fall inside a hole

Express Train (1971)

First written March 16, 2025

485 series electric trains and their variations were produced between 1964 and 1979 and were originally used for direct passenger express trains between major cities as well as connecting trains to the Shinkansen line as its operations spread. The earlier "bonnet" style trains like represented in Plarail form followed the style of the 151 series with trains made after 1972 following the style of the 183 series.

Express Train (1971)

The first generation Express Train (とっきゅう) was released in second-generation lift-off packaging. These early trains used the same intermediate car tooling as the Electric Super Express Hikari.

Express Train (1972)

In 1972 the Express Train was rereleased in second generation packaging. Like the original releases, these trains use the classic old metal friction-drive gearbox. Being from the earlier 1970s, they still use thinner driving wheels with black traction tires and the more chunky style of couplings. The front of the power car clips into the chassis, and it seems like these clips have stiffened or the plastic has shrunk a little over time because it is a rather tight fit.

The front and rear headmarks read 特急とっきゅう or Express Train. The intermediate car tooling was updated to match the newer Super Express Hikari, with the windows having the protruding rim around them.

This example is from a copy of the 1972 Express Train with Elevated Track Set and also has the early 1970s style of fragile axle holders.

Express Train (1974)

In 1974 the Express Train was rereleased in a third-generation lift-top box.

Express Train (1976)

In 1976 the Express Train was released in the fourth generation "train" boxes under the name 特急電車. Couplings were updated to the nearly-modern type during this production period.

Express Train (1978)

Beginning in 1978 the Express Train was released with a new headmark sticker as EC-11 Express Train (EC11 特急電車). Around this time, undercarriage toolings would have been updated to the more secure type with the clip-in axle holder. It was discontinued around 1983 as more realistic trains joined the range.

Bonnet Express Hakucho (2002)

In 2002 the Plarail Day limited release was the Bonnet Express Hakucho, a modern update of the 485 series express train that used the classic tooling with more realistic colors and details.