TrackMaster VS Plarail Hiro?

I just read Tramp's most recent post on "A Salty Question", and was reminded of a conversation I had with DigDugtrio about which Hiro I was going to get for my collection. I wanted the Trackmaster one the whole time, but was having trouble, and was about to resort to Plarail, but he claims that the Trackmaster model has a better drive unit and can haul slightly more uphill. I'm wondering if this is true, and if anyone can confirm this.
It shouldn't be TOO difficult to find Trackmaster Hiro new in box for a reasonable price. I've seen a few Greatest Moments ones for 30-40 bucks on Ebay, and an RC one on eBay brand new in box for 70.

[Ucwepn]

[Super]

That has got to be the best comparison of the two Hiro's out there, thanks for the reminder Ucwepn of your great videos.

After having the Trackmaster Hiro (Now Polar Express) and seeing your comparison, my conclusion is for the Plarail version.

The Trackmaster has 3 pluses the way I see and one huge minus. The 3 pluses are...
The long side rods
The large middle wheel
Great front buffer beam
The huge minus is the terribly loud motor

Plarail Hiro, all pluses...
Size and length
Terrific Tender
Detailing
Detailed side cab windows and front facing windows
Quiet motor
No minuses as far as I see


Hmmm....my mind is now bugging me to modify a Plarail Hiro with the Trackmasters long side rods, middle wheel and front buffer beam...or....just customize a D51 into a new Polar Express.....must add to the Mod list

That has got to be the best comparison of the two Hiro's out there, thanks for the reminder Ucwepn of your great videos.

After having the Trackmaster Hiro (Now Polar Express) and seeing your comparison, my conclusion is for the Plarail version.

The Trackmaster has 3 pluses the way I see and one huge minus. The 3 pluses are...
The long side rods
The large middle wheel
Great front buffer beam
The huge minus is the terribly loud motor

Plarail Hiro, all pluses...
Size and length
Terrific Tender
Detailing
Detailed side cab windows and front facing windows
Quiet motor
No minuses as far as I see


Hmmm....my mind is now bugging me to modify a Plarail Hiro with the Trackmasters long side rods, middle wheel and front buffer beam...or....just customize a D51 into a new Polar Express.....must add to the Mod list

Motors aren't that much of a problem for me, as my parents have gotten more used to the noise, and since the beginning they've had me close the door before runnign any of them anyway. In videos, I'll most likely remove the audio and replace it with music and realistic sound effects. A major problem for me is the fact that Plarail Hiro's face seems way too big, and too uninterested...
Other than that tho, I never realized the differences in cab windows, tender, and the simply better looking lamp and tube-thing-behind-lamp. Upon further inspection I see why it would be favored over it now. Thank you for the info, Super!

I'm just wondering how I'm going to do a siderod modification without the siderods..

[ripley802]

The best HIRO in my opinion is the Lost and Found HIRO. I have been lucky enough to have had 3 of them and still have 2. Of course now they sit on a shelf, but the look of this one is very cool. They are somewhat hard to find and can be pricey now though.

The best HIRO in my opinion is the Lost and Found HIRO. I have been lucky enough to have had 3 of them and still have 2. Of course now they sit on a shelf, but the look of this one is very cool. They are somewhat hard to find and can be pricey now though.

Isn't Lost and Found only available in Talking? I've always liked how the flip-face engines look, except for Toby. I don't know why but Toby just seems odd to me. But, either way, it's the lost and found version... I don't think that would represent Hiro's current appearance in the show very well.

[ripley802]

Isn't Lost and Found only available in Talking? I've always liked how the flip-face engines look, except for Toby. I don't know why but Toby just seems odd to me. But, either way, it's the lost and found version... I don't think that would represent Hiro's current appearance in the show very well.

Yes, that is true it is a talking flip face one. I don't follow the show to much, just like the appearance of this versions. As for talking ones my favorite now is the Plarail 50 phrase.

Yes, that is true it is a talking flip face one. I don't follow the show to much, just like the appearance of this versions. As for talking ones my favorite now is the Plarail 50 phrase.

I'd assume the talking 50 phrase one is slightly more expensive, and I'll check later, but either way, my Mom would be going insane over it. She already has enough headaches as is from work..

[Ucwepn]

I would check local buy/sell listings on places like craigslist or gumtree etc for large lots of TOMY/Trackmaster trains it works out really cheap per item and if you are a bit handy they can live again if dead That's where the resellers buy them from and they like to charge $20+ each loco when they resell them.