Hmmm... It's a bit like asking a parent which child is their favorite but here goes.
D51-200: Post 2012 version and yes, it's ubiquitous and maybe easy to over look. I love Mikados in real life and the current Plarail version is a lovely model of a great workhorse engine. Special mention also goes to D51-498 for being a neat variant of the standard engine.
C11-171: I love the kind of odd proportions of the old C battery Japanese tank engines and they can really "pull the varnish" in old railroad parlance. While really similar to the more common C12, it's unique enough to stand out. I also think the dark purple coaches are just too cool.
C62-2 Silver Swallow: Again, really similar to the current and easier to find Plarail C61. It's a bit more unique and attractive and a very nice runner. There have been a couple different versions but the one I'm referring to has the working headlight and comes in the set with an EF200 and Shinkansen.
C58-1: A beautiful little engine both in real life and in Plarail form. This was the first non-Thomas steam locomotive I bought for my son and I liked it so much, I eventually got one for myself. I'm disappointed that I missed the SL Ginga version but I'm quite happy with this one.
Shooting Star Gordon: The first and so far only Thomas character I've bought new in box for myself. While I like Pacific class engines in general, including the British A3 and A4, I chose this one because it closely resembles the Pennsylvania K4 streamliners. It's also an impressive runner and just a good looking engine.
I feel like I've barely scratched the surface here and haven't even gotten to the diesels yet!
D51-200: Post 2012 version and yes, it's ubiquitous and maybe easy to over look. I love Mikados in real life and the current Plarail version is a lovely model of a great workhorse engine. Special mention also goes to D51-498 for being a neat variant of the standard engine.
C11-171: I love the kind of odd proportions of the old C battery Japanese tank engines and they can really "pull the varnish" in old railroad parlance. While really similar to the more common C12, it's unique enough to stand out. I also think the dark purple coaches are just too cool.
C62-2 Silver Swallow: Again, really similar to the current and easier to find Plarail C61. It's a bit more unique and attractive and a very nice runner. There have been a couple different versions but the one I'm referring to has the working headlight and comes in the set with an EF200 and Shinkansen.
C58-1: A beautiful little engine both in real life and in Plarail form. This was the first non-Thomas steam locomotive I bought for my son and I liked it so much, I eventually got one for myself. I'm disappointed that I missed the SL Ginga version but I'm quite happy with this one.
Shooting Star Gordon: The first and so far only Thomas character I've bought new in box for myself. While I like Pacific class engines in general, including the British A3 and A4, I chose this one because it closely resembles the Pennsylvania K4 streamliners. It's also an impressive runner and just a good looking engine.
I feel like I've barely scratched the surface here and haven't even gotten to the diesels yet!
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