PlaRail Real Class - Odakyu RomanceCar 3100 NSE

I was a bit disappointed to find that the 'detail parts' have to be fitted yourself, this includes roofing and the pantograph's and frankly not a lot else.  

It is like that so you can choose to either make the train more realistic, or make the train fit to run under standard Plarail girders and bridges (for which you would apply the flatter ones on).

Ok, that makes sense then I guess at least they thought about it.  But, maybe its because I also collect OO/HO gauge 'real' models that I expect more detail on a PlaRail claiming to be 'Real Class'.  The standard carriage length I can cope with as that is for compatibility sake, but the lack of detail is not really so excusable, even if it is moulded on detail rather than individually mounted parts it would make sense.  But, apart from the internal seating for example I don't really see much more detail than you get on a standard PlaRail and is in my opinion a bit of a missed opportunity by Tomy.

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Has it been a while since you last purchased Plarail Nigel?

I love my Real Class Odakyu Romance Car and like you, the only one I own. Only thing I am disappointed in the Real Class line is the use of fake bogies similar to the Chuggington trains.

I know mate and I don't intend this to be a return to the product, especially with the standard line being so dumbed down now.  If I were to buy anymore it would be older models that have more detail rather than these tubes with stickers on them.

I only really bought one of these to see what all the fuss was about and to see if they live up to the 'Real Class' tag and price premium.  Personally I think they've missed a big chance to make a mark and establish a sort of 'PlaRail 2.0' and can see this going the same way as Advance - the discontinuation of which was what really dropped me out of love with PlaRail.  The Romance Car while nice is not exactly earth breaking.  Apart from the glazing, internal detail and the 'fake bogies' you mentioned (I didn't even really notice those) there is very little extra detail on these than you used to get on the older PlaRail and Advance models.  It really is a chance missed to establish they are serious about this new line and in my eyes I can see 'Real Class' going the same way as Advance unless they up their game and give people way better specified models that really sell so they can justify increasing the production rate.