Actually... I just thought of this. Is it where the train originates from that determines it? The pony powered and bland train came from Applalooza, which was Wild West themed and just is inferred to have tough, hard working ponies. Ponyville is more... Candyish I guess, so that sort of makes sense. Now, the Crystal empire had a Crystal, bullet train, perhaps emphasizing their technological superiority or age. Perhaps it emphasizes something I can't think of about this city or Region. Perhaps it emphasizes its blandness or something else about it.
Now, we all thought the Ponyville train was different from Manehattan and that it stuck out. Remember, the Mane 6 also act differently from those in Manehattan. Perhaps the reason it stuck out was that it was supposed
to, and in doing so, it enphasizes those on board are different and "sweeter" then those in the city...
I hope that made sense... Sorry...
