Ultimate Locomotive Menace: The NECA Train Track Takedown Shredder Exclusive Review

The NYCC 2025 exclusive NECA Train Track Takedown Shredder is a new entry in the TMNT cartoon figure line, inspired by a specific appearance of Shredder in the 1987 animated series. This figure captures his disguise as a train engineer from the episode Turtles on the Orient Express and includes a wide range of accessories and custom packaging. Below is a breakdown of what’s included, how it fits into NECA’s existing TMNT lineup, and what collectors can expect.

Release Date / Pre-Order Info: The figure will debut at New York Comic Con 2025 at NECA’s official booth. A limited number of units will also be made available via the NECA Store shortly after.

MSRP / Price Range: NECA has not yet provided official pricing.

Edition Size / Production Run: Edition size has not been specified

Manufacturer / License: NECA, under the license for Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1987 cartoon).

Turtles on the Orient Express and the Figure’s Origins

The design for the Train Track Takedown Shredder figure is directly based on Turtles on the Orient Express, a Season 7 episode of the 1987 TMNT animated series. In the episode, Shredder boards the famed Orient Express disguised as a train engineer, while attempting to sabotage the train using a high-powered “Supercharger” device. The plot is over-the-top but memorable, and it has become a fan-favourite among those who appreciate the more theatrical aspects of the original cartoon.

This specific appearance of Shredder was a one-time disguise, but NECA has brought it into plastic form with an emphasis on screen-accurate detail and a collector-focused accessory loadout.

Design, Accessories and Posability – What to Expect

While the figure has not yet been released, promotional images and NECA’s official descriptions offer a clear idea of what the release will deliver.

Sculpt and Paint Applications

This 7-inch figure retains Shredder’s recognisable cartoon silhouette but overlays it with a vintage train engineer outfit. The overcoat, gloves, and conductor hat are all newly sculpted parts and help distinguish it from previous variants. Paint applications are clean, with some cel-shading effects that remain consistent with NECA’s TMNT cartoon line. Shadowing on the coat and armour provides visual depth and contrast.

The new sculpt elements are seamlessly integrated, and from a visual standpoint, the figure manages to stay true to both the cartoon’s exaggerated style and Shredder’s intimidating presence, even while wearing a costume.

TMNT Train Track Takedown Shredder Accessories and Details

The TMNT Train Track Takedown Shredder accessories and details are extensive. NECA has included the following:

• Two interchangeable heads (neutral and yelling expressions)
• Multiple alternate hands for gesturing or gripping
• Pocket watch, likely referencing a key engineer tool
• Laser weapon and katana, representing standard Shredder gear
• Control switch to match the episode’s plot device
• Fusion Super Charger, a core element from the cartoon episode
• Folded arms piece, compatible with Ultimate Shredder for classic static posing

The range of accessories gives collectors plenty of options when it comes to posing, display, and photography. The folded arms piece, in particular, offers a unique posing opportunity not typically included in standard releases.

Articulation

Although not yet in hand, the figure is expected to feature the full articulation suite seen in other Ultimate TMNT cartoon figures. This typically includes double-jointed knees, ball-jointed shoulders, elbows, and articulated ankles. The overcoat may restrict some movement depending on the sculpt’s flexibility, but that remains to be seen.

NECA has generally managed to balance sculpt and poseability well in this line, so it’s likely that this figure will offer similar performance.

Packaging

The packaging features custom artwork by Ken Mitchroney, a veteran TMNT artist who also happens to be a train enthusiast. This makes the figure’s presentation especially unique and adds to its collector appeal. Given the nature of NECA’s cartoon line, the packaging itself is often a draw for collectors who choose to display items sealed.

Collector Appeal, Drawbacks and Availability

Strengths

• Accurate source material: The figure is taken directly from the animated series, maintaining authenticity.
• Extensive accessories: A strong set of items for varied posing and storytelling.
• High display value: From the sculpt to the artwork, this is designed with collectors in mind.
• Stylised packaging: Artwork by Mitchroney adds value for inbox collectors.

Limitations

• Niche character variant: While episode-accurate, the figure’s appeal may be limited to those familiar with the specific cartoon storyline.
• Limited availability: Being an NYCC 2025 TMNT Shredder exclusive, the figure may be difficult to obtain after the event.
• Shredder variant fatigue: Some fans have expressed concerns over the number of variant releases, including themed or costume-based versions like the NECA Shredder as Dracula Crimson.

Target Audience

This figure is best suited to collectors of the TMNT cartoon line, particularly those who enjoy character-specific or episode-specific releases. For those collecting NECA’s core Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles releases, including the NECA TMNT 2012 Nickelodeon figures, this will feel more like a special edition or complementary piece rather than a mainline figure.

Final Thoughts and Recommendation

The NECA Train Track Takedown Shredder offers a faithful and well-executed rendition of a unique cartoon moment. It’s a figure clearly designed with long time fans in mind, offering detailed sculpt work, a rich accessory set, and high-quality presentation.

Its exclusivity and narrow episode reference may limit its appeal to casual collectors, but for fans of the 1987 series and completists following NECA’s cartoon line, it’s a noteworthy addition. Whether or not this variant resonates will come down to individual interest in the source material, but from a production standpoint, it maintains the high standards expected from NECA’s Ultimate line.

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