Plarail Price list and Plarail Trains in stock – Jan 2014

Hi Everyone.
My trains in stock now (prices shown are after discount). These are the ones I like and strongly recommend.

Plarail rail and scenic parts pricelist for Char Lee. Thanks! The usual 20% discount on all regular priced stuff.

Plarail Doraemon
$26

Plarail Percy with 4 circus cars. Gorilla, elephant and birds moves.
$24

Plarail S49 – sound
$31

S18 – 2 speed
$24

Plarail S14
$24

Plarail S59
$24

Plarail Series 253 Nikko – 2 speed special
$26

Plarail S-15 Narita Express – 2 speed
$24

PLARAIL S-24 485 KEI EXPRESS
$24

Plarail S56
$24

S39 Red Thunder – Super strong
$24

Plarail S21 Yufuin No Mori
2 Speed
$24

S41 super strong
$24

S36 Tobu Spacia
$24

PLarail S10 – Series E4 MAX – 2 Speed
$24

S30
$24

S23 Azusa
2 Speed
$24

Plarail SG price – Rail

Plarail Scenic Parts SG Price

Plarail Advance SG Price

Train review – S19 Sonic Series 885, S06 E3 Tsubasa & S05 Hikari Rail Star

Hi! Merry Christmas All! I was hoping to post a Christmas Greeting but I was rather down and out. Anyway, my collection got a little bigger from the While-Stocks-Last Sale, so here’s my review for these 3 Plarail trains. In order to add more color to my shoots, I went outdoors! Enjoy!

From the Plarail trains Catalog, from Left to Right – S-19 Series 885 (White Sonic), S-06 Series E3 Tsubasa (400 series) and the S-05 Series 700 Hikari Rail Star.

S-19 Series 885

Sonic Series 885 Facts from Wiki
“Sonic (ソニック sonikku?) is the name used by Kyushu Railway Company (JR Kyūshū) for the limited express train service operating between Hakata and Ōita via Kokura and Beppu along the Kagoshima Main Line and Nippō Main Line in Kyūshū, Japan. It runs every 30 minutes at a speed of 130 km/h – with a journey time of approximately 2 hours.”(pls click HERE for link)

Pls click HERE for source from Wiki

On the Plarail model of the Sonic Series 885, its features and what I love about it:
– 2 speed (excellent stability and speed.)
– Plakid and Plakid inside (with a nice picture on the wall for the Plakid to enjoy while she’s on board)
– beautiful “bullet” shape
– very neat details: a lovely purple line, nice stickers all over the 3 carriages.
– Adopts a clip lock for the battery, and runs on a size C battery

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S-06 Series E3 Tsubasa

E3 (series 400) Tsubasa facts from Wiki
“The Tsubasa (つばさ?) is a high-speed Shinkansen train service operated on the Yamagata Shinkansen by East Japan Railway Company (JR East) since July 1992. The name was formerly used for a limited express service operated by Japanese National Railways (JNR) and later by JR East, which ran from Ueno to Akita, and was discontinued in 1992 when the new shinkansen service commenced.” (Pls click HERE to link)

(Pls Click HERE for source)

On the Plarail model of the E3-400 Series, its features and what I love about it:
– 2 Speed. The train is on the heavy side, due to the Renketsu last cabin. Reasonable speed (not among the fastest plarails), pretty quiet.
– Coupling Feature (Renketsu)
– Lovely shade of metallic silver.
– Overall, fantastic details and a lovely blend of silver, green and yellow. And I’d be a lot happier to see the Tsubasa Logo on the train front.
– Adopts a clip lock for the battery, and runs on a size C battery

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S-05 Series 700 Hikari Rail Star

Series 700 Hikari Rail Star Facts from Wiki
“Hikari (ひかり?, “Light”) ……

JR West began operating the Hikari Rail Star service from the start of the new timetable on 11 March 2000. This service is limited to the Sanyo Shinkansen, and uses special 8-car 700 series trains with a distinctive livery and a maximum speed of 285 km/h. JR West introduced the service to provide better competition against airlines on the Osaka-Fukuoka route. These services do not have Green car accommodation, but the reserved seating cars feature 2+2 seating and also some 4-seat compartments instead of the standard 3+2 arrangement in non-reserved seating cars. The front row of seats in these cars feature power outlets for laptop users.” (Pls click HERE to link)

(Pls click HERE to source)

On the Plarail model of the Series 700 Hikari Rail Star, its features and what I love about it:
– 2 speed
– Light Gimmick (Unlike the D51, the light is reasonably bright. It’s very noticeable, but you sure can’t use it as a torch light)
– details: the iconic grey body with the striking orange line, the slick Shinkansen head and the logos.
– You’ll need a cross tip for this battery change. Like the S-15, remember to push the + side of the battery all the way in if you have problems putting the cover back on. It’s suppose to tilt about 35 degrees across the train head
– Point to note is that battery consumption is fairly good, considering there is a light gimmick. As the battery power depletes, the train will take slightly longer to charge up. in my train’s case, from a cold start on a half depleted battery, the train will move pretty slowly for the initial 10 seconds, then it will speed. The lights will come on instantaneously though. Pretty interesting, and somewhat realistic. haha!

