T Gauge: The Next Generation

Eishindo has certainly got our attention, now that they've announced their plans for 2009. Even if only half of what they propose ever sees daylight, there's still enough excitement to keep us interested. Consider the highlights of their recent email broadcast:

• Flextrack slated for release January '09
• Points (switches) under development
• Type 103 (20m class)
• Type 9000 (19m class)
• Type KIHA40 (21m class)
• Type ICE & N700 (25m class)
• Monorail Series (Tokyo, Osaka & Okinawa)
• Street Tram (12m class)/Old Timer (14m-16m class)
• Steam Locomotive Range

Of particular interest (at least for me) would be the street tram, as this could herald the possibility of powered cab diesels. And while I'll admit to a healthy case of skepticism as to its viability, the opportunity of seeing T Gauge steam is certainly a thrilling thought.

Although the language barrier tends to create a degree of ambiguity about their intentions, from the sounds of things their "next generation" products may be a step above the "toy" category, where their current products reside. Not that there's much wrong with Eishindo's toys—I've seen worse from manufacturers in other scales who have the nerve to claim they make "models."

T Gauge may be a fad (or not—I'm not about to predict), but right now there's a considerable buzz out there, judging from the activity just at Talking T Gauge; there's even some discussion of establishing standards for modular layouts at the Yahoo T-Trak board; also see T-TRAK.ORG and the Unofficial T-Trak Handbook (the name T-Trak is just a strange coincidence, and nothing to do with the scale).

And so I'm certainly not alone when I express my delight about the immediate prospects for T Gauge, as I anxiously await future releases.