50 Years of PLARAIL!

In 2009, Tomy Plarail celebrates its 50th birthday. Coincidentally, Namikaze Toys is located in Hawaii which is celebrating its 50th anniversary of Statehood! In honor of both, we've created the Hawaii Five-O Loop and share the details of the evolution of PLARAIL!

1959 - Tomy creates Plarail, its first trains were hand powered rolling plastic trains1961 - Tomy releases the first battery powered plastic train sets1970 - The first Plarail logo is released, followed by some redesigns until they reach the modern day version below

It was interesting to read that the signature blue rail has not changed much in 50 years. The first "tsuru tsuru" is literally smooth, "zara zara" is rough, and "giza giza" is jagged.The rail's turning radius was determined by the ちゃぶ台 ("chabudai" - once a popular low tea table). It was 470 mm across and completely contains one circle of Plarail track.

So, to celebrate, Tomy has released the 50th Anniversary Commemorative C-12 Steam Train and Arched Bridge Rail Set. That's a mouth full, but onto the pictures!!!
* all information and pictures gathered from Tomy's website