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First train - which one?

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  • LegoFanTexasLegoFanTexas Member Posts: 8,404
    Bricklink... or ebay, or Amazon...

    Actually, right now, the $189.99 price delivered on Amazon from the third party sellers isn't terrible, all things consider, Bricklink is $175 new in box now so actually that might cost as much, if not more than Amazon.

    http://www.bricklink.com/search.asp?pg=1&q=10194&sellerCountryID=US&sellerLoc=C&viewFrom=sf&sz=25&searchSort=P

    http://www.amazon.com/gp/offer-listing/B001USDL02/ref=dp_olp_new?ie=UTF8&qid=1327219115&sr=8-1&condition=new

    http://www.ebay.com/sch/Building-Toys-/18991/i.html?LH_BIN=1&rt=nc&LH_ItemCondition=1000&_nkw=10194&_catref=1&_fln=1&_ssov=1&_trksid=p3286.c0.m1539

    Ahh, I take it back, $180 delivered is the lowest buy it now price on eBay...
  • yys4uyys4u Member Posts: 1,093
    Ah man! That's way more then I was expecting... oh well, you snooze you lose. I really gotta keep better track of whats about to be discontinued. Thanks for digging up those links though.
  • richoricho Member Posts: 3,830
    I bought the Passenger Train, 7938 yesterday. My first ever motorised train! No doubt my daughter is going to like putting Catwoman in the driver's seat.
  • LegoFanTexasLegoFanTexas Member Posts: 8,404
    @yys4u - if you ever might want one, don't wait, this will be a $300 set by summer, perhaps a $400 set by next Christmas, you just watch... :)

    No one was paying attention to it, at least I wasn't... Missed the jump by Imperial Flagship as well. Too much attention on FB and DS, both of which are still for sale! :)
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,833
    edited January 2012
    I got two 7938 Passenger trains at the BOGO deal last week and used my points to get them for about 100 a piece.
    Unfortunately when I opened both boxes both had Turbo tank part bags only in them (figures missing, surprise surprise) but NO train anything..AND the seals were perfect too!!

    I had to take them back to TRU, mercifully they were prepared to taken them back, no questions asked (apparently this is not the first time at that store this has occurred) but I could not swap them as no stores in the area had them so they were nice enough to order me two online and I need to go back with the opened boxes and two new receipts to fix the issue and keep from losing my rewards points with a straight return..
    For once TRU customer support comes through (at least at the store)
  • NeilJamNeilJam Member Posts: 272
    @madforlegos - You won't get any rewards points for that purchase anyway. You cannot get points with TRU rewards from the day after XMas through the end of January.
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,833
    edited January 2012
    @Neiljam I was not expecting to, I just did not want to lose the ones I spent on the two trains to begin with.
  • tategoitategoi Member Posts: 19
    This thread gets me going. I will buy all current train sets before price increase set in. What do you think of the train in 8404 Public Transport? I know its not a full train but I really love its look.
  • choob99choob99 Member Posts: 147
    I love the Public Transport, It was a nice build IMHO but I'm a bit biased as I own a bus company lol Its still a set that I think will go up in value after its gone
  • LegoFanTexasLegoFanTexas Member Posts: 8,404
    Public Transport is gone, or at least retired anyway... Hasn't gone up a ton yet, but there are so many copies from Black Friday and TRU sales that it may be 6 months before it is interesting...
  • wRuBwRuB Member Posts: 86
    edited March 2012
    Hi all, just thought i'd get some opinions from here - i recently got the red passenger train for my son, and am thinking of getting another one. Which one should i get? The red cargo, yellow cargo, or maersk? Thanks for any help!
  • romdamromdam Member Posts: 136
    Current ones, the Yellow Cargo is the best. All in all, the classic Metroliner is all time best.
  • princedravenprincedraven Member Posts: 3,764
    ^^ If its for your son, ask him which he prefers. If it's for you which one do you prefer?
    This really is a case of taste, everyone likes different things, go with what you like.
  • natro220natro220 Member Posts: 545
    I agree with romdam, the Yellow Cargo train is the most "complete" train out there right now (the Red Cargo train is a bit smaller, and Maersk is awesome but lack Power Functions and track.) However, if you want to end up getting them all eventually, I would pick up the Maersk train as it'll probably go away first.
  • YellowcastleYellowcastle Administrator, Moderator Posts: 5,234
    edited March 2012
    @wRuB - I believe there's an existing thread that might help you. We'll look for it and merge shortly for your review.

