New to Power Factor trains, what should I buy to get started?

[John Hill]

Our train layout is 4.5V battery trains, 12V 'centre rail' (two rails actually) trains and 9V metal trains. Several have been modified for example 4.5V running with rechargeable batteries, 4.5V running with radio DCC, 12V and 9V trains running DCC.

But now I would like to know about PF components for trains which I think are infra red controlled with rechargeable batteries? What components do I need to buy to get started with PF trains?

Oh, am I right in thinking PF is the present technique for LEGO trains?

[THERIZE]

For power functions you need this:

Battery Box for power:

88000 (using 6 regular AAA batteries, does the job for 'normal' use, also in red)

8878 (rechargeable and the strongest battery box, allowing the most motors. Great for train building because you don't need to remove the box to swap batteries, only a small opening for the charge port)

8881 (stronger than 88000 and uses 6 AA batteries but also bigger and uses technic holes instead of studs)

Receiver for the control:

V1 (the normal receiver, gets the job easily done)

V2 (heavy duty version used in the technic crawler, only available through third parties like Bricklink or in a complete set)

Motors for movement:

Train motor (the standerd motor for trains. Suitable for fast trains where you don't need much torque but only allows 2 axles)

M motor (the compact technic motor, frequently used geared down for shunters, or for triple axle bogies, also the only one with studs)

L motor (combines the speed of a M motor with the torque of the XL)

XL motor (slow but powerful, loves to destroy gears)

Remote:

always use the speed remote. It allows speed control (duh) for trains while the other remote only allows forward and backward movement.

I'd say start with 88000, a receiver, train motor and a speed remote. With that you have all the things you need to start.

[dr_spock]

This is what comes with the off the shelf LEGO CITY starter train sets. It's the minimum Power Functions you need and the easiest to get going.

[John Hill]

Thanks very much for the information!

John