I mentioned in the last update that I was looking for a way to add yet another line. This one required the use of some very non-prototypical and tight radius turns. I did eventually figure out how to get it set up, but it was not easy and I have to limit what trains I can run on it. Those which do not have a lot of space between the cars cannot negotiate the R 177 turns (up to now the tightest I had were R 243s), but that does not seem to be an issue with some of the trains and those which have short cars (like the Ginza Line trains) have no issues with it. I was also able to move one of my turnouts so I can still have space for two 'trains in waiting' so to speak.

In order to re-route what was the inner line to where part of it runs outside the curve of the overhead rail, I had to remove some of the supports for that part of the track. It isn't a perfect solution and I'm looking into locating a few smaller track supports to replace these.

The other thing I did was to add a very short additional length to the tram track (as in about 50mm) and I had the chance to straighten out one of the curvy sections of the bus route.

Of course, I picked up a couple more trains as well. The first one is a type 231 that runs on the Yamanote Line. This is a true circular train route that runs through most of the interesting attractions in Tokyo north of the bay. I used to ride this line a lot as it does go to so many tourist locations. This is a Kato train and took the purchase of three separate sets to make up the 11 car train. This one line carries nearly as many people per day as the entire New York City subway system and more than the London Underground. To put into perspective how much Japan in general and Tokyo in particular rely on the rail system, the Yamanote line is only one of  literally dozens of Tokyo train lines. Some, like this one are part of the Japan Rail system, some are part of Tokyo Metro and there are others owned by independent railroads. 

Another is a train from the Hachiko Line. This is a type 205 that runs nearly north and south in the northwestern part of greater Tokyo. Since it doesn't run into the busiest parts of the city, it is a pretty short train that consists of four cars.

I also found out that, in a way similar to the busses, one can buy different tram/trolley bodies and fit them onto dedicated motor chassis so that one can have something a bit different from time to time. These motorized chassis are provided with a variety of sized inserts to fit the body into which it will be attached. Not only that, but there are different truck designs to use, again, depending on what came with the original tram body. These trams are designed to be collected, just like the busses and come with a piece of plastic track on which they can be displayed.

I also added on another Tokyo Metro train, this time one for the Yurakucho Line. This is a series 7000 EMU and is the first train I've bought from MicroAce and was more pricey than those from Kato or Tomix. Interestingly, MicroAce is part of the Arii company. The train runs just as smoothly as the others and is equally as well detailed. One thing I have learned in the short time I've been doing Japanese rail is that from some of these other companies, their products generally sell out very quickly, however I was able to get the full ten car set at a very nice discount from my usual supplier. Apparently he had the four car add on set for a long time and got in one of the base set so put this on sale.

You will notice in this photo that I've had to get creative when it comes to supports for the raised track section. The standard supports are too wide to allow space for cars to pass without bumping into them (ask me how I know). So I was looking around for something that might work, when I decided to try these plastic panels. They are originally designed for the overhead station walls. The station came with options for either solid walls or windows and wanting to make things a bit brighter, I went with the windows, leaving me all these wall sections. They work very well though I see from this image that I'll need to straighten a few out!

I'm still waiting on a few odd size sections of track and when that comes, I think I'll pretty well have all the track pieces I need.

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