Now I am wondering if the wheel base might be an optical illusion. With no middle (3rd) wheel it may give the impression of being longer especially since the undercarriage is black. Could have they actually shortened the front of the body so as to make the rise at the bottom of the ramp and not extended the wheel base? Look at the front plate and the black smoke box, both look to be shortened. At any rate I am anxious to see if the gear box is different for him to make it up the steep incline especially with a less than full battery.
Ok So treacherous tracks set due Aug 2014 and found a new running video from the toy fair, also shows the James set pictured at the top of the thread running with the new (much better) trackmaster track type. Very excited for this new type of track it is the most realistic looking so far for these types of trains.
Those tracks do look nice but are they going to produce and sell them separately or just provide them with special sets?
Hopefully they will start selling them as track packs and in sets with adapters.
"• Includes 2 track adaptors, designed so you can connect the new TrackMaster™ track to the previous model • Perfect addition to your expandable, connectable, motorized Thomas & Friends™ TrackMaster™ world"
So many TM in that quote and confirmation that current Trackmaster Track is "The previous model", Straight from the horses mouth so to speak.