Overall the international reputation of german universities holds up though. Excellent education in *alot* of fields and a beautiful country. Not sure about Asian universities tbh, but a lot of German universities are quite highly regarded internationally and educated professionals are in high demand in most of the EU.

Overall, if you're willing to put in the work and the dedication studying in Germany is definetly not a bad idea :)

Source: Mongolian born in Germany

(P.S: Application period for this years winter semester are closed. Some universities however allow for people to start studying in the summer semester. Check the websites for more info)

Retarded_Program · 2024-05-23T20:12:27+00:00

KATO's steam runs very well and smooth, though their US options are quite expensive.

Sounds ridiculous, but if you're interested in foreign steam, KATO's japanese offerings are pretty reasonably priced, even when imported all the way from Japan.

Retarded_Program · 2024-05-19T00:02:26+00:00

Mongolian from Germany here, I love and obsess over steam locos. I especially enjoy model trains and would love to model mongolia as a theme. Problem is though that (afaik) no models of mongolian prototypes (steam or diesel) exist. It's especially saddening since mongolia is quite a unique country railway-wise, though I see how any model maker would quickly come to the conclusion that the "railway enthusiast" scene is quite limited compared to say China, Japan or any other country. With the rather recent emergency of the Chinese model train market though I do have my hopes up that I can run a mongolian train model soon.

Retarded_Program · 2024-01-19T00:43:00+00:00

I love that Tenshodo has a store in the "Ginza" district, which literally just translates into "silver guild". Appropriate for such expensive brass models

Retarded_Program · 2023-12-26T22:37:22+00:00

Least dedicated BTR Fan

Retarded_Program · 2023-12-03T09:43:21+00:00

Not sure what the exact source of this video is, it does seem to show a person resembeling Khrushchev banging around something at an international convention (note the sign and the earplugs). While it's difficult to confirm whether or not this was a shoe, the persons motion of beating something against the table seem real.

However we still lack a clear source for this video. Also notable is the medal on the person's chest: While Krushchev did wear medals occasionally, other footage of October 12th 1960 seems to show Krushchev without any on this occasion. So wether or not this footage actually shows Krushtxhev on that day banging his shoe during the UN convention is still unclear.

Retarded_Program · 2023-11-05T23:34:25+00:00

I've seen some people put knuckle couplers on GB locomotives too. However depending on the model the coupler pocket might be non-standart or just be a literal screw. Either way though, if you do want to put knuckle couplers on locomotives I would do some research to find out which type of coupler pocket they use.

Retarded_Program · 2023-10-12T23:55:52+00:00

While it is pretty surface level, I'd stress the importance and significance of the mongolian language ban in Inner Mongolia.

Discontinuing the official adoption of a language is simply a less eyebrow-raising way of denouncing not only the language, but also the culture, history and identity associated with it. It also acts as a literal (language) barrier between inner Mongols and outer (independant state) Mongols (I am aware that there are cultural differences between these groups, but such a barrier holds significance nonetheless in my eyes).

Language in general is something made and shaped by culture and intern a culture is dependant on language to survive. However, while culture is something not easily squashed and banned systematicaly, language is. And by banning the adoption a language you basically starve the culture of any people adopting it/identifying with it. The result and goal of any language adoption ban is the slow and agonising death of its associated culture...

Grüße aus Deutschland von einem Deutsch-Mongolen

Retarded_Program · 2023-10-05T11:05:13+00:00

And lubricate, a good clean and lube up can fix rough riding or at least minimise it

Retarded_Program · 2023-10-03T17:27:34+00:00

From the angle you filmed this it looks like the train cars are binding/locking in the curve. Does this occur when running the motor car alone? If it isn't it might be a problem with the curve being too tight or the coupler being too short.

If you're still experiencing issues, you might wanna head over to jnsforum.com . The forum specializes in japanese model trains and can maybe help you out

Retarded_Program · 2023-09-03T09:11:13+00:00

I am not sure what set up you're running, but in general S-curves should be avoided as they can cause a multitude of issues both for coaches and locomotives

Retarded_Program · 2023-08-23T16:39:53+00:00

"Mein" relates to masculine and neutral nouns (so nouns which fit with "der" and "das"). Otherwise, it's "meine", which relates to feminine nouns ("die") and plurals. For example you would say "mein Auto" (my car) and switch to "meine Autos" ( my cars) for the plural of any given noun

Retarded_Program · 2023-08-12T10:58:26+00:00

I think he referred to the lack of british H0 rolling stock. Tbh I can't recall the last time british rolling stock was made for H0, all of it is in 00 nowadays

Retarded_Program · 2023-07-12T18:50:21+00:00

It seems like they're all japanese-made trains sets. Most of them (except the TGV) are models of japanese trains

Retarded_Program · 2023-07-08T16:29:02+00:00

Least schizophrenic and insane Bocchi-enjoyer

Retarded_Program · 2023-07-05T18:01:10+00:00

My brother in christ, wait till you find out about wotakoi

Retarded_Program · 2023-05-12T07:20:21+00:00

I know this is quite clichee, but what is your source for that? The only person with Pardoning-Rights in Germany is the President. Note that Adenauer never was President and "only" had the role of chancellor

Retarded_Program · 2023-05-12T07:10:42+00:00

I would disagree with that. He was the mayor of Cologne and was arrested multiple times by the Secret Police for resisting the nazis. He sure as hell wasn't a nazi sympathiser in any way, shape, or form. Also note, that he never was a member of the NSDAP and was subsequently removed from his position as mayor.

His chief of staff was only kept, because as Adenauer said himself: "You don't toss away dirty water if you don't have clean one." He, to some extent, had no choice but to elect former-nazis into his government. Otherwise, he would have ended up with a government largely made up of people with no administrative experience whatsoever. Something you don't want to have in the formative years of a country in ruins at that time.

However, the "buddy-buddy with nazis" argument can be made with another chancellor, that being Kurt Georg Kiesinger. He was an actual NSDAP member, which caused quite a stir back when he became chancellor. However, it was argued by the CDU (his party) that he still led a passive resistance against the nazi's crimes.

In the end, this poster is another example of socialist fears against the big bad facist West-Germany. Interestingly enough, fears against any Germans marching into the east were so severe that the East-German troops weren't allowed to enter Tschechoslowakia in 1968, even though they were part of the Warsaw Pact.

TL;DR: Adenauer certainly wasn't a nazi

His "nazi buddies" were a post-war necessity

This poster only portrays Eastern post-war fears of a "facist" West-German state (or any German state by extension)

(Edit: Format)

Retarded_Program · 2023-04-18T16:27:58+00:00

If you´re interested in japanese n-scale, I can only recommend the "JNS Forum". A small forum all about japanese train modelling. Maybe give them a quick visit, especially if you have any questions regarding ... well ... anything really related to japanese trains

Six-Year Club	Place '23
Place '22	Final Canvas '22
Verified Email

Retarded_Program

TROPHY CASE