    Edited by Yellowcastle 3-12-12
  • rocaorocao Administrator Posts: 4,290
    edited March 2012
    Found and merged.

    Edited by Yellowcastle 3-12-12
  • YellowcastleYellowcastle Administrator, Moderator Posts: 5,234
    Thanks @rocao !
  • DaddyDeuceDaddyDeuce Member Posts: 272
    As far as being a "train set", the yellow cargo train by far offers the most play value.
  • wRuBwRuB Member Posts: 86
    Thanks @rocao!
  • ringleheimringleheim Member Posts: 168
    edited July 2012
    Any Lego train experts out there?

    I am looking to take the plunge on a train set, but am totally new to these.

    I think I have it narrowed down to the Emerald Night and the Maersk.

    I'm curious as to which is the better choice and why.

    If you own a bunch of Lego train sets, which do you like best?

  • samiam391samiam391 Member Posts: 4,505
    Hm. I'm hardly a train expert, but I do own both of those trains. How much are you looking to spend and in what condition do you want it? This may come down to price as both are exceptional train sets.
  • ringleheimringleheim Member Posts: 168
    Hm. I'm hardly a train expert, but I do own both of those trains. How much are you looking to spend and in what condition do you want it? This may come down to price as both are exceptional train sets.
    Price is not really an issue as I just want a great, cool, train set. It looks like Emerald Night is still available MISB for about $200 US; the Maersk for $120 at Lego.com. The price differential doesn't really matter.

    I am also OK with buying all the power functions and track a la carte, as opposed to one of the "all in 1" super sets that give you all you need.

    I suppose I would give an honorable mention to the Red Cargo Train which does give you all you need in 1 box, but the Maersk and EN seem to be on a higher level entirely.

  • samiam391samiam391 Member Posts: 4,505
    Alright, if price is not an issue... I'm going to have to side with the Emerald Night.

    The Maersk train is a great set, but it's a "Freight train" in that it just carries cargo, and the containers. Not as exciting. The Maersk train is actually incredibly dull unless you put the stickers on it... And there's a LOT of stickers.

    The Emerald Night is a bit sleeker, the color choice is fantastic, and I just find it a bit more appealing. It's slightly smaller, but it's bigger in character. (How's that for a cheesy line).

    I'd vote Emerald Night, and I think you'll find a lot of other members on here who would do likewise.
  • graphitegraphite Member Posts: 3,275
    edited July 2012
    I am a big fan of all of the LEGO trains. EN is definitely a nice looking train but I've found it slightly annoying as a Power function train since it doesn't use the standard train motor it uses the PF motor to drive geared wheels which is a cool feature but I find that it does not run as smooth on the track. But if you are only getting one for right now it is the one I would go with since it is probably only going up in price from now on for a while.

    The Maersk engine is really cool and the overall train is great but then again it is just a container train so after the engine it gets a little boring.

    Also the 7939 Cargo train (yellow) is another like the red that is a full package.
  • ringleheimringleheim Member Posts: 168
    Thanks for the reply, Samiam391.

    If we are talking aesthetics, I much prefer the Emerald Night. As you say, better color scheme, more "romantic" design, and I agree that the passenger train concept is more interesting than a cargo train. I am not into Maersk baby blue either...but that is still a lovely set and the design of the locomotive is top notch.

