Today I will be reviewing the Tomix N Gauge Electric Locomotive First Set (90096).
For those not familiar with the Tomix, Tomix is the train department for one of the largest toy company’s in Japan, Takara Tomy.
Tomy which has been around since 1924 (as Tomiyama and later changing its name to Tomy in 1963) and Takara (the rival to Tomy founded in 1955) which the two toy companies merged in 2006.
So, there is a long standing history with this toy company. And often the company goes head to head with another major Japanese model railroad manufacturer, Kato Precision Railroad Models (which was founded in 1957).
If anything, both companies have been good for challenging each other for making the best trains, tracks and you either will find a die hard Tomix fan, Kato fan or those who are open to trying both, including other companies such as Greenmax, Micro Ace and more.
And with Tomix, they produce the “Fine Track” which competes against Kato’s railroad track brand, Unitrack.
And both companies are known for their N Scale trains and N Gauge track dimensions (which range from 1:148 to 1:160). To explain it much easier, these are not the big trains of the past, these trains have been made smaller, so many people can enjoy the hobby in their room and not worry about space.
And with that being said, the competition to attract people who want to own their first train set is fierce between these two companies.
Tomix offers a few beginner sets and the one I’m going to review is the Tomix N Gauge First Set (90096) which goes for Y7273 (equivalent to $54.25 in the US).
This is an amazing set for its price, because not only do you get a train (an ED61 2), a TORA 70000 wagon and a TAMU500 (an oil transportation car). You also get an oval Tomix Fine Track with all the pieces necessary to create an oval, the Tomix Power Controller.
Now, why do I get excited for this set. Well, for one, it’s the price. For Japanese railroad trains, you are pretty much going to pay for $50-$110 for a single train. To get a oil transportation car, these tend to go for $20 and then you are getting a wagon which can add up. So, even if you were to buy this set for these three is already a great deal. Throw in tracks and a power controller and all that for under $55 is amazing!
But because this is a beginner set, there must be some problems right? Let’s delve deeper into this set.
The train features a maroon ED 61 2 train (Note: The maroon color is only for this set). The ED61 type electric locomotive is a DC Electric Locomotive manufactured by Japan National Railways (JNR) back in 1958. And was the second iteration of a DC Electric locomotive following the introduction of the ED60 in 1958. Mopving away from the AC electric locomotives by JNR (theprototype ED44 and the ED 45)
Source: Wikipedia – Photo by Nagao Nobuyuki
Two prototypes were created, Unit 1 manufactured by Hitachi and Unit 2 manufactured by Tokyo Shiabura Electric. Unit 3 would be produced in 1959 by Hitachi, Toshiba, Kawasaki Electric Manufacturing and Kawasaki Sharyo.
The actual train was pretty cool because it had an electric power regeneration brake, as the train had to go up and down steep slopes. And it utilized a quill type drive system.
But Tomix really did a cool job of making this train close to the original, with a maroon red body. Numberplate and maker’s plate is included. Handrail/Signal flame tube integral type is showcased.
What I like about this train is that it does look like a classic train with its styling. I like the pantographs included on this train (on the top), it’s equipped with motor with flywheel and an M Coupler.
Tomix uses this train with another set (their 6433, Multi-rail cleaning car set).
The light headlamp above is lit when the train is on a rail.
Please note that there is a coupler on the front and back but because I was doing test runs on both Tomix and Kato tracks, I ended up breaking one of the Arnold Rapido couplers (which can be replaced) [Please note: Since this is a freight car, no need to go super quick on the tracks).
I tested this on both Tomix and Kato tracks and it ran perfectly!
I felt the addition of the Japan National Railways (JNR) Open Wagon Tora70000 was a nice touch to this set. But for something you expect to be basic, the detail on this wagon is fantastic. The wagon is a biaxial vehicle most famous of all open freight cars.
You get a Tomii Kosan petroleum Tamu500 freight car. Love the detail and writing with the words “Gasoline” in Katakana.
You get the tracks that are necessary to make an oval track but you also have a switch point track. So you can dictate if you want the train to go through the oval or go straight (there is a switch on the switch point, so you can manually set how you want the train to go).
With Tomix Fine Tracks, some tracks have a slot where you can put the DC Feeder N into it. It’s very easy to do!
It’s important to note that some Kato trains have a magnet that will bypass the metal switch and make it go the other direction. If you don’t want this happening, then don’t run Kato trains on Tomix Fine Tracks. If you do, then best to omit this switch point track or you will find your train heading to the bumper track. Note: Three bumper tracks are included.
Now the most important thing to discuss now is the Tomix FG17 Power Controller. Because this is a beginner’s set, Tomix took into consideration that with its generous price point, parents or grandparents will be buying this for young children. And the last thing you want is trains going full speed and flying off and hitting someone and kids or pets getting injured.
So, the Tomix FG17 Power Controller is capped. You can only go about 40%, which is adequate for a freight train and Tram but I only use this for my trams that can go slow. I have other Tomix sets which offer the better N600 controller without the capping of speed.
But this is a wonderful first time set for children and for the young at heart, the train and the two freight cars makes up for the low price. The fact that you are getting a tracks with a power controller is awesome as well.
Last, but not least, while this is offered for the Japanese market, you can purchase via Amazon Japan and it will be shipped by DHL and you’ll get it fast! Just know that of course, there will be the $25 overseas shipping (that’s why I recommend buying in bulk from Amazon Japan).
The plug of the controller will work on an US outlet/power strip. I have not had any problem with it.
But there really is nothing negative to say about this set. It’s appropriately priced (you are definitely getting your money’s worth), it also has the safety feature for children as well.
You get a wonderful beginner set with the controller, tracks and a cool, classic JNR freight train and two freight cars. Definitely recommended!
