Vio's Collection So Far

violater · 2019-12-27T07:28:30+00:00

Great stuff: Oh dear, half a million dollars burnt.

Super

Thanks Vio. From that angle it sure seems like a knockoff set.

violater

I question the existence of this set: "Basic Set No. 3 - Panorama Tokyu". (1979? or 1977?, there are 2 different year sources for this set)
It was 15000 yen, the highest of all basic sets in history, but why? If you look closely at the box's contents list, the default vehicle is stated as "L Limited Express Train". However, Panorama Tokyu (Limited Express) replaces L Train. For the record, there is a Basic Set No. 3 that comes with a Diesel Express Yakumo, same box specification. This diesel set is legit and is verified of it's existence in Plarail Museum as well as other people from different research teams, it was produced in small numbers. However, a Panorama Tokyu Set is seen for the first time today. This is where I threw in a bid of 23000 yen, and won the set. Conspiracy theory: Was the vehicle purposely replaced by the seller?

Backstory of Basic Sets: No. 3 at its time costed 3800 yen with L Train, it was regarded as a luxurious set for the rich families. However, it was quite a disappointment that L Train was included and it's value was too high at it's time. There are Basic Set No. 1, 2 and 3. 3 has the most content, but the highest price to part ratio of all sets.

Probably this set will go to the research team for more investigations.

And so the research is carried out among the team:

"Around 1977 is the final production of Panorama Tokyu and the basic set was released in 1977, so I think there is a possibility"

Super

What is strange about the front of the box is that it doesn't show the train in the picture of the Layout included in the box. Odd because most sets seem to show whats totally in the box which would certainly answer the question about whether the seller made a switch. Does the back of the box or sides show a picture of contents with the train? Are Basic Sets 1 & 2 the same with only the track and accessories but no picture of what train comes inside?

violater

That is right, all basic sets never show the trains. The back of the box is just polystyrene, basically a traditional lift up cover.

About the trains shown, some other sets than the basic sets also never show the trains. Example: Meitetsu Panorama Set, Furano Express Set.

Super

Thank you Vio, I am learning so much from you. So basically (pun), they made just one box set and then could put whatever train in it to sell. A good business model for production back in the day. When I had received boxes with a custom cut styrofoam block inside but only came with the front graphics if the seller didn't include the cardboard back of the box because of damage.

violater

In my experience, my boxes never came with a back cover. The polystyrene at the back is always dirty, but it is the sign of age so I don't want to wash it off.

violater

YES!!! I GOT IT!!! 50000 yen!!! It is the Phantom Gem of Plarail: C-62汽笛入り!!!

Released in 1978 and produced for only 1 year. Stocks completely ran out after 1980.
This is the rarest Plarail in my Collection so far along with the New International Airport Set.

Super

Fantastic Vio, congratulations. It looks in fantastic condition for its age and the stickers look to be like new. Wow, that Tender sure is different, is it a one of a kind in the Plarail world with 2 AA's and I see its a snap on shell too. I wonder if this is a better idea than the little coal covers that always are easily lost of broken?

violater

Thanks Super. It is actually nearly unused condition, you can see that the sticker edges are floating and the sticker is slightly not straight so there is a good chance for me to correct it when it arrives. I'm just worried that the snap on cover claws will break each time it is pinched out.

violater

This one next in personal collection: D-51きゅうこうれっしゃこうかセット (1971-1973), lifespan of 2 years only so it is moderately rare. This the the only こうか set without those white/cream/brown viaducts. It is a shame, but this is the earliest こうか set of the 3 こうか sets so it is expected to be as basic as possible. (This set is already classified as a basic set looking at it's configuration.)
That is the first time I have seen this set in auctions, in nearly perfect condition for it's age. Someone else tried to make a prompt buy decision, but failed to pay the seller so I bought it at a lower price.
This D-51 is the exact same as the black D-51 Kisha (the first Plarail D-51), only a year younger.

Super

Wow, congratulations Vio!

Here is something I haven't noticed before...although those piers look like the vintage yellow clip on ones, they aren't clip on. Is there a picture of the tops and how the tracks attach? Are those nubs meant to have the track snap on or just spacers to hold a rail in place?

violater

These are called はしげた, bridge girders.

Though the clip on ones can clip, it is suggested to slide them into the rail to extend the hook's life.

Super

Oh, 2 different types. Were these before or after the clip on piers?

violater

I think they are before the clip version, but the estimated years of production is unknown for both. (hard to tell because they might be sold in single packaging)

Super

To me, they seem like the immediate forerunners to the Block Piers we see today where the rails sit in the guide nubs. The problem I saw with the clip on is that they wouldn't always sit flat because of the slight twisting or warping of the plastic track.

violater

So it is hard to tell whether the rail or the pier is the problem, but most cases the rail is the problem. You can always try with other rails.

Super

It seems that even the slightest of twists would affect the clip ons especially multiplying for longer layouts. I have noticed that in a lot of YouTube videos too.

violater

It is not always disadvantages, the clips actually strengthen those rail joints. But of course look out for the bad rails.

Super

Ageed

violater

50000 yen C-62汽笛入り running, it is a shame that the "whistle" is hardly heard but the whistle is seen physically moving at the bottom of the chassis.
https://streamable.com/b9jnxq

« Previous Page Next Page »