Monday, May 19, 2008

New Designs: The Bell Pepper

We're proud to present, the BELL PEPPER!!



Okay, so the name actually came after the creation below:



It is still a simple layout, allowing just one train at a time, like our previous "Peanut" design in April. The track goes from the first level to the third and loops over and through itself. As you can see the amount of pieces that make up this set will easily create all different kinds of track. Throw in some splitters and you can have TWO trains running simultaneously :).

This setup consists of the following packs of rail:
  • Two sets of elevating turn rails (R-18)
  • Two sets of straight rails (R-01)
  • Three sets of inner turn rails (R-03)
  • Four sets of bridge legs (J-14)
  • One C battery powered Narita Express train
You can find all these pieces and more at the Namikaze Toy Store. We promise to bring you more designs so stay tuned!

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Friday, May 16, 2008

Plarail's role in bullet train engineer training

Lovingly ripped from the Tomica & Plarail Catalogue



Pictured above; Bullet train engineers use a Plarail setup to simulate possible real-life emergencies and accidents and to plan how they would return both their train and its passengers to the station safely.

We are happy that the same Plarail that everyone plays with is also has a role in promoting and encouraging railway safety.

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Tuesday, May 13, 2008

New Releases for May and June



Osaka City Subway, Midosuji Line Model 23

Making its first appearance as a Plarail train, the Midosuji Subway line has run through the heart of Osaka City since 1933. This is another release in Takara Tomy's series of light-up trains. As usual, the front car houses the switch that turns the lights on. The rear car has holes on the roof and holes on the rear which allow light in and give it the appearance of rear facing lights.



Tokyo Metro, Fukutoshin Line Series 10000


The Fukutoshin is a further addition to Tomy's Plarail line of light-up trains. This line is a new line of the Tokyo Metro subway system scheduled to be opened in June of 2008 and will connect the three city centers of Shinjuku, Shibuya and Ikebukuro.


The 10000 series is also packaged with the Tokyo Metro 7000 series as a separate set of two trains. The Tokyo Metro 7000 series runs along the Yurakucho subway line pictured above.



Subway Grand Station

Seemingly designed to be mated to Tomy's Dome Station, the Grand Station comes with a laundry list of features and accessories:

Subway Station Platform
Real Subway Station Lights and Sounds
Above-ground Plaroad street and rail area
Pla-kids
Functioning Elevator for Pla-kids

Together with other the Dome Station and other rail sections, you can create a truly EPIC setup.

Are we excited yet?

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