So Tads all for today! Thanks for viewing!

Happy Holidays! ^^

Review on Plarail Advance and Series N700-3000 Shinkansen Entry Set

PLARAIL UNCLE XMAS SUPER SALE

Hi! Today just want to share my thoughts on Plarail Advance and Series N700-3000 Shinkansen Entry Set.
As a hobbyist, I wondered. If I started on Plarail Advance, did I “betray” Plarail? Most may laugh, but I’m sure some of us may share the same sentiments. Well, I will share my opinion on this at the end of this post. So, moving on!

Some key differences in Plarail vs Plarail Advance (my opinion)

1) Proportion
Both are about the same length. The Plarail ones come in 3 cars usually, while the Plarail Advance ones come in 4 cars. Naturally, the Plarail Advance version will be able to come closer in terms of look and feel to the real train.

2) Motor Position, Motor function, Wheels and Coupling
For Plarail trains, the motor is usually in the front car. Thus, the train moves by a pulling force, like a diesel or steam engine. For Plarail Advance, the motor is at the second car, thus it’s a push and pull. Such a design is similar to the actual Shinkansen.

Some Plarail trains have 2-speed, uses AA or B sized battery. For Plarail Advance, the motor can move forward or backward, and uses a AAA battery. You will also need to have a small, crossed tipped screwdriver, the ones that we usually use for tightening spectacles.

Plarail wheels act like car tyres on roads, so it’s really easy to mount them onto the rails. Plarail advance wheels are grooved, and cylindrical, similar to actual shinkansen wheels. In the actual train, this is to eliminate hunting oscillations (train swing from side to side). While this allows the Plarail Advance train to cling on to a very narrow track, mounting it on is “BLOOD vomiting”, so I really REALLY recommend the AR-03 Guide Rail. This rail will eliminate the mounting issue drastically. (3 pics down)

Lastly, Plarail trains are jointed by hooks. Plarail advance trains adopt a claw-like mechanism.

3) Details
While very much smaller in height and surface area, the detailing on the Plarail Advance trains seems amazing to me so far, just looking at the N700. See for yourself.^^

4) Cost
Plarail Advance trains usually retail in Singapore at $39.95. Plarail trains usually retail in Singapore at $29.95.

5) Accessories and Rails
Some rails are not compatible with Plarail Advance. Below is what I tested. R6 is not recommended by specs but i tested 1 level up and it is okay. As for the scenic parts, since the proportions are out, I didn’t test, but generally, anything with a hump, a discontinuation of rail or stop rail will not work.

*Special thanks to Nicholas Lim who pointed out that some more incompatibles

6) Age Recommendations
Plarail recommends 3 years and above, but my boy started at 18 months and I think that’s fine. For Plarail advance, its recommended for 6 years and above, but I think its the big boys that will really appreciate it. (Big boys include big men too. Heh heh heh!)

MY CONCLUSION
Plarail Advance is simply beautiful. While i cannot enjoy the robust builds, wild spirals & slopes, and interactive scenic parts that Plarail offers, just looking at the trains whiz by, or doing the little crisscross, is simply mesmerizing. I consider Plarail Advance as an extension of my Plarail interest, as it offers the “real life” aspect to the hobby. So, YES i’m going to get all the Plarail Advance trains and i’m still a Plarail guy! ^^

Opps. Son is up. Here’re some pics for the Starter kit. I think its the cheapest, and easiest way to start a Plarail Advance collection. I LOVE IT!!!

PLA RAIL ADVANCE N700 SHINKANSEN STARTER SET
S$58 (usual S$79.95)
Stock available after 6 Dec 2013

Click here to buy.

Okies thanks for viewing! ^^

Pictures of DD51 (Actual train) from Wiki

Hi! Earlier I did a short video on the Tomica Transportation Freight Set. (pls click here to video) (speech is a little lame, yep, gotta work on that. ^^)

Anyways, here are some lovely pics of the actual DD51. Enjoy!

Pls click here to source from Wiki

pls click here to source from Wiki

Pls click here to source from Wiki

Pls click here to source form Wiki

pls click here to source from Wiki

pls click here to source from Wiki

DD51 – Plarail Tomica Transportation Freight Set
S$44.50
Ex-Stock – can pick up anytime

Train review – Series E5 & E3 Coupling set + 6 train E5

Hi! Today’s sharing is a happy one for me. I have finally realized my Plarail dream of owning a 6 car-long Plarail Shinkansen. For what’s available in Singapore, it’s was pretty much between the Series 800, Series N700 + 3 Series N700 Middle cars or the way I went along with, which is the E5 & E3 coupling set + 3 Series E5 Middle cars. The last method i can think of is to buy four of the same starter kits. My choice was crystal clear for me as I adored the lovely coat of green on the Hayabusa. Not to mention that the E3 Komachi is a classic on its own and I get to enjoy my very first Renketsu (Coupling) set!

