Hiro is a Japanese steam engine based on the D-51 steam locomotive that first appears in the Thomas the Tank Engine special Hero of the Rails. Hiro was first released in Plarail form in 2010.
Hiro was first released in the Departing From the Station! Hiro and Thomas the Tank Engine Set in April 2010. Hiro is based on the regular updated 2000s Plarail D51 tooling.
Hiro's battery compartment is reached by unscrewing a screw located at the back of Hiro's cab. Hiro uses a C battery inside his boiler and has a separately-attached tender.
On February 17, 2011 Hiro was released in a traditional three-pack in Japan as T-14 プラレールヒロ with a brown slate car and barrel loads.