Rokuhan Comes To Z Scale
There’s been a lot of talk lately about the new company in Z scale, Rokuhan of Japan. The talk has been centered around their new track system. Visually this system has the basic look of Micro-Trains Micro-Track and KATO Unitrack but with a much wider tie spacing, reminiscent of the Marklin tie spacing. A major feature of this track system is that the turnouts have the switch motor hidden under the plastic roadbed. Slick.
In addition to the standard Z scale turnout, which is a 490mm, 13 degree piece, Rokuhan will be releasing what looks to be a half-size turnout in the near future. This should make small layout and logging enthusiasts very happy.
We spoke today with Tony Ichikawa, Chairman of Rokuhan about the new Rokuhan track system.
Can you tell us about Rokuhan’s company history?
My name is Tony Ichikawa, owner for both Toytec corporation and Rokuhan company limited. I am an engineer, we also have another 80 engineers for the group. We are basically an engineering company for toys. It is still going on at Toytec corporation but Rokuhan has been newly established in April of last year. Rokuhan means 6.5 and concentrates on Z scale model trains not only for track but also for locomotives, structures, everything… but started from our track work.
What is your position at Rokuhan?
I am chairman of Rokuhan, also the owner.
With track already being produced for Z scale by other manufacturers, why has Rokuhan decided to move into track production?
We know a couple of companies are doing track business but it is not related to our business. Also, we have no tracks in the Japanese market. We would like to establish our own system in Z scale to be No.1 in the world for Z scale in track.
We are an engineering company for both mechanical and electronics thus we would put our brand new Japanese technology into our track to be able to supply modern railway systems.
The tie spacing on your track. This appears to be closer to the Marklin Z scale tie spacing (European) than what we see here on our North American railroads. Do you see this as a negative for the North American market?
As for tie spacing, real railway, which we believe Japanese railway even U.S and European are probably be more or less same, but we feel MTL track tie spacing seems too narrow and not natural, although it is real tie spacing. A lot of N gauge in the market which is similar tie spacing though the gauge is different. We are very interested in North American market thus no reason to be negative.
What do you feel are the benefits of the Rokuhan track system?
Size and scale are exactly same as Marklin or MTL.
Tracks with track bed which is required for consumer to be easier to handle and play.
Metal rail size is based on European standard.
All our system is based on NMRA standard thus all trains can run on it as long as it is based on NMRA.
Metal joiner is very special designed thus easy to fit with other track and stable connection. We believe that everybody understand once they try it.
We have 110mm turnout right and left. Half size 55mm turnout right and left will be available shortly. Those are all remote turnout together with the manual. We have patent inside as all mechanisms are installed inside to be easier layout. These turnouts are the first one in the world in Z scale. R to R turnout is available shortly.
Our system will be expanded more and more to be similar with the Marklin system, but using brand new technology. We have already provided the tools from R70 up to R270. Of course R490 is available for turnout use. Flexible track will be available shortly, which is our patent, and able to adjust any radii or any length together with its track bed. Track bed is made of plastic and with the same design as our regular track.
Availability. Do you have US distributors / dealers in place at this time? When can expect to see your track for sale in the US?
We have already been in discussion with many distributors, including North American distributors. The products are ready to ship out but not yet confirmed how we can deal with them. We do hope we can ship them out A.S.A.P.
Category: News
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Excellent. Thank you for posting this interview. It’s good to confirm some things that we have only been able to assume up to now. I also wasn’t aware of their adherence to NMRA standards.
I have been using Rokuhan track for almost 6 months now and the biggest difference I have found is in the metal rail joiner and how it is cradled in the roadbed joiner. The result is no false coupling of one track piece to another, you never get the rail riding up an over the rail joiner and you never leave the rail joiner behind when disconnecting the track pieces.
The other nice features is a collar around the nail hole in the track bed. This means that until you intentionally open the nail hole through the road bed, it is covered and invisible yet when used prevents the track from being deformed as it spaces the track piece from the base it is attached to. Another thing Tony did not mention was their involvement in Pro-Z and their early offerings as designers. Their first train offering will be early this summer.
Is this track compatible with Micro-Trains track? Rokuhan offers some sizes not available from MTL.
Yes and No. It can be made compatible but you’ll need to take a few steps on your end. Here’s a Rokuhan FAQ by David Smith:
Rokuhan Track FAQ
John
Ztrains
Hopefully Rokuhan trains will be adaptable to DCC.
Thanks for this posting! This track system looks good – despite the wider tie (sleeper) spacing. However, how realistic do the turnouts look? Nothing like those Marklin shockers, I hope!
John,
Latest word as of today is North American distributor will announce to their dealers and introduce Rokuhan track to them March 18th. The initial order has been placed with Rokuhan and if deliveries are on schedule the product could be on dealer and stores shelves in May. While the complete lineup won’t be available in May everything that is available in Japan should be available in North America in May.
Garth,
Excellent… looks like we’ll just have to wait to see who the distributor is! I have a small pool of possibilities I’m guessing from, just have to wait a bit longer to see if I’m right.
Thanks for the update Garth.
John
Ztrains
Will the cost be about the same as Micro-Trains Track? Also is it better quality and is it similar to Kato N Scale Track in appearance? Is it made in China like Micro-Trains track?
All good questions! As far as cost goes that probably won’t be nailed down until the distributor and dealers establish their prices. On your other questions, have a look here for some of the answers:
Rokuhan FAQ
John
Ztrains
Good morning John,
Turnouts remain a big problem with the Wasatch Z Club. Will the Rokuhan turnouts work with MTL flex track? Will they work with DCC? Are there any updates on the distributor?
Thanks John and keep up the great work with the website!
Regards,
Jack Chase
Jack,
I’m believe some sort of transition track could be fabricated but it doesn’t appear that it would be a quick fix to connect the Rokuhan and MTL flex. On DCC, I’m guessing here but it doesn’t appear that the frog is isolated from the point and frog rails, so my guess would be not DCC friendly.
On the distributor… no word yet, this is a tightly held secret it seems.
One thing that may or may not affect Rokuhan track availability are the earthquakes that are hitting Japan now. Lot of people and companies without power over there… and that’s on the fortunate side of things.
John
Ztrains
Is it possible that we can buy the product from the Ztrains Store?
Charles Boucher
Charles,
We’ll have to see both who as well as how their distribution is set up over here. There’s not a heck of a lot of information on this as of today.
John
Ztrains
I see Rokuhan just made the announcement of their site regarding their choice for US distributor:
Rokuhan US Distributor
Intermountain Railway seems to be their choice in the US. Best of luck to Rokuhan.
John
Ztrains