This series, which tells episodes related to railways in Chuo-ku, is scheduled for two more times including this time. I would appreciate it if you could see it until the end.
This time it's a little extra edition. For it's not a real train. The leading role this time is "railway model". It can be said that it is a slightly expensive adult collection that is irresistible for those who like it.
When I was a junior high school student, I was looking forward to lay the HO gauge rails in the living room and run the train. Even at that time, I remember that it was a price that children couldn't afford. By the way, the HO gauge is the size of "16.5 mm in gauge", and the vehicle is generally considered to be 1/87 on a scale. In the first half of the 20th century, it became the mainstream of railway models in the world.
Nowadays, even smaller sizes and affordable N gauges (9mm gauges) are becoming popular, but they are still good for texture, powerful, and the appeal of HO gauges is not faded.
It is quite brave to see the train running on the HO gauge rails.
There is a shop in Ginza, Chuo-ku, which can be called the mecca of such a longing railway model.
I know [Tenshodo].
Originally, it started as an Infusa store, and after the war, it was said that the manufacture and sale of railway models began in 1949. I heard that it was the president's hobby at that time.
It is said that Tenshodo's railway model has excellent quality, so it was initially attracted more attention from overseas. In fact, the details were well made, and when I was a child, I wanted a model made by Tenshodo. Finally, I got the EF65 series electric locomotive. I was impressed at that time.
Even now, when you enter the Tenshodo building, enthusiasts come constantly. Popular items are limited express trains, railcars, sleepers, etc. in the colors of the Japanese National Railways. Each person has its own preference, and the railway discussion is not stopped in the store.
Another thing I would like to see is the lovely angel statue standing at the end of the building. It is said that it was installed as a symbol during the renewal in 1997. It looks like you can see the feelings of model railway fans who still keep following the boy's dreams.
As another famous spot in Chuo-ku, we introduced "railway model hall of fame".
More Chuo-ku Railway Monogatari <Part 8> "A longing railway model"