As usual, some great pics of the real trains from Wiki for your pleasure.

Please click here to Wiki for the above photo.

Please click here to Wiki for the above photo.

The Plarail Series E5 Shinkansen Hayabusa features details such as it’s distinctive green color with the pink line, the red pantograph as well as the JR East Hayabusa Logo. The middle cars carried the same shades, and do not have the pantograph.

The JR East Hayabusa Logo

Please click here to source of photo.

Here’s from Wiki featuring the slick nose of the E5.

The Plarail E5 runs on a AA battery which requires an AA battery. A cross tip screwdriver is required for a battery change for this one. The motor is pretty fast but a little on the noisy side. The other end comes with the Renketsu function, which is the magnetic link. As a 6 car train, the train corners decently well, and works very well on any track on the same level/storey. Powered by a full battery, the piece can manage to climb up an R6 slope decently well, though a noticeable drop in train speed on the ascend. There is a lot of strain on the motor to climb a 5 level spiral though.

Moving along to the Series E3 Komachi, distinct details inclue its nose shape, the pink line, and the Komachi logo.

The Komachi logo

Source from Wiki

A beautiful photo of the E3 Komachi from Wiki. (God, I love Wiki)

The Plarail Komachi runs on a C Size battery. It works on the side locks so no screwdriver required. The head of the model is generally heavy, thus very stable. It’s slightly slower (I think) than the E5, but you probably won’t feel it. The end with the Renketsu has red rear lighs.

Last tip is something that Nicholas Lim taught me. When the 2 ends for coupling are fully extended, the connection is rather rigid, and the magnetic connection does dislodge at some bends. By fully extending one side, and letting the other rest at the middle point, some slack is given to the connection, thus acting as a spring which greatly improves the coupling. Thanks for the tip, Nicholas! (I got to know him through Plarail and I ask him all the questions that new players throw at me, my personal Plarail Professor!)


Do note that going up a slope is pretty much out of the question as the fail rate is high. Works pretty well on the same pane.

Thanks for viewing Fun with Plarail by the Singapore Uncle.
Cheers! ^^

Plarail Train review – Series 300 Last Run

Hi! Just for the record, I’m just a papa who loves Plarail and does a little reading up on the actual trains, mostly wiki, and I’m definitely a Noob when it comes to trains and railways.

OK! Adding to my latest collection, the Shinkansen 300 Last Run! Nice!

This piece, I believe, is exactly the same as the Plarail Train S-03, with addition prints (date, series, Last Run). I noticed that the blue line running along the train is actually the logo of the train itself.

What attracted me to the Shinkansen 300 was the video that I shared earlier on FB. (pls click HERE to see) I was simply amazed by it’s length despite the high speed that this guy moves.

The toy itself is pretty fast (2 speed). Noise level is acceptable and it’s very stable dashing down a slope and into a corner. For battery change, no screwdrivers needed, as it’s just two catches on the side. Runs on a single C size battery.

Some Train Facts from Wiki! (pls click HERE to Wiki)
Intro: “The 300 series (300系?) was a Japanese high-speed Shinkansen train type which operated on the Tōkaidō and Sanyō Shinkansen lines in Japan between 1992 and 2012. When first introduced, they were used on the fastest Nozomi services, being capable of 270 km/h (170 mph). As more were delivered (66 trains by 1998) they replaced earlier units on Hikari service and allowed the thus displaced 100 series units to finally in turn displace 0 series units on almost all services.
With the introduction of newer 700 series and N700 series equipment, the 300 series sets were gradually demoted to slower Hikari and Kodama services, and were completely withdrawn from Tōkaidō and Sanyō Shinkansen services by the start of the revised timetable on 17 March 2012”

Here’s a lovely pic from Wiki (Here for source). Below is the Plarail model.

Generally, every Shinkansen is packed with precision technologies from the wheels to the pantograph (“antenna”), yet clocking remarkable track records of speed, safety and punctuality.

Each series-300 Shinkansen spans over 400 metres long. So running the length of 6 trains is 2.4km, a number close to many of our hearts. (thought i heard it’s gonna increase to 3.2km. Good luck to those still doing IPPT! ^^) Here’s a beautiful shot by Matt-San. His photo captures the sheer length and beauty of the N700, the successor to the series 300.

please click here to go to his photo.

Found another pic from wiki.

I’ll end the post with a bunch of pics. Thanks for viewing the Plarail Singapore Uncle! ^^

– Fun with Plarail by the Singapore Uncle –