Collect Japanese Trains! The “First Car Museum” Series By TOMYTEC

Collectible Die-Cast Toy Trains by TOMYTEC

Moving around by train is part of the daily routine for those living in Japan. Visitors to Japan, too, are very likely to use local train transportation once they arrive.

Trains themselves are actually very popular in Japan: there are even railway enthusiasts, who avidly take pictures of their favorite trains and collect train-related goods.

To answer the needs of train fandom, popular toy manufacturer TOMYTEC released the “First Car Museum” series.

First Car Museum - Train Types

The First Car Museum series features die-cast toy locomotives of famous Japanese trains that currently run. In addition to popular bullet train models, the series includes limited express trains and regular trains.

1. Shinkansen (Bullet Trains)

Shinkansen trains are extremely loved in Japan. Bullet trains were introduced in 1964 in Japan, just before the first Tokyo Olympics. These trains embody high technology and dynamism, and are admired by everyone.

Not only do they travel with speeds over 200 km/h connecting Japan's major cities, but their stylish design makes them visually very attractive, too. Hardcore fans can tell apart Shinkansen models at one glance. Many also know the year that each train came into operation.

The First Car Museum series includes seven types of Shinkansen that are currently in use. The Tohoku Shinkansen Hayabusa, which is the fastest train between Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, the Tokaido-Sanyo Shinkansen Nozomi, or models that operate only in Kyushu or northern Japan, are just some of the models that can be collected.

The die-cast Shinkansen stand out with their beautiful design and vibrant colors that accurately render the features of the real ones.

2. Limited Express Trains

Limited express trains are the fastest trains after bullet trains, stopping only at major stations in urban areas. One of the best-known is the JR N'EX Narita Express, which connects Narita Airport to major stations in Tokyo.

The die-cast version of Narita Express and of the limited express Shimakaze, which operates in western Japan (Kyoto-Osaka area), are also part of the First Car Museum series.

3. Popular Commuter Trains

Commuter trains are part of the daily life of people living in major cities like Tokyo and Osaka. The First Car Museum series features one of the models operating on the JR Yamanote Line in Tokyo, as well as a train running on the Osaka Loop Line.

If you've ever experienced rush hours in Tokyo or Osaka, these elegant die-cast toy trains will turn the memory of those times into a beautiful one.

Main Features of the First Car Museum Series

The die-cast toy locomotives in the First Car Museum series are recreated in great detail based on the original trains. Even the name and the logo of the railway company operating them are printed on the toys.

Moreover, the lights can be activated, adding to the charm of these models.

Die-Cast Toy Trains - A Great Souvenir from Japan!

Taking into account how intrinsic trains are to life in Japan, there's no doubt that the toy trains in the First Car Museum series could be a great gift from Japan.

First Car Museum items can be found at souvenir shops within Narita Airport and Haneda Airport, as well as in toy shops like Kiddy Land or electronic stores like Yodobashi Camera.

If you love trains, these items will be incredibly fun to collect and display! Before you know it, you'll have a miniature train museum at home.

Sponsored by TOMYTEC
All pictures courtesy of TOMYTEC