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Trains

jlbbluejlbblue Member Posts: 54
edited November 2011 in Building and Techniques
I have several trains that are about to be opened, but they did not come with the power functions. Do sets come with the directions to add them and what is needed?

Additionally, I have heard that the flexible tracks are not that great. Any opinions? I have several boxes of them.

We have never built a LEGO train before and are looking forward to it. Thanks

Comments

  • Si_UKNZSi_UKNZ Member Posts: 4,179
    which trains? modern non motorised ones generally tell you how to motorise.

    personally I like the flexible tracks but some people dont like their look. You do need to think twice about how you route it so the train doesnt derail, but a bit of common sense and theyre fine.
  • The_Brick_BuilderThe_Brick_Builder Member Posts: 658
    I really dislike flexible track. If your trying to make a City/Train Layout, I suggest sell the flexi and use that money to buy the real train track.
  • JasenJasen Member Posts: 283
    The thing about the flexible tracks is it helps make up shortfalls and gaps. Other than that you're just better off just using the solid track pieces :D
  • jlbbluejlbblue Member Posts: 54
    I have 2 each of the Maersk train, Emerald Night and the Harry Potter one. My son tells me there are others, but I can't remember. Red Cargo, Yellow Cargo, Green Cargo, Red Passenger and White Passenger as well.

    Do they still sell the regular curved track? I saw the switch tracks, but can't find curved for some reason.
  • LegogeekLegogeek Member Posts: 714
    edited November 2011
    This was my train year. Bought the Yellow Cargo & Red Passenger trains at a TRU during a BOGO sale early this year. Then this week I bought the Red Cargo from TRU online, discounted. And last night bought the Emerald Night from [email protected], with power functions...
    Now all I have to do is find the time to build them. ;o)
  • kylejohnson11kylejohnson11 Member Posts: 508
    @jlbblue that is a very nice train collection :) I got my first one in May and my second in June, Red Passenger Train and Yellow Cargo Train. Your son is right about the trains, except for the white passenger train is no longer available. I think for track the Yellow Cargo is the best, 2 switches, 16 curve track, and a good chunk of straight.

    A tip i've learned with the flex track if you're trying to make it go straight is to use a 1x8 or a 2x8 on top of the track. It hold it in place then.

    I'm not sure if they still sell curve track by itself. You get 16 of them with both the Yellow Cargo Train and Red Passenger Train.
  • Rollo_TomassiRollo_Tomassi Member Posts: 113
    I've found that if you use flexitrack sparsely (like 1-3 sections) in between regular flat and curved pieces it should be okay. If you're using it exclusively to make a curve, the chances of gummage increase.

    Congrats on all the Train sets! I had a similar experience. I bought the Red Passenger about a year ago and fell in love. I now have the Red and Yellow Cargos, the EN, and the Maersk, as well as two Crossings, and three different Train Stations.
    My biggest problem is having enough room to lay out all that track! Seriously, you're gonna have to move furniture out of the room. ;-)
  • DavidRod8DavidRod8 Member Posts: 143
    Same here... I always loved trains and lego... now I can combine it! I bought last week the red cargo train, and then last night I got @ TRU the yellow cargo and maersk. I'm missing the red passenger and emerald night which I should be picking up very soon :)
  • jlbbluejlbblue Member Posts: 54
    I'm pretty lucky as to space for the layout. We have set aside about 1000 sq ft of our basement for the layout.
    I guess I will order a bunch of the power functions for the trains. Can the remote handle multiple trains?
    We looked at the boxes and it seems the White Passenger and Green Cargo are different.
  • kylejohnson11kylejohnson11 Member Posts: 508
    edited November 2011
    I guess I will order a bunch of the power functions for the trains. Can the remote handle multiple trains?
    The controler can handle up to 8 at one time. 4 red channels and 4 blue channels.
  • Rollo_TomassiRollo_Tomassi Member Posts: 113
    I have a question about the 4 channels. If you set a train in motion on Channel 1, and then switch to a different channel, does the Ch1 train keep moving or does it stop because it's no longer receiving the frequency?
  • Si_UKNZSi_UKNZ Member Posts: 4,179
    keeps running.
    I suggest you just open some boxes and try it :)
  • Rollo_TomassiRollo_Tomassi Member Posts: 113
    I still need to buy the PF stuff for the Maersk and EN. I had the Red Passenger out awhile ago, but put it away because space is a premium for me. So the most trains I've had going at once are the Red and Yellow Cargo. Which didn't require different channels. ;-)
  • Si_UKNZSi_UKNZ Member Posts: 4,179
    The thing with controlling lots of trains with one controller is that it can be hard to quickly stop one if you need to e.g. if it derails. I like to have a load of controllers connected together, with a sticky label on each to say which train is which.
  • jlbbluejlbblue Member Posts: 54
    ^That sounds like a great idea. I was trying to stay cheap and hoped to not have to order so much stuff, but oh well.
  • tdhbrtdhbr Member Posts: 188
    If you're trying to stay cheap, you're in the wrong hobby. :)
    (and I haven't even jumped on the trains yet).
  • LegogeekLegogeek Member Posts: 714
    Needing a bit of quick advise from the train builders out there. I think I know the answer, but just want to confirm...

