Whistle Controlled Maglev Set

Super

I have been wondering how annoying these new, Whistle Controlled Set were and was waiting for a video to show just what it was all about. Suzukawa has just released her unboxing review and although the whistle blowing by a child might not be too annoying I think it may grate on you after a while. Strange, it looks that the fast speed is timed very short and if you want to keep this bullet train running fast you will have to keep blowing the whistle. She also didn't show where the batteries go although it must be in the engine as there are no wires leading to the middle car. I also didn't see what the hand remote thing on the box was although she may have covered it but I don't understand the language. It must not be included or I would thing she would show it to us. Could it be some universal remote that can be purchased separately and used to run multiple trains?

Anyway, what do you think about a whistle remote controlled train?

[video=youtube]https://www.youtube.co/watch?v=G46o6QuNypA[/video]

DalaGStanator

It kinda reminds me of something LEGO did with their early (4.5v) trains.

http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?S=138-1

Gerisplarail1

you can also control it with an app on your smart phone

Super

Does the app whistle?

Oh...so that isn't a remote control pictured on the box, its a phone?

plarnold

It's a smart phone.

-plarnold

Super

Thanks Plarnold, you can tell I am not very tech savvy.

plarnold

Oops. Sorry, I didn't see Gerisplarail's post. 😐

-plarnold

plarnold

Hi everyone,

I've only had time just then to watch that video.

Some facts I got from this video:

The day that she was reviewing this, the iPhone application was not yet available. Since she only uses an iPhone, she couldn't test the smartphone function out.

The battery goes in the front car. There is no ON/OFF switch at the top of the train even though the shell has the hole cut for it. This is because it is using the same mold for the original limited edition L0 she bought at a train festival.

The train has its power switch on the bottom. There is also another switch selecting between "whistle control" mode and "smartphone" mode. Whistle control is simply sound activated. Smartphone mode uses WiFi and requires a smartphone. Currently, only android is supported.

Blowing the whistle pnce starts the train. Blowing the whistle for a longer time while running speeds it up for a short time. A short blow stops the train.

Super

Many thanks Plarnold, its nice to have you interpret what Suzukawa is saying. Did it mention if the phone has to make audible sounds to make the train work? I like the idea that they made the lead engine where you can use it on any other train, shinkansens I guess.

plarnold

She didn't say anything about the phone.

I think it uses WiFi only.

When I know, I will post here about it. 🙂

-plarnold

chrisjo

plarnold wrote
When I know, I will post here about it. 🙂

Is there any more information on these things now? Has anyone here seen one? Are there any more videos out there?

Looking at Takara Tomy Mall it seems that a whole bunch (20 in fact) of existing shinkansen and other trains were re-issued in new versions with this feature on 01-Dec-15, as well as it being retro-fittable into existing shells.

plarnold

Hi,

Sorry for the late update.

There is now a smartphone app that can control it via WiFi.

The trains being re-released use the new chassis which is compatible with the whistle controlled chassis. That is, you can take the shell from the new trains and install it onto the chassis of the whistle control train and use it.

To get the whistle controlled train, you still have to buy the set or other sets that contain it.

Um… I can translate those if you really want but it's just about precautions and hints for when using the whistle control mode. E.g. proximity to television sounds, the two-speed mode, etc.

-plarnold