Do you like model trains? My answer is a big yes. I love them and even own a few N-scale models. But… my biggest challenge is finding space for a diorama. As you may know, Tokyo is an extremely high-density city. Typical houses here are often called “rabbit hutches,” and mine is no exception. Building my own diorama is, quite literally, just a dream.
So instead of making one myself, I recently visited the Hara Model Railway Museum in Yokohama and treated my eyes to a wonderful feast. This museum was opened in 2012 by Nobutaro Hara (1919–2014), a world-renowned model-railway maker and collector. His extensive railway models and related collections are now on display for the public. On the large diorama, many first-gauge trains (about 1/32 scale) run dynamically through the scenery.
Please take a look at the top photo. The red-and-gray two-tone locomotive pulling the coaches is the Class V200, a diesel-hydraulic express locomotive of the former Deutsche Bundesbahn. I’ve never seen the real one, but this classic locomotive instantly fascinated me. Cool!
Next, please look at the photo below. You’ll find another two-tone locomotive—beige and red this time—running on the elevated track. That is the Class E03 electric locomotive of Deutsche Bahn. Cool again! What makes the scene even more interesting is that Japanese trains, such as the Tokyu DeHa 20 electric car the Tokyu DeHa 200 electric car, run right in front of the German locomotive. Watching these scenes together is truly enjoyable. I loved the unique, diorama-style world.
