Witness MTR trains transform into robots! MTR is excited to announce the arrival of “MTR Machines”, created in collaboration with local artist and founder of “Hong Kong Machines” Felix Ip. The “MTR Machines” series comprises a total of 9 robots inspired by 9 MTR trains. Merchandise including figurine blind boxes, folders, keychains and personalised products will be launched on MTR e-Store on 1 December 2024.
On the same day, MTR will roll out the “MTR Machines – ‘Shoot’ for Rewards” game, in which MTR passengers are encouraged to shoot photos with MTR train robots at different MTR stations and with “MTR Machines-themed” Light Rail Vehicle to collect MTR Mobile e-badges. In addition to getting some nice snapshots with the uber cool robots, those who succeed in collecting all e-badges will be rewarded free gifts and special shopping offers.
“Hong Kong Machines” was started by artist Felix Ip in 2018, when the robot superfan began drawing robot like public transportation. With his whimsical imagination and unrestrained brush strokes, he has created a bunch of wildly creative robotic characters with unmistakable Hong Kong elements. The series has grown in popularity among the public. The book Hong Kong Machines I won the Hong Kong Publishing Biennial Award – Book Publishing Award in 2019 and the Hong Kong Machines Blind Box – Tourist Edition was recognized with the Gold Award in the Toys and Games category at the Hong Kong Smart Design Awards 2024.
As a major public transport operator in Hong Kong, MTR is pleased to collaborate with Ip on the “MTR Machines” series and give life to 9 MTR train robots. The MTR trains that have inspired Ip’s creations include not only trains that are currently in use but also retired ones, as well as maintenance vehicles. The designs have faithfully preserved the signature looks of the train cabs, while prominent features of the trains are cleverly incorporated in the limbs of the robots. The ultra cool looks of the robots will no doubt refresh the perception of MTR trains among rail fans and the public while the distinctive local elements can be expected to kindle pride and passion for Hong Kong.
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Mecha White FaceMecha White Face is inspired by “White Head”, the first-generation MTR passenger train, which began operation in 1979 when MTR commenced service. The memorable red and white design and the old MTR logo are a nod to Hong Kong people’s collective memory, calling for a look back on the changes the city’s railway system and neighbourhoods have undergone all these years. |
| Mecha LRVThe orange and white Mecha LRV is a representation of the Phase 1 Light Rail Vehicle, put into operation in 1988. The robot is assigned to Light Rail Route 610, which has existed ever since the Light Rail began service. |
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Mecha LRV KawasakiMecha LRV Kawasaki is created after the now retired Phase II Light Rail Vehicle, which was built by Kawasaki Heavy Industries. The train’s original red, blue, yellow and grey colour combination is applied perfectly on the robot. The robot is happy to take its passengers on a time-travelling journey. |
| Mecha 1900The Itochu-Kinki-Kawasaki Train (IKK Train), nicknamed 1900, gives rise to Mecha 1900. The IKK Train began serving the East Rail Line in 2002. Today, it is mainly running on Tuen Ma Line. The destination display shows Hung Hom, which was once the final stop of the East Rail Line’s southbound services. |
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Mecha East RailThe current passenger train on the East Rail Line provides the blueprint for Mecha East Rail’s design. The train was introduced to the fleet because of the cross-harbour extension of the East Rail Line, which has been in service for over a century. Mecha East Rail sheds light on the city’s ever-expanding and ever-improving railway network that has continued making train journeys more convenient. |
| Mecha Airport ExpressThe blue robot is designed according to the Airport Express train. The unique teal and white logo can be found on the robot’s left leg, symbolising the rapid and convenient services provided by the Airport Express. |
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Mecha Vibrant ExpressThe High Speed Rail Vibrant Express has transformed into Mecha Vibrant Express! The adoption of the train’s sleek aerodynamic design and the sharp orange arcs symbolising flying dragons on the train body gives the robot an air of extreme speed. |
| Mecha G26CUMecha G26CU is the robotic doppelganger of the Diesel Electric Locomotive No. 60 of the G26CU Class. Following the full electrification of the East Rail Line, No.60 was withdrawn from passenger service and switched to hauling freight and maintenance trains until it was retired in 2021, after serving the railway line for nearly half a century. The robot has the same distinctive red paint and yellow and black stripes as the locomotive, whose nickname “Peter Quick” has become a detail on the robot’s arm. Fearsome as it may look, Mecha G26CU has a moving railway story to tell. |
| Mecha DalianMecha Dalian finds it origin in the CKD0A diesel locomotive, which was developed by CRRC Dalian Locomotive & Rolling Stock Co., Ltd. CKD0A is an engineering vehicle serving the East Rail Line and Tuen Ma Line, used mainly for switching trains and hauling maintenance vehicles. Though the engineering vehicles are lesser known than the passenger trains, they are indispensable to railway maintenance and operation. In a way, Mecha Dalian pays tribute to the engineering team working behind the scenes to support Hong Kong’s railway services. |
“MTR Machines” merchandise will be launched on 1 December 2024, just in time to make it onto the year-end wish lists of rail fans. Figurine blind boxes, keychains and folders are available on MTR e-Store’s online and physical stores¹, at “Station Rail Voyage” at Hung Hom Station and Light Rail Customer Service Centre at Tuen Mun Ferry Pier Stop. Meanwhile, customers can personalise a range of “MTR Machines” products at the DIY kiosk at physical stores at MTR e-Store.