    I guess I am most concerned with functionality/mechanical type problems that may exist with either set.
  • samiam391samiam391 Member Posts: 4,505
    @rignleheim- There's your answer on functionality with ^^.
    My $.02 is that if both are "struggling" to perform perfectly, but perform on the same level.. go with your gut and choose the one that is more aesthetically pleasing to your eye. In this case, the Emerald Night. I don't think you'll regret purchasing either, as it's LEGO, but I think you'll be more pleased with the EN.
  • graphitegraphite Member Posts: 3,275
    ^ I agree that I don't think you'll regret either. But then again I have a thing for the LEGO trains so I don't think I'd regret any of them. EN is definitely a great train. The build is interesting and the motorizing it is fun as well. If you aren't crazy about the Maersk color scheme then I would definitely go EN.
  • ringleheimringleheim Member Posts: 168
    I am a big fan of all of the LEGO trains. EN is definitely a nice looking train but I've found it slightly annoying as a Power function train since it doesn't use the standard train motor it uses the PF motor to drive geared wheels which is a cool feature but I find that it does not run as smooth on the track. But if you are only getting one for right now it is the one I would go with since it is probably only going up in price from now on for a while.

    The Maersk engine is really cool and the overall train is great but then again it is just a container train so after the engine it gets a little boring.

    Also the 7939 Cargo train (yellow) is another like the red that is a full package.
    Thanks for the reply. This is more the type of thing I am focusing on. I definitely want the train to run on tracks, and I have noted the use of the PF "XL Motor" for the EN, which is a bit off relative to how Lego normally does things. I have also noticed on youtube videos that it seems to emit a huge amount of gearbox whine or whir while running, due to the choice of motor and use of those Technic gear pieces.

    At top speed, all you seemingly hear is whirring plastic gears spinning around.

    It was also somewhat poorly designed in that the big XL motor fills the entire locomotive such that the minifigure and firebox will not fit with the motor. The coal car is also filled with the battery box and looks rather ugly from the top.

    The Maersk seems to integrate power functions much more seamlessly.

    As a static build to be viewed on a shelf, EN wins hands down for me on aesthetics.

    As a running train, I am guessing Maersk is a superior product, but I don't really know as I have never even seen a Lego train run on track in person!

  • iBartiBart Member Posts: 121
    If price really doesn't matter - choose Santa Fe engine with cars.
    Or BNSF locomotive with TTX brickset.com/detail/?Set=10170-1.

    I'm still dreaming about these... :' (
  • ezzkazzezzkazz Member Posts: 7
    I would go for the Emerald Night. It is out of production so will only go up in value. I have both and if you want it to display the the Emerald Night looks great, the Maersk is a more 'playable' train. I have to say the I knew the Emerald Night was a long engine but the Maersk engine was much bigger then I expected and worth every penny. I love the colours more than anything on the Maersk.
    I guess if I had to pick i would say Emerald Night for display and Maersk for play.
  • samiam391samiam391 Member Posts: 4,505
    edited July 2012
    @ringleheim- This sounds like everything I've written is a sales pitch (which it isn't) but I'm actually looking to sell/trade both my train sets, the Emerald Night and Maersk train. I didn't even think to bring it up until just now. Let me know if you are interested.
  • graphitegraphite Member Posts: 3,275
    @ringleheim If you're interested I can take a videos of EN, HP, Maersk, red cargo, and yellow cargo going around my track if you want to see a comparison. Pretty sure they all go around pretty much the same except the EN. The whine is definitely noticeable like you mentioned.
  • The_MackThe_Mack Member Posts: 239
    edited July 2012
    I'll just chime in a little bit even though the Emerald Night, and the Maersk trains are great. But neither comes with any track..You are going to need track...and motors, battery boxes, and IR receiver and controller for either of those sets, if you want to enjoy them. Your going to need to do a little extra work first or spend a bit extra. For me I'd go with either the Red or Yellow Cargo train that's in stock at LEGO. You going to need that to even get started that will come with most of what you'll need. Then you add the other trains. Because once you get one, your going to want to get others... Trust me...
  • ringleheimringleheim Member Posts: 168
    Samiam391: thanks for the offer on your trains, but I prefer to buy new in sealed boxes if possible.

    Graphite: Sure! I'd love to see such a video if you don't mind going to the bother of creating and posting it. It's interesting that you have singled out the EN as the sole "bad performer" of the bunch. I guess nothing is ever easy. I prefer the display aspect of the EN for sure, but I think I would also appreciate the smoother functionality of the Maersk.