    I bought Emerald Night (on order from LEGO) and plan on motorizing it.
    I bought some of the PF bits at the same time. It was late at night, and I wanted to get in on the VIP deal, free shipping, holiday set and did not do any research beforehand...
    Somewhere I read that the instructions had info on how to motorize the train, so I checked them online and found out which componants were needed. I ordered #8884 IR receiver, #8882 XL motor, #8878 Rechargable battery box, and #8870 lights.

    Instructions didn't mention it, but later I found out I'll need to get the #8887 transformer also. I'll try calling the local LEGO store to see if they carry these, otherwise I'll have to place another order online.

    Now for the question this all leads to... As far as the remote control unit recommended - #8879. I assume I won't really need it because I already have the Yellow and Red Cargo trains and Red Passenger train (not built or even opened yet), which I think all come with the same controller - so I don't really need another controller do I?

    Guess I should always do my homework first, but it was a bit of an impulse buy.

  • kylejohnson11kylejohnson11 Member Posts: 508
    If you ordered the rechargable battery box, then you will need the transformer, unless you have a different charger at home that fits. Both the Yellow Cargo Train and Red Passenger Train come with the AAA battery box and do not require the transformer.

    They all can be controlled on the same controller.

    Enjoy your emerald night :)
  • LegogeekLegogeek Member Posts: 714
    @kylejohnson11 - That's what I thought. Thanks for confirming.

    I defintately will enjoy it - plan on setting it up for the holiday season.

    Another question, this time in regards to the three train mentioned. Since they come with the AAA battery box, has anyone swapped for the rechargable battery box? Will it work? If so, any benefit to doing it? Pros or cons either way are welcome. :o)
  • Rollo_TomassiRollo_Tomassi Member Posts: 113
    If you're going to be running your Trains a lot, the rechargeable setup will save you cash long term. But we're talking long long term. If you're just casually setting up your trains every once in awhile, then the initial cost of the Recharge set doesn't outweigh investing in some AAA batteries for quite awhile.
    When I get my PF stuff, I'm just getting the battery box. I'm also skipping the light. I don't plan on running my trains in the middle of the night. ;-) And it will be a lonnnng time before I build a giant Lego tunnel for my trains to run thru.
  • hleonffuhleonffu Member Posts: 247
    The AAA and rechargeable battery boxes are interchangeable. Rechargeable has a benefit that you do not need to remove the battery box to replace batteries - just plug it into the transformer. Removing battery from Emerald Night is much easier than Yellow and Red trains. I have a rechargeable on my Yellow Cargo train.
  • kylejohnson11kylejohnson11 Member Posts: 508
    For all of our battery boxes, we are using rechargeable batteries. I feel it is a cheaper investment than the LEGO rechargeable box.
  • Farmer_JohnFarmer_John Member Posts: 2,405
    Ahhhh....trains!!!