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Train Robot Figurine Blind Box • Artist Felix Ip’s original drawings are turned into three-dimensional robots capturing the fine details and unique style of “MTR Machines” - must-haves for rail, model and blind box fans |
| Full Set of Train Robot Figurine Blind Box (9 blind boxes) • Customers can buy the complete set to ensure they get all models at once |
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【Exclusive to physical stores¹ of MTR e-Store】Personalized products • Select your preferred “MTR Machines” patterns and apply them on a variety of products at the MTR souvenir DIY Kiosk at the two stores¹ |
| Keychain • Lightweight plastic plaques each featuring an “MTR Machines” robot comes with a swivel hook so that it can be hung on bags as an accessory |
| A4 Folder • Folder in standard A4 size featuring “MTR Machines” robots to keep your important documents in one place |
You can view product details and order the products via MTR Mobile or MTR e-Store. Limited stocks are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Photos are for reference only. Terms and conditions apply.
Between 1 December 2024 and 16 January 2025, MTR will be running the three-part “MTR Machines – ‘Shoot’ for Rewards” campaign:
• Part 1 - “Shoot”: “Shoot” photos with “MTR Machines” themed Light Rail Vehicles, 9 MTR train robot sculptures located at various MTR stations and big “MTR Machines” posters
• Part 2 - Collect e-badges: Scan the QR codes at the exhibition sites and on the posters to collect a total of 9 MTR Mobile “MTR Machines – ‘Shoot’ for Rewards” e-badges
• Part 3 - Rewards: Upon collecting all 9 e-badges, visit MTR e-Store’s physical stores¹ to redeem two rewards, namely a free “MTR Machines” souvenir and a shopping discount
During the campaign period, “Mecha LRV-themed” Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) will be running to delight passengers. These LRVs are in fact the orange and white retro-themed LRVs (vehicle numbers 1066 and 1001), except that they will be redecorated to be Mecha LRV-themed, inspired by the Phase 1 Light Rail Vehicle. Robots will appear on the glass windows and seats for a limited time. Don’t miss the opportunity to take photos when you happen to see the themed LRVs!
Meanwhile, 9 MTR train robots will appear at selected MTR stations. 7 of them will take the form of 1.5 metre high sculptures and be displayed at 5 designated exhibition sites at various stations, where passengers can take photos with these supercool robots in close range. The 2 remaining robots will appear on large-scale posters to create a different visual experience.
While taking photos, passengers should not forget to collect MTR Mobile e-badges. Each of the 9 “MTR Machines” robots has its own e-badge. MTR Mobile Registered Users can join the new badge collection campaign on MTR Mobile by scanning the QR codes at the exhibition sites or on the posters.
Upon collecting all 9 e-badges, participants can redeem two rewards at any of the two physical stores of MTR e-Store, located respectively at Admiralty Station and Hong Kong West Kowloon Station. The rewards include one complimentary “MTR Machines” A4 folder (priced at HK$18) and an instant HK$20 discount² that can be used for a spending of HK$100 or more at stores.
Terms and Conditions apply³. The promotion and reward redemption period runs until 16 January 2025. Seize the opportunity to see all the MTR train robots and earn rewards!
Exhibition site displaying train robot sculptures⁴ with QR codes
| Admiralty Station⁵ | MTR e-Store Admiralty – Shop No. 24, MTR Admiralty Station (Near Entrance/Exit B, unpaid area outside gate) | Mecha White Face |
| Hong Kong West Kowloon Station⁶ | MTR e-Store Hong Kong West Kowloon – Shop B2-13, Arrival Concourse, Hong Kong West Kowloon Station | Mecha Vibrant Express |
| Hung Hom Station⁷ | Near Entrance of “Station Rail Voyage” – Concourse of Hung Hom Station (Near Entrance/Exit C1) | Mecha East Rail, Mecha G26CU |
| Light Rail Tuen Mun Ferry Pier Stop | Near Light Rail Customer Service Centre | Mecha LRV, Mecha LRV Kawasaki |
| Hong Kong Station | Near Airport Express Concourse, Level L2 | Mecha Airport Express |
Poster of train robot with QR codes
| East Tsim Sha Tsui Station | Centre of Concourse, next to Ticket Issuing & Add-value machines | Mecha 1900 |
| Tai Wai Station | Near Shop No. 49, Concourse (Near Entrance/Exit B) | Mecha Dalian |
¹ MTR e-Store physical stores located at Admiralty Station and Hong Kong West Kowloon Station.
² The discount can be used for purchasing “MTR Machines” merchandise, personalised products at the MTR souvenir DIY Kiosk and other designated MTR souvenirs.
³ The “MTR Machines – ‘Shoot’ for Rewards” promotion is bound by Terms and Conditions. All rewards and discounts are limited in numbers. The version of the free gifts cannot be chosen.
⁴ There is a chance that the robot sculptures cannot be shown to the public due to temporary service needs and/or special venue arrangements. Display status will depend on the actual situation. The display of the QR codes for badges will not be affected.
⁵ Sculpture display at MTR e-Store - Admiralty will only be available to public during the operating hours: 11:00am - 3:00pm, 4:00pm - 8:00pm.
⁶ Sculpture display at MTR e-Store - Hong Kong West Kowloon will only be available to public during the operating hours: 10:00am - 2:00pm, 3:00pm - 7:00pm.
⁷ The public can take photos with the robots displayed next to the entrance of the “Station Rail Voyage” exhibition and collect the corresponding e-badges without reserving tickets for the exhibition.
