The Tyco Super Turbo Train is a fast model train toy manufactured by Tyco, and released into the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1987. It is the successor to the previous years 1986 Tyco Turbo Train.
Concept
Fast Trains are common throughout the world, with the most well known being the Shinkansen - Japan's "bullet train," a pioneering high-speed railway reaching up to 320 km/h, and France's TGV, a renowned high-speed 320 km/h intercity service.
Both are celebrated for speed, comfort, and reach, so it's no surprise that these were the basis for toys, especially with the huge traditional model train market.
Features
Super Turbo Train is an upgrade of the original 1986 Tyco Turbo Train which had a single wall climb. This new version features the same wall climb, but with an additional and arguably more exciting super loop!
Until now, loop-the-loops had not been a typical part of model train sets which focused on realism. With Tyco's capabilities in toy making with radio controlled cars, slot cars, traditional model trains, and the general toy market, it makes sense that they'd combine these efforts to create a new product that would bring model trains to the average toy store, and the much larger market for children's toys.
Like its predecessor, it also features Nite-Glow (really just some included glow-in-the-dark tape) which you can apply to buildings and the train itself, as well as
Vehicles
The set includes one Yellow Turbo Train (original set was White), with technology based on Tyco's Magnum 440-X2 slot cars of the time. In order to stay on the track through the loop and wall climb, magnets are embedded in the train itself, and its carriages.
Important! Turbo Train Compatibility
Please be aware that Turbo Trains are not compatible with regular brass and nickel-silver HO scale train tracks as those metals are non-ferrous (non-magnetic). To ensure the Turbo Train holds onto the track during loops, the track is made from steel, and the gauge and wheels slightly different.
This disappointed some model train hobbiests who had hoped to add the Turbo Train to their sets.
Track Layout
With a 29 foot track, Super Turbo Train is longer than most Tyco slot car sets, and has two main track features in the wall climb and mega-sized loop. The instruction sheet (below) contains track layout, track parts, and accessory details.
TV Commercial
I've taken the best copy of the commercial I could find, and restoring it using the latest in AI video restoration technology. Taking a commercial from ~30 years ago that's been sitting in a basement for decades and restoring it does take some work.
Availability and Collectability
Super Turbo Train is generally available online in good used, and occasionally new-in-box condition, along with many individual parts and upgrades.
As for whether or not you want this 2nd generation set, it's clearly better than the original, and more widely available, but is it the best?
The final update to this set is the 3rd generation 1988 Tyco Super Turbo Train with Daredevil Jump, which improves the set even further.
Whether you purchase the 1st generation, 2nd generation (this set), or its successor, really depends on what you can find in good condition, what your budget, and what's available at the time. There's no question though, Tyco's Turbo Train series is an absolute classic 80s toy, and deserves its place at Tyco Collectors as one of my all time favorites.