    The way out of this problem, of course, is to buy both. I think I will buy only one at first though, and make sure the train bug has fully bitten.

    If you want to post that video, let me know. I will watch out for it, that is for sure!

    And thanks for your offer to do this!

  • YellowcastleYellowcastle Administrator, Moderator Posts: 5,234
    @ringleheim - Please note that I have merged your question to this existing discussion. Hopefully you'll find some of the answers you're looking for! :o)
  • graphitegraphite Member Posts: 3,275
    ^^ I can take the videos tonight. I wouldn't really say that EN is a "bad performer" but to me its the worst of the bunch just because it has the extra mechanicals in there. Someone at Brickworld had a Monster Fighters style train fashioned after the EN engine and since it had an extra car or 2 you could really notice that the motor was working hard to keep that train going and had extra trouble in the corners where the curve in the track added some resistance.
  • samiam391samiam391 Member Posts: 4,505
    Merged! @Yellowcastle strikes again.

    @ringleheim, completely understand. Best of luck finding the trains you want. I still vote the EN, but I hope you enjoy whichever one you end up choosing. ;-)
  • ringleheimringleheim Member Posts: 168
    Just finished reading the entire merged thread. The older material from the first page was a very interesting read. The "yellow cargo" seems to be a very popular choice, particularly as a first set. But that seems to come from a child's play perspective, and a focus on value for money.

    For me, the EN and Maersk are on a different level entirely. They seem purely geared to adults and are in their own class of size, detail, and sophistication. I think these are the only 2 I would seriously consider. The EN looks better, the Maersk seemingly performs better.

    Having said that, I have seen the Maersk built in the store display window several times and it does look great.

    It is also interesting to see that the EN has not really appreciated in value at all over the course of 2012. It was supposed to cost $400 by now according to some earlier in this now merged thread.

    I am thinking I should get the EN for now, while it can still be had at a reasonably OK price new in a sealed box. Then grab the Maersk down the road, before TLG discontinues.

    @Graphite: I am going to wait for your video anxiously! Thanks!

  • YellowcastleYellowcastle Administrator, Moderator Posts: 5,234
    ^ Be sure to read the existing thread on motorizing the EN and Maersk.
  • graphitegraphite Member Posts: 3,275
    edited July 2012
    Here are the videos for comparison for those interested. All are at max speed except for the HP train. Since it was lighter and only had 3 total cars I've had it jump the track on the corners at full speed.

    Also, my camera seems to pick up the audio really well and makes the normal trains seem a lot louder than they really are.

    And for scale since my wide angle lens makes it look smaller than it is, that table is 10' x 6'

    cargo train (7939)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=luveu8S9ec8&feature=youtu.be

    hogwarts express (4841)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=21lIOYD9qWI&feature=youtu.be

    red cargo (3677)
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgWNiTdUIU8&feature=youtu.be

    Maersk
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EfJ5QbG8ZzA&feature=youtu.be

    Emerald Night
    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HDPmCB4LDXE&feature=youtu.be
  • LegoFanTexasLegoFanTexas Member Posts: 8,404
    EN is indeed in a class of its own. What makes it special, and why it needs that XL motor, is that it actually uses those 6 wheels (well, 4 of them), to drive the train the way it should be, they aren't just for show.

    It has tons of power, more power than the other trains, it will pull a lot of cars! :) It doesn't like flex track however, something to keep in mind.
  • graphitegraphite Member Posts: 3,275
    It may have power to pull a lot of cars, but it moves a lot slower than the other ones. The 4 car cargo trains move like twice as fast.
  • ringleheimringleheim Member Posts: 168
    It may have power to pull a lot of cars, but it moves a lot slower than the other ones. The 4 car cargo trains move like twice as fast.
    Thanks for posting these Graphite! I really appreciate it.

    Right away I noticed how slowly the EN was going. Was the speed control still at the same setting as the earlier trains? The EN really is going slow relative to the others, and the sound is completely different to the other trains. It has so much gearbox whine! The other trains (at least on these videos) really have an almost strangely authentic train sound to them. That rhythmic whoomp-whoomp-whoomp as they go down the tracks. The EN is not like that at all. It sounds really annoying to my ears!

