How best to begin collecting Monorail

kylejohnson11

Hey everyone,

I'm very interested in starting to obtain monorail items. There is no time frame so I'm willing to be patient.

Any advice from fellow AFOLs who run monorails?

Thanks,

Kyle

AFFOL_Shellz_Bellz

Just saw a post last night on Bricklink forums a store taking offers on a lot of monorail, don't recall what they had.

BigKid

Buy this set first #21103 and the rest will be easy!

On a serious note I've never owned any monorail items so someone else will have to help. :)

BigKid

madforLEGO

Monorail is pricey to say the least.
I was fortunately to come across a few lots here and there and sets in lots, for cheap a few years ago, when it was cheaper. Normally between part sellers and collectors who want it for their own layouts I do not see monorail lots going for cheap now.

Id say keep an eye on eBay for Monorail lots and hope for the best. As for the sets themselves, I think of all of them #6990 and #6991 are somewhat cheaper than #6399 due to those being space, though not sure why as 6991 has the switches. Only that set and the expansion pack ( I forget the set number) have the switches.

kylejohnson11

Thank you everyone! Anyone have any experience running monorails on power functions or is that not feasible?

oldtodd33

Monorails run their own type of motor. If you use stock parts, you can't run PF motors or any other PF parts either. You might want to familiarize yourself with their parts configuration before trying to buy the sets so you know what you are looking at before you end up getting burned.

kylejohnson11

@oldtodd33 thanks!

Does anyone have any recommended reading for monorail basics and more advance things?

Dougout

Monorails are so cool, I've wanted one forever!! There are some custom models of monorails in the June 2013 issue of the Brick Journal in case a local Lego store near you has it.

I still can't figure out how they make the 2 brick wide track, but they go over models from 4 different afols.

KiwiLegoMeister

I've got 6991; and it's cool as. Scored a few extra track pieces too. It's all tucked away awaiting a dream build; I'm planning on using 4x moon bases on the corners, and then building up all in-between to create a theme park. Probably won't get on to that one for a few years yet.

So yes, try to track down a 6991, it is a biggie set. Accept that you might not get the set complete or perfect - and that it might be discoloured. Then hunt for the spare track parts you desire. Check that the motors are good before you buy. but you probably want to think outside the square, rather than simply building the set per the plans.
Good luck.

GIR3691

After setting up the I LUG NY Stamford Museum layout and playing around with all the various LUG members' monorail, I decided to see what I could find on Bricklink, eBay, and elsewhere. I cried a little and gave up.

You're probably better off doing this guy's Power Functions Monorail. Track is MUCH cheaper per foot and made of mostly basic elements.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kf2qaG8vtDQ

cheshirecat

An almost complete 6990 ( all monorail parts present, no box or instructions) went for about £80 a few weeks ago on eBay. Was watching the auction end and sorely tempted to bid on it.

jwsmart

As @GIR3691 can attest to, I'm a die-hard Monorail fan.
Yes, it's expensive, but it's also worth it.

I had most of a 6991 (plus some extra track) way back when, and I've loved it ever since. I was lucky enough to be able to participate (loan track and help build) the BFNE Monorail world record: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgRC6aZAPmE

I've more than doubled the size of my Monorail collection since becoming an AFOL, and I do have some comments/advice:

-Look for mislabeled ebay auctions. The ones that have the word "Monorail" in them are probably already more money than you're willing to spend. When I had more free time - I would look for stuff with "space" or "futuron" or "unitron" - and variations on the misspellings of each.

-Know what it's worth & don't be afraid to ask for pictures of the track. The gear teeth on the track are what can get damaged - so if it looks messed up, just avoid it. Of course, you can't always do this on the mislabeled ebay auctions, but hopefully those are cheap enough so you can take some risk.

-Yes, it will work with power functions. I've rigged up a PF battery box, IR receiver, PF-to-9v cable and the original monorail motor. It's a bit bulky, but It works just fine.

-The two best properties of monorail are the quick & easy elevation changes (10 bricks over 64 studs), and how rigid the setup is - there are only a few different kind of parts, but they can make some really fun setups. In contrast - train elevation changes are tricky, and the 22.5 degree turns in train track can make the math hard real quick.

- I would expect to pay about $250 for a complete #6990 in working condition. Maybe a little less for #6991, and more for the city monorail.

I hope this helps - if you have any other specific questions, let me know.

madforLEGO

I have seen recent auctions on eBay show that #6990 and #6991 both go for about 180 each. Just do not try for the 6399 unless you REALLY want it, as those can hit 300-350 used on eBay

mathew

#6990 is a great starter monorail. I also think it's cooler looking than #6991. But I like the Futuron color scheme.

I unfortunately sold my #6990 monorail. I kind of wish I could have kept it. Problem is that it's a big set that takes up a lot of space. Also the track layout isn't very exciting. You really need to purchase the add-on track and then have a big place (think full size train table) to lay everything out.

epyon396

I'd advise a trip to Brockway, Ogdenville, or North Haverbrook before getting involved with a monorail.

KiwiLegoMeister

There is a full monorail set Lego 6399 Airport Shuttle set locally in New Zealand;
$650NZ = about $540USD.
Not my set or sale; I can't afford it.
See NZ Auction site. Note you'd have to register, and sort out payment ...