    I got the EN last year and just purchased the Red Cargo on sale at TRU. I have a couple Toy Story trains that I thought would make great parts. I also picked up a few older train car sets like the caboose, log hauler, and a passenger car. I have yet to purchase flexible tracks due to the negative comments, but may pick up a box on Black Friday. We purchased rechargeable batteries to work with our battery boxes, but to be honest I haven't motorized anything yet. Any thoughts on how many cars can be connected to a single engine?

    This year my kids and I are also going to focus on the trains since I have some vacation built up that needs to be used. Just can't wait...
  • LegogeekLegogeek Member Posts: 714
    Thanks for the feedback guys!
    I think actual use of my trains will be very casual, so I can probably get away with the AAA version. Once I get all my trains built, I think I'll toy around with swapping the battery boxes in order to see how they actually work & fit.
  • Si_UKNZSi_UKNZ Member Posts: 4,179
    I'm using the AAA version with rechargeable batteries in, probably works out cheaper in the long run, lower cost, and when they eventually lose chargability, just replace them.
    The only minor downside is that you have to remove the batteries each time to charge them.
  • veritas313veritas313 Member Posts: 80
    How long are Lego going to keep Red cargo train an exclusive in the uk? I'm desperate for this train but if it's $105 in the US there's no way I'm paying £132 in the uk. I wasn't even tempted with the 10% this weekend at [email protected]
  • veritas313veritas313 Member Posts: 80
    I too have had these city trains boxed for ages and this weekend I built my trains/stations/level crossing - I loved building them, now I can put the layout together. I was never into trains as a kid - but these are awesome - as an AFOL you get to search out the best deals - buy and then look lovingly at your boxes/purchases - build - construct your layout - then customise your layout. Happy days!!!
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,789
    I will be happy when I can get a house where I can set up all of my LEGO city and train stuff.
  • kylejohnson11kylejohnson11 Member Posts: 508
    @madforlegos I'm in the same boat. Once I pass my CPA exams and get a house I'll be in good shape for a solid layout.
  • LegogeekLegogeek Member Posts: 714
    Well, I got my red cargo train today from TRU.com via UPS. After reading some bad stories about TRU shipping I was glad to receive mine in a nice uncrushed box! TRU was a little skimpy with padding the contents, but the actual product box arrive undamaged also. Now to see how my Emerald Night will fare when it arrives on Friday via FedEx.
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,789
    ^--- I think that is the only good thing about TRU shipping boxes.. they are so huge that if they do get dented there is a chance the box does not get damaged, but shuffled around in the shipping box. Most of the time I see a side of a box looking as if it was kicked in, but the Sex inside is fine (mercifully) if not, then that is the set I am opening :-)
  • jlbbluejlbblue Member Posts: 54
    edited November 2011
    Most of the time I see a side of a box looking as if it was kicked in, but the Sex inside is fine (mercifully) if not, then that is the set I am opening :-)
    Those must be some naughty minifigs in those boxes.
  • MinifigsMeMinifigsMe Member Posts: 2,844
    edited November 2011
    ^LOL!

    Welcome to the expensive and space eating world of trains. As a child of a train fanatic, I had to go down this route. First the yellow cargo, since it was cheap, then emerald night (get the light for it too, it does look good), toy story train, passenger train, hogwarts express and the holiday train. I have no room for sidings for them all in my layout, but I'm gonna try. One day.
    For christmas though I'm going to try and motorise with PF the holiday and hogwarts trains. Get them running round my tree with the winter toy shop and bakery in the middle. Lets see if that actually happens eh?
  • technicaltacticstechnicaltactics Member Posts: 47
    edited November 2011
    For all you worrying about the red&white passenger train, save yourselves time, don't.
    To me, the set is overly priced, and what disappointed me is the one-piece canopy that makes up the front of each engine car, mine barely fit onto the train, I heard others are having this problem as well. Oh well, not much to worry about.
  • Si_UKNZSi_UKNZ Member Posts: 4,179
    ^^
    My dad's a train fan (Hornby) and I gave him the Emerald for his birthday a few weeks back - he didnt know what to make of it at first, but I think he'll love making it. I'm expecting to have a new AFOL on my hards shortly - if the Emerald won't 'turn' him, nothing will!

