D51-498 Steam Locomotive Basic Set

Thanks to Gerisplarail1 for showing his Video Unboxing of this unique D51-498 Steam Engine set. Because of this I was jealous enough to go out in search of one for our collection. I was intently scanning the Japan Auctions and worldwide Ebay's figuring that this may be one of those hard to get sets. After several days of no luck I tried Amazon and I was surprised at all the listing there of new, in the box sellers there for what I consider reasonable prices from Japan. At least more reasonable than the couple of used trains I had seen in the Japan Auctions. So if you too would like one of these I would suggest checking Amazon first.

On to the engine, just beautiful as you can see from the close-up pictures. The unique smoke deflectors are awesome. Shown in the pictures are a side by side comparison with the Sound and Steam D51-498 (middle) and the D51-200 (right). This special D51-498 with totally different smoke deflectors was only released as part of this one set. She also has a working headlight and comes with a blue JR Coach that I have only see with the C56-160 Biwako Steam Train. I know this because before I knew about the Japan Auctions I bought 4 of these new in the box just to get the coaches and sold off three of the engines after. I liked them that much. I will be keeping the train from this set and selling off the rest of what came in the set.