5 replies to this topic

[MrTools]

I am about to buy supplies at the lego store to make a train, but what do i need?

I am going to buy the the 8866 Train Motor but i know of nothing else.

I have a limit of about 70 dollars and at the store i might also purchase a PAB cup and pack of streight and curved rails so i can complete my circuit leaving me with 40 dollars. Anyone who knows their trains, please help me i dont want to mess up

[soc399]

MrTools, on Jun 17 2009, 01:48 PM, said:

I am about to buy supplies at the lego store to make a train, but what do i need?

I am going to buy the the 8866 Train Motor but i know of nothing else.

I have a limit of about 70 dollars and at the store i might also purchase a PAB cup and pack of streight and curved rails so i can complete my circuit leaving me with 40 dollars. Anyone who knows their trains, please help me i dont want to mess up

You probably won't be able to get everything you need at the store, unless you buy an actual train set.  You will also need a battery box and an extension wire to power the train motor.  In order to build some cars, you are going to need some more wheel assemblies and buffers.  You can find them in the online Pick A Brick (under transportation) or on Bricklink.  The store probably won't have them.  You will probably also want some more of these wheels to complete your locomotive.  There are many more parts that you might want as you expand your train, but this will enable you to build a simple train to start.

EDIT: I just checked Pick A Brick, and I don't see train buffers there.  Bricklink will be a cheaper option for most loose parts, anyway.  Also, you will need at least two sets of straight and curved rails to make a complete circle.

Edited by soc399, 17 June 2009 - 06:13 PM.

[MrTools]

OK thanks, i probably will wait thn, i will probably just get an exclusive set or hard to find set and wait for the train supplies.

[Brickimad]

MrTools, on Jun 17 2009, 07:16 PM, said:

OK thanks, i probably will wait thn, i will probably just get an exclusive set or hard to find set and wait for the train supplies.

I'd recommend to keep checking eBay. ok trains do go for alot of money, but I managed to get hold of a Metroliner with box, oval of track for £40 (about £60 USD). and managed to obtain some other items quite cheap... I think motors are going for $25.

[kevblee]

Motors are about $25.00 if you get lucky....they have been climbing in price lately.  The older 9V sets are climbing in price as well....even loose , complete with no box.  My advice is to be careful with any loose "complete" sets on Ebay.  Most of the time they turn out to be incomplete.  Bricklink is a better, safer bet, but I would still check the feeback before buying that hard to find set at either place!

[TheBrickster]

I'm a big fan of 9V, although I love the new Emerald Night.  Be prepared to spend some money for the 9V track, motor, and transformer though, if you go this route.

You could always pick up the new 7897 R/C Passenger Train for $90 (a little more than you have to spend).  It would give you a full circle/oval of track and a pretty nice looking train.  I also love the design of 7898 Deluxe Cargo Train (for $150).  Both trains are R/C (battery operated), but the track and pieces can be used to build your future trains/layout.  It's just that the R/C system is obsolete.

With the 8866 motor, you will need a battery box and electric wire (as mentioned above). To me, you're better off just spending the money on all the Power Functions accessories needed to power the Emerald Express (for around $100).  Then you have to go out and buy the Emerald.  It is pricey, but the latest train system.

Things were really a lot more simple with 9V trains.

EDIT You might also want to check out this article.