9V Train Track Help

edsmith0075

Greetings,
I hope this is in the correct forum. I recently got into the LEGo Train scene. I am planning to build a 9V setup using the discontinued powered/metal track and motor.

Here's my question.Track is now ridiculously priced due to being discontinued! Sooooo I reviewed Chris Meyer's 9V lego track work around with the copper tape. Has anyone here had experience with this? How well does it work? Does it wear out quickly? Are there better work arounds? Has anyone used any other electric condusive tapes?

I am willing to do the work around but want the tape I use too not wear out quickly...

Thanks in advance :-)

The_Brick_Builder

I have heard of successful stories using the copper wire method, but I would recommended using the official track. Sorry, I cannot provide a lot of details as I have never done this method.

romdam

Maybe go to the Eurobricks forum and ask in the train section there. Lots of train people there.

DaddyDeuce

Personally, when faced with a similar decision, I decided I was going to go all PF. 9V is the past and PF is the future, and many of the great 9V engines can be rebuilt or adapted into PF format.

I did not want to make the investment in 9V track and 9V accessories that going that route would require.

That said, there is a company making "new" 9V compatible track. Their website is at http://www.me-models.com. I cannot personally vouch for them but I've heard other AFOLs speak highly of them.

hleonffu

The ME Model track is definitely an alternative to the LEGO 9V track - plus it comes in 2 colors (traditional grey and brown). I have used it with LEGO 9V track and it works well, although most of my trains are PF trains.

The_Brick_Builder

I've heard that the ME Model Track sometimes doesn't provide enough friction for the train to run.

madforLEGO

That and I think that the last I checked the ME models track price is not much cheaper than LEGO's track, and LEGO's track is UL approved I believe (I do not think that the ME model stuff is, but not sure on that).

So really when it boiled down to it Id say just buy regular 9v track, or go all PF.
I personally like the 9v over PF, but that is probably because I had a chance to get cheap 9volt track.

That and many people like to have the track to run the original motors that came with the set, which is why I also managed to get 12v rails for the 4.5 volt track.
I just like it being more authentic (and yes I know you can pretty much convert all trains to PF)

LegobrandonCP

I only have two boxes of curved 9v track I got on sale on S&H a long time ago. I wasn't interested in trains at the time so I knew little to nothing about the LEGO 9v system. As time passed, I became more and more interested in LEGO trains and wanted to learn more about the 9v system. I discovered that 9v does not use batteries or rechargeable batteries. It uses power from the electrical outlet. That is a HUGE, HUGE plus because I don't have to spend money on batteries or the expensive rechargeable battery box from LEGO. So yea, that is my story. I really wish LEGO brought back 9v but I guess it was also my fault for not being interested in trains earlier.

cooldude87

I have used the copper tape on all my new track as it is much cheaper to buy the new track and the copper tape then it is to buy the old track. if you have the patients then it will only take a few minutes to complete a peice. you get the hang of it after completing a few peices and then it is a breeze to complete the rest.

Pitfall69

"If I had the "patients" I would have become a doctor"

I love the 9V system. Unlimited power is a must, especially at Lego/ train shows. I was lucky enough to purchase plenty of Lego 9V track when it was on its way out. The straight track is getting expensive, but the curved track is really cheap. You can operate a lot of train functions with just 1 power converter.

beegeedee

keep an eye out on ebay. I bought a lot of curved track and wires and controller for about 10 GBP plus shipping and then got some straight track and additional curves from bricklink. The motor is the most expensive part unless you need loads of track. I only needed enough for a circle/oval so it was fairly reasonable.