2 Benkei Releases

[Super]

The 1998 re-issue is identical to the specs of the Yoshitsune.
But the 2016 reissue of the Yoshitsune has the identical boiler as the original Benkei!!
With the exception of the 2016's Yoshitsune's curvy silver painted running boards vs. the original Benkei's squared black ones, the '72 Benkei & 2016 Yoshitune are THE SAME?

That was exactly my thoughts when I first saw the 1972 Benkei but discarded the notion when I noticed the differences you have mentioned along a couple others.

You are right about the Benkei & Yoshitsune being the same. In real life the Benkei and Yoshitsune along with 4 others are the same JGR Class 7100 engines made in America for Japan in the 1880's. Each one named after a noted Japanese figure. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JGR_Class_7100

Besides the differences you and Star have mentioned the 1972 Benkei doesn't have that out of proportioned middle wheel of the 2016 Yoshitsune which I imagine was maybe more due to the original Benkei having the small friction drive wheels there than a design decision. And the biggest difference, and the one I like the best, is the fact that the 1972 Benkei's wheelbase is moved closer to the front, more in the middle of the engine, than the 2016 Yoshitsune which looks odd with so much engine ahead of the front wheels. Also the cowcatcher on the 1972 Benkei is much lower to the rails which makes it look more realistic than the 2016 Yoshitsune. As far as the side rods go, I prefer the older long ones on any of the Plarail steamers but we all know why they discontinued them.

So in summary, I think they could have used the 1972 Benkei mold exactly and added the great detailed paint like the 2016 Yoshitsune for the perfect combination. Also they would have to get rid of those fake trucks and wheels on the tender of the 2016...what were they thinking...Chuggington?