Tomytec Mini Train Operation Set

Ok...this is just cute. :)

For roughly $85 plus shipping (( http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10368166 )), you can have a little train to run your Japanese small scale figures around on! hehehehe  I think it's super cute and, yes, I have figures that I could use this with. ::grin:::

No, I won't be buying this, but I think it warrants a post for the cute factor. 

Though...I may pick up the train car itself as a little stand alone fun thing. :)
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10368167

The little figure is cute too.....hmmmm....

http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10328332

Then I really should get the $250 light up train display for her as well....   :)
http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10377958

Yeah...none of that is going to happen. :)

Geocraper

Geocraper is a fun little product. I'll have to see about picking a set up at some point. I just need to figure out if it's a gashpon style, secret box thing or if you get the whole set when you purchase a box - 8 pieces to a box, evidently. 

HOBBY SEARCH - http://www.1999.co.jp/eng/10288092

Not that I should be spending $30+ on something that's not N scale right now! hehehe That toy fund cash I've been getting selling my unwanted toys should be spent getting the items I want for the layout, but these are just....really neat! :)

Suzukawa Ayako

The super cool, super sweet, Chō kawaīdesu (super cute) Suzukawa Ayako! :)

She does various train and toy reviews (all in Japanese - no captions, sadly) that you don't REALLY need to know what she's saying to enjoy. Her enthusiasm and odd laughter while reviewing some of the items really brings a smile to my face. It's very sweet.

She uses this little set of melodies in her videos that manages to up the cute factor about 50%, bringing the grand total to something like 350% CUTE. :)

A fun slice of Japanese culture and some fantastic video production.

Check out more of her videos here.
https://www.youtube.com/user/suzukawaayako/videos







Below, a massive Thomas layout. :)



TRANSLATED: Suzukawa It is a channel of Ayako . Around the railway -related , we will continue to raise the various videos that there is my interest . We have updated almost daily . It is a loose feel , but I would appreciate your favor .Suzukawa Ayako ( Suzukawa Ayako ) March 25, 1991 born

Born : Chiba Prefecture

The Train Shop

I made a return trip to THE TRAIN SHOP in Santa Clara, CA and they seem to be making a real effort to be less...cold.

I've had several reports throughout the years that people I've sent there have been greeted with blank stares and have received pained looks when they've asked questions.  I've had the same thing happen when I've gone through. A "WHAT do YOU want?" look that's made things somewhat unfriendly.




My last visit in was far different. Even the somewhat gruff man in the baseball cap stopped to ask if I needed help and managed to smile. When i made my purchase, the lady there made small talk and bid me a good day. :)  It made the shopping experience much better. I didn't feel like a sucker walking out having spent money in the shop.

With that said, I feel fine giving the TRAIN SHOP a big thumbs up. You should make an effort to get in there if you're in the area and looking for model train related items. The place is HUGE and caters to most scales from large to small. They also carry various hobby items like magazines, books, DVDs and building supplies.  They even have a Thomas aisle packed with all sorts of Thomas gear. 

A fantastic shop that seems to be making a real effort to be more customer friendly. Check it out!

Omocha Express Charity

 This seems like a fantastic way to send a little love to the people of Japan. 


"Omocha Express is a public charity organized to raise funds to provide recreational items (such as toys, books, and art supplies) to children in Japan who have lost their homes and belongings in the March 11, 2011 earthquake and tsunami. It is a partnership between the Japan Rail Modelers of Washington, DC (JRM), Iwate Rail Modelers' Circle (IRC), and the Sanriku Railway Company (Santetsu).

We hope the simple act of giving these items to children hit hard by the disaster will help give them hope for the future and show them that people around the world care. The toys will be purchased in Japan to ensure that they fit easily into these children's lives and to reduce shipping expenses. 

 
On March 11, 2011, hundreds of thousands of people in northern Japan survived the disasters but found their homes and belongings washed away. With nothing left, families must find ways to start over. Of course, the highest priority is on basic survival - food, shelter, clothing, fuel. It's hard to put a priority on providing playthings for children when all a family's resources are needed just to get by."

More here:
http://www.omochaexpress.org/


DONATIONS - http://www.omochaexpress.org/donatenow.html

They will use raised funds to:

• Buy toys and other recreational items for distribution in the effected areas of Japan
• Pay operating fees required by federal, state, and local laws
• Pay bank fees, such as transaction fees from PayPal or international wire fees for sending money to Japan