    ^ I take it you mean the mostly white passenger train with red bits, not the mostly red passenger train with white bits :-) ... I agree - skip it. I'm sure Lego have a new, better high speed train in the pipeline, my bets are on for one in 2012.

    PS you might find this bricklist useful http://www.brickset.com/brickLists/?4855
  • MinifigsMeMinifigsMe Member Posts: 2,844
    Me and my dad built the EN together. He liked it, but I don't think he was sold. I had to keep undoing what he'd done, which didn't help!
  • tdhbrtdhbr Member Posts: 188
    edited November 2011
    ^^
    PS you might find this bricklist useful http://www.brickset.com/brickLists/?4855
    Oh I wish I hadn't looked at that. I don't have any trains (yet), but now I'm picturing a nice big trainyard, with MOC turntable and roundhouse to park them in ...

    It's a great list - thanks! :)
  • IstokgIstokg Member Posts: 2,363
    IMHO.... some of the "Crown Jewels" of LEGO Trains.... ;-)
  • Silber334Silber334 Member Posts: 147
    edited November 2011
    IMHO.... some of the "Crown Jewels" of LEGO Trains.... ;-)
    Ah, sheer nostalgia! I used to have 7720 when I was a kid. I liked the Deutsch Bahn stickers whose meanings I couldn't understand back then. You had the choice to build either the steam loco or the diesel car.
  • LambringoLambringo Member Posts: 104
    I got the yellow cargo last month because it was on too good a deal to pass up. It was my first venture into anything train related. Now i have 2 of them, 4 Maersk, 2 red passenger, 1 Hogwarts, 1 Toy Story, 1 train station, 3 crossings, bunch of extra track and am trying to track down extra carriages on ebay. I could have got red cargo at 25% off today, but it is AUD$290 RRP so I will be waiting till I can order it from oversees.

    The next step is to swap the PF from the yellow cargos and passengers to the EN and Maersks.
  • NeilJamNeilJam Member Posts: 272
    edited November 2011
    Ah, sheer nostalgia! I used to have 7720 when I was a kid. I liked the Deutsch Bahn stickers whose meanings I couldn't understand back then. You had the choice to build either the steam loco or the diesel car.
    I had that train too, and still do. The picture of all the other trains on the back of the instructions made me jealous that I couldn't get them here in the US. Wish I still had the sticker sheet from that set as there were many extra ones I never used.
  • Silber334Silber334 Member Posts: 147
    edited November 2011
    I had that train too, and still do. The picture of all the other trains on the back of the instructions made me jealous that I couldn't get them here in the US. Wish I still had the sticker sheet from that set as there were many extra ones I never used.
    Well you have one valuable set in your collection and should take good care of it:) All of my old Lego sets are non-existent, since I had to move during my childhood and they took up too much space. Too bad I didn't have the will to bring them with me.
    Now please don't point your gun at me guys.
  • pantenkindpantenkind Member Posts: 258
    I just boxed up all my trains a couple days ago as I do not have the room for a proper layout. I love the trains but there is no doubt that it is a space hog. I also boxed up my modulars as well though...I have an entire room dedicated to lego and I am out of room...*Stands up in front of the group* My name is Brian and I am an addict *small tear down my cheek* :-)
  • madforLEGOmadforLEGO Member Posts: 10,789
    ^--- Same here, no space.. I have built many of the trains I have as I do really want to display them once I can afford some decent display cases that can be closed to hopefully keep dust down on them.
  • StuBoyStuBoy Member Posts: 623
    ^^ HaHa!! *I look around my office and wipe the smile off my face, as I see the floor and desk covered with LEGO*.
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