The C62-2 is the most famous steam locomotive in Japan.  Aster Hobby's third production run of this popular Gauge 1 model has been manufactured to most stringent specifications and with more detail than the previous two versions.

Additional Technical details:  

1.  The fire-grate is manufactured from stainless steel sheet metal.  

2. The locomotive has a fully linked equalized spring action.  

3. To allow the locomotive to negotiate a curve of 2 meter radius, the cylinder tail rods and draw-bar were modified however they still retain their prototype proportions.  

4. The gas burner system has been improved to assure reliable operation.  

5. Many more details, such as snow-proof attachments have been included.  

SPECIFICATIONS

SCALE/GAUGE: 1/30, Gauge 1  (45mm)

TOTAL WEIGHT: 10.0 kg. (22 lbs) (Locomotive 7.5kg + Tender 2.5kg)

DIMENSIONS: 

LENGTH O.B: 767 mm  (30 1/4 inches) (Locomotive 483 mm + Tender 284 mm)

WIDTH: Locomotive 104 mm, Tender 100 mm

HEIGHT: Locomotive 142 mm, Tender 120 mm

WHEEL ARRANGEMENT: 4-6-4 JNR Hudson

DRIVING WHEELS: Dia. 58 mm Boxpok Type

PILOT & TRAILER WHEELS: Dia. 29 mm

TENDER TRUCK WHEELS: Dia. 29 mm

MINIMUM RADIUS : 2 meters ( 6 1/2 feet) (The JNR C62- 2 Niseko Hokkaido Version will be Aster's first coal fired model capable of negotiating this sharp of radius).

ENGINE   CYLINDERS: 2 Cylinders - (bore 15 mm X stroke 20 mm) made of  phosphor bronze with drain cocks  fitted.)

Steam port: 1.5 mm - Cutoff 75%

Slide valve travel: 4 mm

PISTON: Rulon piston rings 2 x 2

VALVE GEAR: Walschaert

BOILER  TYPE: LOCOMOTIVE TYPE made from copper tubing.

WATER CAPACITY 350 CC at 70% full.

PRESSURE: Approx. 3 kg./sq.cm at normal working pressure

FITTINGS: Two safety valves, pressure gauge, regulator/blower valve, by-pass valve and water gauge

AXLE DRIVEN PUMP: Bore 5 mm x 6 mm ram stroke

LUBRICATOR: Roscoe displacement type        

TENDER WATER TANK: CAPACITY 300 cc - (hand pump installed)

GAS TANK CAPACITY: 120 cc of BUTANE GAS

FUEL: Butane or Coal.

The “Swallows” (Tsubame in Japanese) was the JNR’s fastest passenger express train.   Unlike the annual return of the swallows of Capistrano, California, the return of the JNR Aster C 62/2 for a third production has been long anticipated and a welcomed surprise.   

Aster Hobby previously released C62’s in 1978 and 1991.  The 2003 edition of the C62/2 has been completely redesigned and engineered.  It truly represents the state of the art in Gauge 1 live steam locomotives.  

The last word in express passenger locomotives in Japan were forty-nine C62's with a 4-6-4 wheel arrangement.  They became the most famous of all JNR steam locomotives.  The C62’s were the result of a substantial rebuilding of Class D52 Mikados, a popular Japanese freight engine.  

The Mikado 2-8-2 type, suitable for freight service, was adapted to a Hudson 4-6-4 appropriate for express passenger trains. This occurred when the railroad shifted priority to passenger service over freight traffic. The results were superb in both practical and aesthetic terms.  The JNR C62s, long revered by rail fans, represents the summit of steam.   

The C62s worked express passenger trains on JNR's main lines such as the old Tokaido (Tokyo-Osaka), Sanyo, etc. while the D52s worked mainly freight trains all over Japan.  The C62s with their large 1,750 mm (nearly 6 feet tall)  driving wheels, and their enormous length of 21.5 meters (70 1/2 feet) recall memories of their service on the famous "Tsubame" (Swallows) Express.  Aster's C62/2 proudly represent the JNR's last express passenger locomotives.