I love freight trains and I do enjoy the EF81’s!
I look at EF81’s as a true workhorse of a freight train. I also look at the EF81’s as the true beater train for one’s set. One that will take all the punishment when testing out your freight train tests and you can put through test after test.
Image source: Wikipedia by 32602Fand3060F
The EF81 is an electric locomotive (AC/DC electric locomotive) developed by Japan National Railways (JNR) back in 1968. It’s one of the few trains after JNR was divided and privatized that it kept being manufactured by Japan Freight Railway (JR Freight).
JR East took over 78 cars, JR West 16 cars, JR Kyushu 6 cars, and JR Freight 56 cars.
The train was manufactured so it can run between 50 Hz and 60 Hz on AC electrified sections and DC electrified sections on the Japan Sea Jukan Line.
A total of 164 cars were produced but this was a workhorse (the other workhorse is the DE10/DE11) that were used through the ’90s due to its versatility.
And as of April 2022, A good number of EF81’s are still being utilized. Mainly shorter distances, as it was not the most suitable for long distance driving.
As for the model trains, the EF81 comes in a variety of colors depending on what region you get but I will say that while they may look similar, TOMIX and KATO versions are very different in some aspects.
Today, I am reviewing the TOMIX 7152 J.R. Electric Locomotive Type EF81 (Nagaoka/rose/with visor).
I chose this Nagaoka train simply for it’s muted red color and it’s price. It was released in August 2021, and wanted to make sure for a TOMIX train, it came with their M-13 motor.
NOTE: If you are looking for a freight train, just know that old JNR Freight trains often feature similar design with a red body. So, it can be a bit confusing whether you want an EF81, EF80, EF70, EF61, etc.
I chose the EF81 because it runs both regions in Japan (west and north) and were more frequently produced.
The first thing that you will notice is that there are portions of this train that you are going to need to put together yourself. Such as Number Maker plates (you get a total of 16, four of different numbering), front handrail (vertical) needs to be installed and you also have two frontmarks of “Hokuriku” and “Dewa” and whistle/signal flame tubes (which you probably will never use). Dummy coupler and self-connecting TN coupler are also included.
One thing that I will say and will emphasize:
- The front markers are not magnetic. So, prepare to put a dab of modeling cement to keep it in place.
- The handrails are so miniscule that it is hard to see. Have A LOT of light ready and dip the connecting area with modeling cement. Otherwise, many of you will not even bother because of the frustration.
- The Number Maker plates do not stay on. You can put it on, they will come off, and because they are tiny…make sure you have a lot of lighting and make sure you don’t put them upside down. Add a dab of modeling cement.
As always, love the AC/DC on the roof, you can see the little hole marks on the corners to put the whistle/signal flame tube. I choose to leave them off because freight trains on my tracks, I experience derailments and that would break off easily. So, I won’t bother putting them on.
The train features a fly wheel, black bogie frame and has black wheels. Also uses TOMIX’s M-13 motor.
One thing I do like about the flywheel is it adds a bit more weight to your train. One thing I don’t like about Tomix Bogies is that they tend to derail often compared to the design of KATO.
Please TOMIX, make your front markers magnetic! KATO does it, but I know you can do it as well! So, I ended up putting a small dab of modeling cement to keep it on. I had to choose to put the name plate or the front marker, I chose the front marker. And as you can see, I’m not putting the handrails. I tried. They are way too small for my aging eyes and decreasing pin point accuracy. Thank goodness that TOMIX gives you extra name plates and handrails.
You get the Arnold Rapido couplers but there are TN couplers and a dummy coupler included as well.
There is front lamp LED’s only, no rear LED’s. Headlights always on Equipped with circuit board, with ON-OFF switch. Headlights are illuminated by light bulb color LED
The EF81 is an iconic freight train in Japan. One can put it on eBay or a photo somewhere and you know what the EF81 is from its long red color to its overall look. Some may think it’s basic but for this release, it’s so full of detail and again, it’s a powerhorse of a freight train to have in your freight train fleet.
Now what makes this different from other EF81’s similar in pricing.
Well, the Tomix 7152 Nagaoka EF81 (released in August 2021) features blackened windows on the side and comes with the Hokuriku/Dewa markers. Also, the roof is black with the parts on top in metallic silver. Name license plates featured are 139, 141, 143, 151.
The Tomix 7145 (released in March 2021) Kyushu E81 are the EF81-400 series (409, 410, 412, 414). Top portion is all gray. No front markers.
The Tomix 7127 (released in February 2020) Kyushu E81 does not feature blackened windows at the side nor does it come with the front markers. The top roof portion of the 7127 is gray and the part under the name plate is already installed. Features the name place of EF81-400 series (401, 402, 406, 408).
The Tomix 7101 (released in April 2018) is the only one that features a white band through the bottom of all fours sides. Blackened windows on the sides, black trim but no silver trim arounmd side windows and front windows. Roof and parts on roof are in gray. Features the EF81-735 license plates.
Overall, there are numerous choices you have when it comes to the EF81 series freight trains. Aesthetic differences but if anything, get the one that you prefer and one that suits your financial budget.
But overall, the TOMIX 7152 J.R. Electric Locomotive Type EF81 (Nagaoka/rose/with visor) is worth owning, wish some parts were pre-installed but other than that, this workhorse will be a shining spotlight on your train tracks!
