6 replies to this topic

[Davey]

The Brickster has inspired me with his recent work with some of the other classic 4.5V and 12V trains, so I decided to jump in and convert one of my favorite classic sets to 9V.  I received LEGO Set #7720 (Battery Train Set) sometime in the 1980's from my parents. It was my first introduction to LEGO Trains and ignited a passion that has stayed with me all these years. Although my 4.5V motor has since died, I felt that this engine deserved to live on in 9V form. It will now be a permanent fixture of our layout pulling the small LEGO hopper cars.  



I even managed to find the bricks that have the original stickers on them. It's amazing how well they have survived in my collection for almost 20 years!  I still have all the pieces, the instructions, and the box for this set. In fact, the box even has the original price sticker on it...$59.95. What a deal!





You can find more pictures on my Flickr page, MOCPages, or Brickshelf.  Links are below in my sig.

Enjoy!

-Dave
ToT-LUG

[TheBrickster]

Fantastic creation Dave!  It's great to see these 4.5 and 12V sets recreated once again.  I can see a lot of resemblance to the 7760 Diesel Shunter here.  I don't recall this set from my childhood but it looks like it would have made a young child very happy.  I can see how it sucked you into the hobby.  Lego should produce a few of these sets as Legends - or even some sort of "classic train collection".  Wouldn't that make a great set?

In regard to this model, I like the double lights and sticker used for the front end and the split shutters between the front and back.  It really does look a lot like the 7760, just a bit smaller.  Overall, very nice.
And I see that you have it pulling a blue hopper.  That's like a double awesome.  I might check out the instructions for the blue hopper never having tried to make one.

Great build/restoration!  I hope you share more.

[AJW]

Isn't it funny how great minds think alike! I've been converting the same loco for my 12 volt layout. I have to agree with you guys, it's a lovely little model. I even had a go at adding some detail to the driving cab, but sadly there wasn't enough natural light to let me take photos of the inside.



I decided to make the roof line flush with with windows to give it a slightly sleeker appearance. Apart from that and the grey ladders on the sides, it is exactly as the original instructions.


So who fancies building a blue, green or yellow version?

[Galaxy Explorer]

Wow! Both of those look great! This was my first train set and still one of my all-time favorites. I too wanted the engine to be free-wheeling, so I removed the wheels from the motor and placed them on a 2x4 axle brick, then placed those on each end of the motor. Again, great job guys!

[AFOL12v]

Great train, but to get it more original you can use the 12v motors form the blue area trains.

[Davey]

Panda9001100, on Sep 2 2009, 08:54 AM, said:

Great train, but to get it more original you can use the 12v motors form the blue area trains.

True...but seeing as I have no 12V stuff and it is very expensive to acquire here in the US, I went with the 9V method.  

-Dave

[Big Cam]

Boy that brings be back.  Great reconstruction!!