The Tyco Turbo Express is a model train set manufactured by Tyco, and released into the US, UK, and other markets worldwide in 1988.
Concept
Following the success of its enhanced slot car sets such as US-1, Nite-Glow, Cliff Hangers, and others, Tyco now sought to revive its fledgling HO scale model train products with turbo speed, dramatic artwork and exciting set pieces with Turbo Express, the World's Fastest Freight Train.
Features
Build upon the Tyco HO Scale track, Turbo Express is a super light weight vehicle with motor and gearing that allows it to operate at much higher speeds than a regular realistic model train set.
Various heavy card buildings are included which must be folded and constructed to add around the track to provide atmosphere, plus a trestle bridge for the over and under section of the default figure 8 track. Includes unique slot car style controller with forward and reverse.
Track Layout
While technically you could build any number of track styles, particularly if you had additional HO scale track pieces, out of the box is a fairly basic Figure 8 Over and Under Layout, with no special areas as you'd see with a slot car track, though later fast train sets would innovate further.
Vehicles
Included is one Turbo Express train and several carriages. Looking at the build, while I'm not an expert on model trains, I do get the feeling they took alot of inspiration from HO scale slot cars in the design and gearing, but that's just my view.
Rear carriages are essentially empty shells to ensure the whole thing is very light, and so able to travel at high speed.
Availability and Collectability
Turbo Express appears occasionally for sale on eBay, though isn't as common as most other typical 80s slot car and train sets. Condition of most items is generally good, however finding a set with all parts and the cardboard set pieces in good condition can be more difficult.
As for collectability, Turbo Express is an absolute classic 80s experience, though I'd recommend checking out the whole range of express train sets before deciding on a purchase.
