Walther's/Shinohara Track Question

Model Railroader General Discussion (Model Railroader)
1

Hi Everyone

I was wonder if this explanation holds true.I was looking for Shinohara Code 83 #8’ turnouts. I know that they are distributed by Walthers. My first choice is usually MB Klein. Great prices and very good service. Anyway, I found them and they were under Walthers. There was no mentioned of Shinohara. Their code numbers are the same as Shinohara on Walthers.com. When I asked the gentleman at MB about why Shinohara is not mentioned on their description and if the Walthers track is the same thing, he said absolutely and that 6 months out of the year, Walthers packages them with their name only. He assured me that they were the same as Shinohara. So has anyone heard this before? But more importantly, is this the same track

Thanks Joe C

2

It’s the same track. Walthers distributes Shinohara code 83 under the Walthers name. Last of the product I had said “Shinohara” under the ties so the manufacturer was obvious despite Walthers packaging.

3

Same track. Shinohara makes it to be sold under the Walthers brand name. Sometimes it says “Shinohara”, sometimes it doesn’t, but it’s the same stuff inside the package.

The same is NOT true for Lifelike. Even though it’s part of Walthers, it’s not the same stuff.

4

This may be currently, incorrect, but I seem to remember in the recent past, that Code 83 was labeled as Shinohara and other codes (code 70?) was labeled Walthers brand. Anyone know if this was/is still true?

I thought that might have contributed to the O.P.'s confusion because it once did, mine.

Jim

5

Shinohara track was imported by Lambert Associates back in the late 60’s/early 70’s(both code 100 and code 70). Walthers contracted Shinohara to do a code 83 line(a Walthers exclusive). The existing line of code 100 and code 70 has been available through Walthers as well. I am not sure when Lambert dropped out of the picture. I have a 20 year old #8 curved turnout(code 100) that has Shinohara stamped on the bottom of the ties.

Jim

6

I just installed a c100 Shinohara 3 Way turnout purchased from Walthers

It came in a Shinohara box and had Shinohara stamped on the bottom

I also have to intermix c83 Walthers Turnouts with my c100 track as they make many different Double Curved turnouts that are not available from Shinohara in c100 They look exactly like the c100 but are DCC ready whee the c100 Shinohara have to have the frogs cut.

BOB H - Clarion, PA