Continuation of BigLobe Plarail Museum

EF-15 has a total of 3 generations known at the moment

It turns out to be true.

Gen 1a (Long switch, first gen wheels, metal motor, covered headlights):



Gen 1b (Short switch, second gen wheels, metal motor, hollow headlights):


Gen 2 (Short switch, second gen wheels, plastic motor, hollow headlights):



Gen 3: The normal brown EF-15

Updates to existing phantom gems:

Finally clear images of the initial wooden Highway Set and the Dream Super Express Rail Set are here:

[Super]

Are these not the first sets that replaced the original wooden rails with plastic and thus the birth of the Tomy motorized blue plastic tracks?

The first rails were always plastic, without any grooves. These 3 set above are the first ever Plarail sets from 1959.

The only time wood rails in Plarail appeared is this set, which is fairly recently:

Honourable Mentions 7

異次元列車　ULTRA Q Different Dimension Train

A train that transcends time and space that appeared in the 28th episode of Tsuburaya Productions' special effects program "Ultra Q" that was broadcast in 1966. It's an inter-dimensional train. The model is the Odakyu Romance Car NSE.

It's a thing that appears in the Ultra series, but it's not a weapon or a monster, it's a subtle standing character. Since the train is responsible for transporting people to other dimensions, it is sometimes treated as a monster.

This is a rare item that was only released in Hyper Hobby in 2004, and discontinued the same year it was manufactured. The price seemed to be about 4800 yen at that time.

3 Plakids from the movie and a sticker sheet for the headmark are included.

You will expect to see this item in new condition most of the time, but it is very pricey today starting at 20000 yen.



Magazine photograph:

[Super]

I was fortunate to aquire one of these sets a while ago and it is one of my favorites. Not because of its show afilliation but because I just love the 1950's black and white, 'B' movie feel. I also like the fact that the Odakyu Romance Car NSE has the look of a 1950's car to me.

Question: What is Hyper Hobby, I haven't heard this term before? Is it like a different name for Hyper Guardian series?

Hyper Hobby is an interest shop, where they sell tons of stuff that fulfils a niche interest in something. It is hard to explain, but this shop caters for special types of "Otaku". I so happen to be one of them.

[Super]

So this Ultra Q was only sold at the Hyper Hobby store sort of like a Plarail 'Toys R Us' exclusive?

Something like that, yes. A rumour: "It was sold at a store in Shimokitazawa and in a magazine." is not confirmed yet, but it is a high chance because the magazines have the same content. But the custom Plarail makers need a physical store to sell their items, so yes it could be a possibility...

[Super]

Love talking 'Shop' with you Vio!