    It's weird: the train I like best by a mile aesthetically (EN) seems to be the worst runner of the bunch.

    As an aside, I watched several more youtube videos earlier and found one video where the guy had a huge setup on the floor with tons of track and almost all the current (and a few old) trains running at the same time. He had the red passenger train with maybe 3 extra "middle cars" making for a nice, long, sleek appearance, and that train was one of my favorites! I was surprised by that, as previously I hadn't given the red passenger train any attention at all.

    Regarding the EN and the power vs. speed. Maybe they have it geared for torque and pulling power, but low top speed. It would be interesting to play with some of the gear ratios to see if you could speed it up.

    I'm more confused than ever as to which to get now!



  • ringleheimringleheim Member Posts: 168
    EN is indeed in a class of its own. What makes it special, and why it needs that XL motor, is that it actually uses those 6 wheels (well, 4 of them), to drive the train the way it should be, they aren't just for show.

    It has tons of power, more power than the other trains, it will pull a lot of cars! :) It doesn't like flex track however, something to keep in mind.
    Regarding the FlexTrack problem--I know a lot of train enthusiasts hate the stuff.

    However, I noticed at Lego.com, there are no curved track sets listed! Do they assume all curves now will be formed via flex tracks? It's like the curved sections have been discontinued or something.

    Over at Eurobricks the EN gets a lot of flak for having some issues--not everyone loves it, for sure. I think it is the prettiest of the bunch, but not the best runner.

    I wish the Maersk excited me more than it does, as it integrates the power functions stuff much more smoothly than the EN as well.

    I am actually thinking of maybe starting out with one of the "starter sets" now that gives you everything in 1 box.
  • effalconeffalcon Member Posts: 71
    EN uses a very different system to make it move, more like a technic set compared to the rest of the trains.
  • ringleheimringleheim Member Posts: 168
    PS: Just noticed, Graphite, that you mentioned right off the bat that all trains were at full speed. Sorry, I initially missed that.

    Wow! So then the EN is THAT SLOW relative to the others at a similar speed setting...

    As much as I love the aesthetics of the EN, I think I would have real problems dealing with that gearbox whine, the highly visible power functions bits, and the reduced performance. It also has those huge overhangs at the front and rear of the locomotive relative to the wheels when it turns which looks very strange to me.

    The videos are just as you said earlier today: all the trains look (and sound!) very much the same, except the EN.

    These videos are really interesting, thanks again for posting. I am now thinking I will not get the EN, which I otherwise likely would have.



  • LegoFanTexasLegoFanTexas Member Posts: 8,404
    The EN does not sound as bad in person as it does on the videos... In my personal opinion.

    It also may be slower, but it isn't THAT slow, you can outrun it of course with the other trains, but it is a steam loco after all, modern trains should be faster.

    What EN has s pulling power, torque... Red passenger train will just spin it's wheels with a load that EN will pull all day.

    As for the "overhang" thing, it is a steam loco, that is what it is supposed to look like. Go watch some videos of the real things running, they are downright beautiful.
  • LegoFanTexasLegoFanTexas Member Posts: 8,404
    Regarding curved rails, yes they are retired, and rather expensive now to buy separate...

    If you want to just display EN, just buy one box of straight and flex track and put it on that. If you want to run EN, buy Yellow Cargo Train, it has the curved rails in the box and the value of the track almost makes the train free these days.

    If you don't care about the box, I have a damaged box Yellow Cargo train I'd do for a discount if you're in the US. NIB, just a beat up retail box. PM me if interested.
  • graphitegraphite Member Posts: 3,275
    ^ how are curved rails retired? They still come in #7895 with the switch track. While it is only 4 it appears it is the only way they've been available for almost 2 years.
  • LegoFanTexasLegoFanTexas Member Posts: 8,404
    *scratches head*

    Hmm, you seem to be correct, not sure how I missed THAT!

    #7896 is retired, that was the straight and curved rail kit.

    Somehow, I completely missed that the switch track kit came with curved rails.
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