Plarail History

In 1959, the Plarail system was introduced in Japan. The first product released was titled 'Plastic Railroad Set', which featured a plastic steam train and three freight wagons to be moved by hand, and a figure 8 of light blue plastic railway track.

In October 1961, the range was expanded into a battery-operated electric toy train system, where the trains were fitted with miniature motors. The first set featuring this was the 'Electric Pla-Train Set', which included a three-car configuration of an engine and two wagons. The three-car configuration has been frequently used since, particularly for later releases based on real life passenger trains.

In 1971, after previously releasing generic trains, the first Plarail model to be based on a real life train was released, the D51 Kisha. Since then, there have been hundreds of Plarail trains and rolling stock based on real Japanese trains.

In March 1992, a product line based on the "Thomas and Friends" television series was introduced to Plarail. The line features characters, buildings, and sets based on the series, and has continued to be a popular sub-series of the Plarail system.

In 1999, the 40th Anniversary of the Plarail system was celebrated with the release of a tinplate version of the C53-43 locomotive and carriage.

In 2008, the Hyper Guardian Series was launched. In 2009, the 50th Anniversary of the Plarail system was celebrated. A new version of the original 'Plastic Railroad Set' was released titled the 'C12 Steam Train Arch Bridge and Rail Set', and the first official Plarail Shop opened at Tokyo Station.

In 2011, three new series were released to offer variety. Plarail Advance is a range of smaller trains that fit on one rail of standard Plarail track, Tecology Plarail is a range of push along trains that light up without batteries required, and Big Plarail is a range of large trains that include a microphone to record and playback sounds.

In Summer 2012, the Plarail Chuggington range was released, based on the television series.

Trivia

 * In 2003 Thomas & Friends has been re-release by Takara Tomy of Thomas, Edward, Henry, Gordon, James, and Percy with white running plates, stripes around the boiler, and fully detailing.

Navigation

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