Japan’s railways operate a variety of different track gauges and electrical systems. These are represented by the JP+ NewGRFs, allowing for varied and realistic gameplay.
Rail Gauges
Extra Narrow (>1000mm)
There have been many small railways and tramways in Japan operating on very narrow gauges such as 762mm. However, none of these are currently represented in the JP+ NewGRFs.
Narrow (1067mm)
This is the most common track gauge in Japan, making up the vast majority of the national network. All Japanese freight trains use this gauge, so you will need to build narrow gauge if you want to transport anything except for passengers.
Narrow gauge trains are provided by:
- JP+ Multiple Units (passenger only)
- JP+ Engines & Wagons (passenger and freight)
- JP+ Private Companies (passenger only)
Narrow gauge rails are provided by JP+ Tracks, as well as many other railtype NewGRFs such as JapanSet Tracks, U&ReRMM, and SUKTS/SETS.
Scotch (1372mm)
Scotch gauge is a very uncommon gauge, with several commuter lines in the Tokyo area making up the world’s only active usage of this gauge. It was used for historical reasons for interoperability with tram lines.
Scotch gauge trains are provided by JP+ Private Companies. The tracks are provided by JP+ Tracks, which is the only railtype NewGRF to provide this gauge.
Standard (1435mm)
The standard gauge used in many countries around the world. Its usage in Japan is limited to the Shinkansen network, as well as a multitude of private commuter networks and metro systems.
Standard gauge trains are provided by:
- JP+ Shinkansen (high-speed rail)
- JP+ Private Companies (passenger only)
- JP+ Multiple Units (2 units only)
- JP+ Engines & Wagons (Future - MOW equipment only)
Electrification Systems
Japan’s electrical grid is split into two halves because of historical reasons. Half the country operates on a 50Hz grid while the other half is 60 Hz. This frequency difference affects the rail network as well, specifically the parts with AC electrification. However, this difference is not modelled in JP+ Tracks because it would have been needlessly complex and used up too many railtype slots.
So JP+ Tracks simplifies the electrification system into a split between AC (alternating current) and DC (direct current) overhead line systems, as well as others such as 3rd rail and linear motor systems.
DC (Direct Current) Overhead Line
This is the oldest and simplest electrification system, using an overhead line usually electrified at 1500 volts DC. It has been in use in Japan since the early 1910s on both the national railway and private tramway systems. It is used on Narrow, Scotch, and Standard gauges.