Building the Emerald Night with a 4 yr old :-)

[v6TransAM]

The kid has been absolutely dying to have a steam engine for his Lego trains.

So over the last week between work, snow and everything else we have slowly been working on it when we get a chance.

Thankfully we are building it out of parts on hand and I have made everything work thus far Little bit of ingenuity goes a long way here or there. I refuse to shell out $300 or so for it. He was just too little when it was out and it was before our Lego rebirth for it and the Maersk engine.

Since his Dad is awesome we have quite a parts stockpile and have it built to the point that the next steps are the boiler jacketing, so we are getting there slowly but surely. He has been counting out the bricks needed and finding a decent amount of the pieces for me, so it will eventually move under its own power. Probably work on it more tonight.

I will update with some pics once we get her completed.

[M_slug357]

Nice father-and-son time there!

What color(s) are you making your EN in though?

Since you're building it from parts already on hand...

[v6TransAM]

So far running gear area is mostly grey(more light than dark) and boiler area and trim has some dark green and black for the majority, trying to keep it coordinated.

Have had to remake some of the running gear and a few parts for things we did not have, but should be fully functional and good looking when done.

Got the lower layer of slopes for the boiler on last night and should be working on the second level this afternoon. I'll get some pics when we have a much less cramped working area lol

[v6TransAM]

Worst part alert lol

Rebuilding the rear of the gearing where the motor goes. We only had one of the technic T pieces, so had to make do with bricks and pulled it off. Also seems about 10 times sturdier than what Lego had intended in the first place as well, so we are taking a break since we have to vacate his room when the little one takes a nap next door.

Kind of constrained space wise since we do this all in his room since mommy doesn't quite appreciate Lego the same way dad does lol Hard with the track layout, dumping buckets for parts, laptop for instructions, etc etc

Edited February 9, 2015 by v6TransAM

[v6TransAM]

So where are all the running problems that I see everywhere about the Emerald Night?

Only thing I did different was eliminate the rear T towards the engine and used a technics 1*4 with holes instead and used an extra flat 1*2 where the pistons would be on the front so they could not hit the bottom plate.

She rolled good on all track for a week or so by hand and now powered today it runs a lot smoother than I was expecting based on comments here.

Will update with pics when I'm off work next.

[Murdoch17]

So where are all the running problems that I see everywhere about the Emerald Night?

Only thing I did different was eliminate the rear T towards the engine and used a technics 1*4 with holes instead and used an extra flat 1*2 where the pistons would be on the front so they could not hit the bottom plate.

She rolled good on all track for a week or so by hand and now powered today it runs a lot smoother than I was expecting based on comments here.

Will update with pics when I'm off work next.

In my experience, the problems most troublesome were the siderods getting jammed inside the piston. But that's an easy fix, just by doubling the amount of this part ( http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=6536 ) to two on each side instead of one. It take a bit of fiddling and reworking, but it works wonders. If you want I 'll upload a picture to explain what I mean and how I did it.

[peterab]

So where are all the running problems that I see everywhere about the Emerald Night?

Many people only saw the problems after a few hours running at a show.

[v6TransAM]

Well its built and running need some more of the 1*3 slopes for the roof.

Have one issue though, haven't used it for a week or two and now the rubber bands I pressed into service for traction are junk and its slipping badly. None of my other rubber bands will work and any o-rings I have are too thick and I have multiple o-ring sets.

Anyone have a part number outside of the Lego red traction bands they found works for the large steam drivers?

Will try and update this with pics as well.

[jamesed_1971]

you need Part x37 Rubber Belt Medium, available on Bricklink.com Url is http://www.bricklink.com/search.asp?colorID=5&itemID=3322, they fit the Lego Large Drivers quite easily, I use them on my Lego EKR No 5 Adams Radial 4-4-2ST Steam Locomotive, I never had a problem, and if they wear out, they can be replaced quite easily due to the amount Bricklink.com has (37,333 in stock).

[v6TransAM]

lol Thanks

That answers that question, guess I have to use bricklink and the pain in the rear it looks to entail........

Its the only thing I need to order. Have to figure out some other stuff to order.

[zephyr1934]

That answers that question, guess I have to use bricklink and the pain in the rear it looks to entail........

Its the only thing I need to order. Have to figure out some other stuff to order.

If you only need the rubber bands, you could call lego customer service. They might send you out a set for free.

As for bricklink, it is not too hard to use... if anything it is too easy to use and you will soon find yourself buying all sorts of things.

[lanesteele240]

The kid has been absolutely dying to have a steam engine for his Lego trains.

So over the last week between work, snow and everything else we have slowly been working on it when we get a chance.

Thankfully we are building it out of parts on hand and I have made everything work thus far Little bit of ingenuity goes a long way here or there. I refuse to shell out $300 or so for it. He was just too little when it was out and it was before our Lego rebirth for it and the Maersk engine.

Since his Dad is awesome we have quite a parts stockpile and have it built to the point that the next steps are the boiler jacketing, so we are getting there slowly but surely. He has been counting out the bricks needed and finding a decent amount of the pieces for me, so it will eventually move under its own power. Probably work on it more tonight.

I will update with some pics once we get her completed.

This is why you go ahead and buy 2 sets of all of them when you find out the wife is pregnant.

I wish i would have bought more. The sets are a fun investment