Here I am... :-)
What I have learned...
General Yoshitsune (the train) is called that because of popular Japanese folklore.
Minamoto no Yoshitsune was the general of the Minamoto clan and defeated Musashibo Benkei (a warrior monk). Benkei then went on to fight along side Yoshitsune.
When it comes to the real trains.
Yoshitsune (No1) and Benkei (No2) were the first 2 of 6 JGR class 7100 locomotives to be used in Hokkaido.
Yoshitsune Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minamoto_no_Yoshitsune
Benkei Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benkei
Class 7100 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JGR_Class_7100
As for the Tomy versions. (going from memory because its late here) Benkei and Yoshitsune are identical moulds as is Shuppo. The series 1 and 2 Disney are slightly different to Yoshitsune. Series 3 Disney significantly different to those previously mentioned. Pokemon is the same as series 3 Disney (they are a much newer design) but has Pokemon moulded on it. They all look pretty much the same until you check closely.
Then there is the much sought after original Benkei that is totally different with a much longer cabin.
I'll have a better look to confirm what I remember of the differences in the next few days.
Hope that helps.
Dale.
What I have learned...
General Yoshitsune (the train) is called that because of popular Japanese folklore.
Minamoto no Yoshitsune was the general of the Minamoto clan and defeated Musashibo Benkei (a warrior monk). Benkei then went on to fight along side Yoshitsune.
When it comes to the real trains.
Yoshitsune (No1) and Benkei (No2) were the first 2 of 6 JGR class 7100 locomotives to be used in Hokkaido.
Yoshitsune Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minamoto_no_Yoshitsune
Benkei Wiki http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Benkei
Class 7100 http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/JGR_Class_7100
As for the Tomy versions. (going from memory because its late here) Benkei and Yoshitsune are identical moulds as is Shuppo. The series 1 and 2 Disney are slightly different to Yoshitsune. Series 3 Disney significantly different to those previously mentioned. Pokemon is the same as series 3 Disney (they are a much newer design) but has Pokemon moulded on it. They all look pretty much the same until you check closely.
Then there is the much sought after original Benkei that is totally different with a much longer cabin.
I'll have a better look to confirm what I remember of the differences in the next few days.
Hope that helps.
Dale.