Flynn Question???

[Super]

Are there different versions (Not TM2) ? Like a talking (English) and non-talking. How many versions might have there been?

There was a Plarail release, and I'm pretty sure 2 Trackmaster releases (talking/non-talking)

There is the original release from the 3 pack "Fiery Flynn" set which had red inner wheels which is the one to get from Trackmaster in my opinion, the later releases either with or without the large boxy car have all black wheels.

Techinally there are two releases with the black wheels but the only difference is one included the car and one did not. He was also available in a set with black wheels and the car. All three of these releases are identical


There is also the English talking Flynn.

There is also the Plarail Flynn from the set with the special automatic switch that connects to road which was also released in a pack with Diesel 10.

I'm not sure what TM2 versions there are, so its a good thing you asked for non TM2 versions.

[Super]

Wow, thanks for all that great information and pictures Duck.

I don't say this too much but the Plarail version doesn't look as good as the Trackmaster only because of the Faux wheels which raises the truck up. The details on the Plarail may look better but all is lost on those wheels. Wonder whose idea that was?

Might you know where the Talking version places in the orders of release?

I believe the talking Flynn was introduced slightly before Flynn moved from the 3 pack Day of the Diesels release to the Big/Little Friends releases. Its possible the all black wheels were part of a cost saving measure to offset the cost of the talking electronics and they carried them over to his regular versions after discontinuing the 3 pack.

As for the Plarail chassis, although I think it raises him slightly more then necessary, I think it represents how he looks when riding track in the TV show fairly well

I assume they had the set with the special ability to switch onto road from rail and back again as well as compatibility with regular sets when they decided he would be released like an engine and not like a road vehicle

In the Plarail Flynn's, I believe they are both different.  The one in the set with Diesel has a smiley face and the yellow ladder on the second unit is more yellow than the gold colour on the one below.


where as the Plarail release version S-19 has a more grumpy face with an eyebrow raised.

Same Super.
This one of the few characters were I prefer the trackmaster version over the Plarail one.

[Super]

WOW...OMG!   I had know idea and it never dawned on me since I don't have much knowledge of the actual Thomas and Friends series. This now makes perfect sense and it makes the Plarail version the perfect replica of whats in the show.

I didn't know that Flynn was a "High Rail" vehicle that can roll both on the road and rail like many rail repair trucks. That picture explains it all...Thanks Duck!.

This also explains to me why Plarail released a Flynn Set that had a transition track that had him transfer from road to rail and back again. I think that set may be quite rare now. Anyone have more info on this set as I don't see it often show up in the auctions. The one video was made in 2013 so I suspect that the set may have been released before then but for how long? Was it limited or only released for a year with few sets sold?

My apologies to Plarail for ever doubting you.

The trouble is that in the set Flynn comes solo, without his supporting waggons:




In the Fire-Engine Flynn & Diesel 10 Set (Movie `DAY OF THE DIESELS`) Flynn does have his waggons, but you don't get that special rail-to-road switch... 

[Super]

Good point Mr-No but if the Big Set truly wanted to replicate a High Rail Vehicle I don't think it would have any, trailered, supporting vehicles. I could be wrong as I don't know from fact but are there trailered vehicles that ride the rails behind a High Rail Truck in real life...maybe.

On a side note, I do like that the Plarail version has a working ladder but the way it opens would be problematic going under an elevated track if accidentally left up.