Lego 10 wide train plans and questions

[maxthe45022]

Hello everyone, 

As a kid in Australia, I always built a lego train to go under the christmas tree using the 4.5v motor and old school blue track from the 60's. I was always so excited about it because despite my mountains of seemingly endless lego, I was only allowed to use the train set around christmas time. 

Im currently working overseas and will miss christmas this year. So im setting myself the challenge of building a 10 wide train for next year. On digital designer, I have already made a few 10 wide locomotives, not quite happy with them yet, but it's been a while since I have really done anything with lego. I have been looking to purchase some old school sets here in Germany as they are readily available and significantly cheaper than back at home.

My question is, the locomotive alone is looking like about 900-1000 pieces... that's pretty heavy. I Would ideally have the train on batteries (can fit the battery pack and two motors on pivots in the locomotive). Will this set up be viable with 4.5v motors? or will I need to also build my carriages around a motor and battery pack each? or will even this not suffice?

The train doesn't have to be fast, but I don't want to burn out motors that have seen 50-something years of service... the train has to run on the blue track for nostalgia purposes. The 12v middle runners are an option but I think they're ugly... any thoughts, comments?

At 10 wide, can the train tip?

Thanks for any comments and opinions, and merry christmas!

 

[M_slug357]

Why the need for 10 studs wide???

......I don't think those 12V motors will appreciate such working conditions.......