As my coverage of Plarail and Plarail-related sets has expanded, I have decided to add ratings in a few different categories for each set that I cover. This page serves to explain the rationale behind the ratings. The standard template for the ratings box also includes some basic set information.
Set name | Release period | ||
Train rating | Track rating | ||
Accessory rating | Overall | ||
Notes: |
The train rating for many sets is potentially the most nebulous, depending on the context of the range and what was available as well as what trains were being used in other sets at the time, if the train was new either in real life or in the range (or both) at the time the set was released, and how popular the real life train was at the time (and how much I personally like it).
Sets that come with uniquely painted or stickered variations of regular releases or entirely set-exclusive trains will score higher, assuming the train is a good fit. Sets that have more than one power car or extra cars will also receive higher ratings.
For sets that include road elements, motorized cars are included as part of the "vehicle" rating. Unpowered cars like regular Tomica are rated as accessories, and the road itself contributes to the track rating unless the entire road layout is part of a larger accessory.
Thomas the Tank Engine series sets offer an easy "baseline" with Thomas. I consider a lone red running board Thomas to be worth half a star, and the more detailed 2003+ version to be worth one star. Thomas with just Annie and Clarabel in a set is hardly worth more, because this is the configuration of the standard three-pack release. Thomas with other trucks may be rated higher, as certainly will sets that come with characters in addition to or other than Thomas.
This rating gives a score based on the quantity, type, and configuration of rails included in the set.
As a baseline, I have decided that the Basic Set No. 1, 2, and 3 layouts correspond with 1, 2, and 3-star track selection ratings.
This means sets that come with only a basic circle will get half a star, with components like turnouts adding to the rating. I think that the first pair of turnout rails included in a set is worth an additional star and a second pair is worth about half a star, with the other additional rails in the Basic Set 3 layout also bringing up its score.
Elevation is another common, obvious score increase - the classic Overpass layout is a three-star layout for its turnouts, elevated section, and quantity of regular curve rails.
Some accessories also include track sections - generally, the geometry and use of the accessory's track will be considered in the track section while its appeal as an accessory (including how it may interact with trains on its track) is part of the accessory score.
I would generally say that if a set only comes with common "off-the-shelf" accessories that saw a continued and long release as individual items before and after the set - this meaning regular tunnels, railroad crossings, "standard" stations of the era as well as the smaller accessories like trees, signals, and catenaries - it would be pretty hard for that set to earn more than three stars for accessories. A set needs some stand-out feature, a unique or operating accessory to earn a higher score. To me, one of the standard stations of the era is worth about one star (a little more or less depending how complicated the station is, if it has stickers, an integrated stop rail, is a set variant, etc) as is a standard railroad crossing type rail. I would say about four of a mix of trees, signals, buffers and other small accessories like that is worth a star, so a set with a standard station and crossing, several trees and signals, and a number of catenaries would be worth two and a half to three stars. Accessories with motors or interactive features or play appeal, which are sometimes set-exclusive, are often worth more than a star on their own, depending on how cool they are.