ME-Model Rails for Indiana Jones Track

[roamingstop]

I recently had an opportunity to test 2 short lengths of ME-Models latest 9V compatible track to see how well it would work with the Indiana Jones track and cart concepts.

And for profile...

First up, the aluminium rails are really well constructed. They fit snugly onto the Lego plates, which is great if you have fast moving trains running over them, although you might not want to be changing them around too regularly. However there is clearly a colour difference with the bley IJ track.

The custom made joining plates are great for use with the 9V track, but will have difficulty with IJ connectors due to the studs which are positioned at 4wide. However this is not a real problem, as you can place the normal lego plates close to the end of the ME track track, and hold them in place to IJ with 1x4 plates. The mating connector of the ME rails matches that of the IJ track perfectly, and there is virtutally no height difference.

The profile of the ME track is slightly different from that of the IJ rails. I tried out a couple of different wheel types - Lego with rubber band traction, BBB medium (no traction) and IJ cart. The BBB combination worked best, and the IJ cart worst. However it should be noted that the IJ cart wheels have a lot of friction on the axles, which influences this.

The upshot, I will be buying a lot of ME model track to make some nice narrow gauge railroads, which are compatible with IJ track. The combination also allows 5 wide track, but I will wait until I see more curved elements to see what is actually feasible.

Thanks to space2310 for a great narrow gauge truck design, it helped a lot with the testing of different wheels.

Edited April 13, 2011 by roamingstudio

[tedbeard]

Any idea if ME Models track options will include a narrow-gauge curve that could be used instead of the IJ curves? It would mean being able to have matching track and to power the rails.

[roamingstop]

Any idea if ME Models track options will include a narrow-gauge curve that could be used instead of the IJ curves? It would mean being able to have matching track and to power the rails.

I dont know what ME models is preparing; although a powered narrow gauge would be great, but would require a custom 9V pickup and a custom 9V motor - or Space2310 powered trucks (bogeys)... so might not be easy.

Oh and when you add the IJ ramp track onto ME rails, it makes a great Great Ball Contraption _or_ fairground ride... It is a real pity TLG never did a IJ compatible straight.

[fred67]

Thanks, roamingstudio; as I anxiously await my order all sorts of interesting ideas pop into my head. Although I ordered specifically for my regular trains, I was playing with miniscale (not narrow gauge) and using IJ curves, so this ought to be a nice addition.

The more I see of these while I'm waiting, the better, and I'm excited about the various curve radii coming down the pike.

I want to be annoyed at TLG for how the mishandle trains for train fans, but I've accepted the fact that train fans aren't their target audience. In the same way I'm happy to buy brickarms and brickforge items, I'll be happy to support ME for those products TLG doesn't feel are worthwhile.

[henryhotspurs]

Very interesting! It's going to be nice to model an authentic, historical, narrow gauge railway from my neck of the woods. Great comparison!

[Fuzzylegobricks]

This is great and very exciting! I can't wait for myself to buy a pair(s) of these new track pieces.

[greenmtvince]

Thanks for the info roamingstudio! This gives me a few more options for my little Porter engine.

I'm also excited about the fact that the rails are aluminum as opposed to ABS. They'll be easier to throw in a mill to make custom bits of track like switches.