the d51 is arguably the most famous steam locomotive in Japanese railroad history; it certainly was the most numerous. over 1000 were constructed between 1936 and 1945 primarily by Kawasaki Heavy Industries...used primarily in freight service, the "degoichi", the d51 nickname in japan, served for 40 years, ending its career primarily in Hokkaido island, where electrification of the mainlines occurred last among Japan's 4 main islands.
with over 1000 locomotives being constructed during the ten year building period, the d51 underwent several iterations during its storied history....this micro ace model represents early production with an extended steam dome, a design abandoned later in the series because of maintenance difficulties..........
Micro Ace is one of the dominant triumvirate of n scale manufactures in Japan - Kato and Tomix both being better known outside of Japan....Micro Ace clearly markets the broadest line of locomotives among the 3 and arguably features the finest detail work on their products.
i acquired this d51 from a private party in japan who asseverated that the model was a collection item, unused except for a test run at the brick and mortar shop of acquisition .......as i had no transactions with this seller, i decided on a test run despite the broker's avowals........n scale factored running speed was achieved at 30% on the rheostat; operation in both directions was smooth and consistent......the head lamp was comparatively vibrant although the orange characteristic of pre chip led design.......the wheel sets are clean..........the seller proved an honest broker......