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Plarail 3D Loop Sets (1995-1997)

Originally written May 25, 2024

In the mid-late 1990s Tomy released a few sets using a "3D Loop" layout that uses figure eight point rails and slope curve rails to make a modified elevated figure-eight layout.

Nozomi Three-Dimensional Loop Set (1995)

In 1995 the Nozomi Three-Dimensional Loop Set (のぞみ号立体ループセット) was released featuring a 2-Speed Nozomi and a partially-elevated figure-eight layout. The set also includes a VHS video トミカプラレールたのしいのりものの世界 Tomica Plarail The World of Fun Vehicles. A boxed example of the set can be seen in the Plarail Museum.

Set contents
Quantity
Item
Photo
3 pieces
2-Speed Nozomi
5 R-01 Straight Rail
5 R-02 Half Straight Rail
12 R-03 Curve Rail
1 R-08 Stop Rail
1 pair R-12 Figure Eight Point Rail
20 pieces R-18 Slope Curve Rail (four of each A and B slope curves and 12 mini block piers)
2 pieces
J-03 Iron Bridge sides
2 J-14 Block Bridge Girder
VHS たのしいのりものの世界
A world of fun vehicles

This initial version of the set included a regular 2-Speed Nozomi of the era. Like some other sets with VHS videos in the 1990s, smaller scenery pieces like signals and trees were omitted. I do not have an original copy of this set, but it seems fitting to include it here alongside the other similar sets which I do own examples of. In 1996 the set was rereleased with an additional intermediate car.

Set name Nozomi Three-Dimensional Loop Set
のぞみ号立体ループセット
Release period 1995
Train rating Track rating
Accessory rating Overall
Notes: The regular Nozomi was used in several sets by this point... Price 4200 yen (1995)
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Nozomi 4-Car Loop Set (1996)

In 1996 an updated version of the Nozomi 3D Loop Set with an additional intermediate car was released as the Nozomi 4-Car Loop Set (のぞみ号4両編成ループセット). A boxed example of the set can be seen in the Plarail Museum.

Set contents
Quantity
Item
Photo
3 pieces
2-Speed Nozomi
1 "Plarail" 300 series intermediate car
5 R-01 Straight Rail
5 R-02 Half Straight Rail
12 R-03 Curve Rail
1 R-08 Stop Rail
1 pair R-12 Figure Eight Point Rail
20 pieces R-18 Slope Curve Rail (four of each A and B slope curves and 12 mini block piers)
2 pieces
J-03 Iron Bridge sides
2 J-14 Block Bridge Girder

In 1996 the set was rereleased with an additional set-exclusive Plarail-marked intermediate car. I do have the original intermediate and tail cars as well as the rails and other parts to this set, but it is pictured here with a less-yellowed individual release 2-Speed Nozomi as I needed a power car anyways and the original cars are well-played. I quite like this PLA RAIL intermediate car, it makes the set more interesting and the train looks cooler, plus it gives a cool variant of 300 series intermediate car.

The figure-eight style layout and the way the points interact with trains makes the train switch the direction it travels around each loop each time.

Set name Nozomi 4-Car Loop Set
のぞみ号4両編成ループセット
Release period 1996
Train rating Track rating
Accessory rating Overall
Notes: The unique intermediate car is definitely the highlight of this set, but the cheaper price is nice too Price 3980 yen (1996)
rationale page

Komachi & Tsubasa Three-Dimensional Loop Set (1997)


In later 1997 the Komachi & Tsubasa Three-Dimensional Loop Set (こまち&つばさ立体ループセット) was released exclusively at Japanese toy store Hello Mac (ハローマック). The set includes mini E3 Komachi and 400 series Tsubasa trains as well as the 1997 connection bar system to connect them together. Although the E3 and 400 series both have real-life connection systems for coupling with other shinkansen trains, the E3 and 400 series themselves did not run together like this.


The background of the box shows the Nozomi Overpass Large Railway Bridge Set which was also released that year. The yellow and red round popout around the box says that solo or connected driving is possible. The yellow oval with blue boarder says it is a Hello Mac - Ace Limited Set (ハローマック・エース オリジナルセット). The back and even some panels on the top of the box show some alternate layouts - I completely forgot to build any of these when I had my copy of this set out to photograph.

Set contents
Quantity
Item
Photo
2 pieces
2-Speed Tsubasa (power and tail car only)
2 pieces E3 Akita Shinkansen Komachi (power and tail car only)
1 Connection joint
5 R-01 Straight Rail
5 R-02 Half Straight Rail
12 R-03 Curve Rail
1 R-08 Stop Rail
1 pair R-12 Figure Eight Point Rail
20 pieces R-18 Slope Curve Rail (four of each A and B slope curves and 12 mini block piers)
2 pieces
J-03 Iron Bridge sides
2 J-14 Block Bridge Girder

This set includes "mini" versions of the E2 Hokuriku and E3 Akita shinkansens that include only the power and tail cars.

Both trains in my set were produced in June 1997. As this set came out after the Akita Shinkansen Opening Commemorative Set, both trains use the updated 400 series chassis with connection molding.

The set also includes, of course, the same connection piece as the Akita Shinkansen set, allowing the two trains to be connected. I have made a 3D printable version of this connection drawbar which can be downloaded here.

The track in this set is later 1990s production Thailand track, with curve, straight, and figure-eight points from toolings originally produced for Japanese manufacturing. The figure eight point rails are the type with tread in most places and roughtop around the directional decider.

Like the other 3D Loop sets, there are not any smaller accessories (this one doesn't even include a VHS tape like the others) but there is a set of iron bridge sides. Obviously the main gimmick is being able to connect the two Shinkansens together or run them separately - like the Akita set obviously it would be cooler if both trains were full size, but it is nonetheless an interesting variation of the three-dimensional loop layout sets.

Set name Nozomi 4-Car Loop Set
のぞみ号4両編成ループセット
Release period 1997 (Hello Mac exclusive)
Train rating Track rating
Accessory rating Overall
Notes: I get it, but its too bad the trains don't have intermediate cars... Price 4800 yen
rationale page