N-SCALE (What are you running today)?

Hello, I run both Tomix and KATO lines as both offer positives and negatives.

a) TOMIX sets are much cheaper and offer way more different tracks than KATO.   But are bit more flimsier.
b) KATO are more expensive but they are more robust in quality.

Both TOMIX and KATO trains will run on each other's tracks. 

But KATO has more dedicated fans because they are "made in Japan" and charges a bit more.  KATO fans can be diehard and some can never admit that another train manufacturer can make things better.

TOMIX still has a lot of fans, offers better buildings, more cargo options, cheaper minifigures and gives you more bang for the yen (or dollar or pound, wherever you may live).

While I own a lot of KATO tracks, I prefer to run TOMIX tracks.  My six lines are five TOMIX and one KATO.  The reason being is that I can find certain curves that are much cheaper and easier to get through TOMIX versus KATO.

Before someone says, well you are more of a TOMIX fan than a KATO fan.  No, I own more KATO trains.  But I also own a lot of TOMIX as well.  I go for which one I like and which company offers a better deal.  I am not going to spend Y3000 or Y5000 more just because it's KATO.

If one wants to get into N Gauge, I recommend this set...so cheap Y8336 (about $58 USD) which comes with a DF200 100 Series Red Bear and cargo/kokis, full oval track and a controller.  It's important to note that while it does come with a controller, because this is a basic set, they only allow the speed to go 30% and it's locked.  But don't fret...because if you plan to have a tram/streetcar, this power controller works perfectly for that.



But what if you don't want a basic controller and want a better controller and train, then the Basic "Twilight Express" which is Y11,073 ($77 USD) is recommended:



But if you are weary of TOMIX and want to go KATO, then you can do a similar oval set, the Yamanote Line E235 and a wonderful power controller for Y14,464 ($100 USD):



But do know that on Amazon JP, the TOMIX sets cost less in shipping and handling.  For some reason, the KATO set shipping jump up to Y7252 ($50 USD).

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I also forgot to mention...if it comes to trams, then my favorite is Hasegawa's "MODEMO".

KATO makes small plastic trams but the MODEMO ones...are just much better.  But they haven't released anything in awhile...which is concerning.

The only thing about MODEMO is that once they are sold, they will no longer be released.  So, they do become collector's items that people charge quite a bit for.  But the reason which may turn people off about MODEMO is the fact unlike KATO or TOMIX, the engine can be seen inside the train.







But for me the quality of the train exterior is more important to me than the interior.  So, it doesn't bother me if the engine is big.