Mod a 9V train (4558) to work on PF tracks

[mads]

Hi!

I found it a bit difficult finding concrete tips about this, but that might be because I'm a newbie at Lego train stuff - but I wonder, is there a relatively simple way to rebuild a Lego Metroliner set from '91 (4558) to run on PF tracks with the new-style bluetooth controller controls? It would be awesome is there was a way to do this and still keep the original design intact. It certainly would revive lots of old train sets I fetched from the attic!

In a dream world I would just swap the motor and fit a battery pack somewhere, but then - how should I power the front lights? Are there any connector converters I could use, maybe? Has anyone made a convertion like this work?

I hope I'm asking this at the right place, if not please do tell were to look :)

[coaster]

There's nothing yet that converts the Power UP (PUP) system to the older 9V or PF systems.  However, if you mean to use the PF IR reciever et al, then there is a PF-to-9V adapter cable LEGO produced, so you could go from the receiver to the 9V port on the old motor and subsequently the headlights.  Might take a bit of modding to make room for the stack of connectors (or use one of those 2x4 electric plates from back in the day), but it should be doable. 

Edited August 30, 2018 by coaster

[Mr Hobbles]

Yes, I've done it with my Metroliner. You need the new PUP Hub and the new PUP Train motor.

The PUP Hub fits perfectly behind the engine doors if you remove the arch just behind the driver doors. I've replaced it with two 1x1 bricks.

You also need to raise the Hub about two plates off the floor so the train motor wire can feed through the floor, but it still fits perfectly within the available space.

The front lights can't be powered currently as there is no converter cable yet, but you could use the new PUP lights instead.

Edited August 30, 2018 by Mr Hobbles

[mads]

57 minutes ago, coaster said:

There's nothing yet that converts the Power UP (PUP) system to the older 9V or PF systems.  However, if you mean to use the PF IR reciever et al, then there is a PF-to-9V adapter cable LEGO produced, so you could go from the receiver to the 9V port on the old motor and subsequently the headlights.  Might take a bit of modding to make room for the stack of connectors (or use one of those 2x4 electric plates from back in the day), but it should be doable. 

Ah, that's what it's called, didn't know, sorry! I meant Powered UP yes.

15 minutes ago, Mr Hobbles said:

Yes, I've done it with my Metroliner. You need the new PUP Hub and the new PUP Train motor.

The PUP Hub fits perfectly behind the engine doors if you remove the arch just behind the driver doors. I've replaced it with two 1x1 bricks.

You also need to raise the Hub about two plates off the floor so the train motor wire can feed through the floor, but it still fits perfectly within the available space.

The front lights can't be powered currently as there is no converter cable yet, but you could use the new PUP lights instead.

Cool! So it's possible to switch out the lights too?

Would be extremely cool to get some kind of parts roster for this :)

[supertruper1988]

I am not sure about the lights as the PUP or PF compatible lights are a different design than the old 9V lights. 

After seeing this thread I went ahead and made up an instruction booklet in Stud.io. 

You can download it and/or the Stud.io file from my rebrickable page here. 

[mads]

26 minutes ago, supertruper1988 said:

I am not sure about the lights as the PUP or PF compatible lights are a different design than the old 9V lights. 

After seeing this thread I went ahead and made up an instruction booklet in Stud.io. 

You can download it and/or the Stud.io file from my rebrickable page here. 

Awesome! Thank you so much for this :) Is it possible to just use the old motor like that, powering it through the cable?

[supertruper1988]

23 minutes ago, mads said:

Awesome! Thank you so much for this :) Is it possible to just use the old motor like that, powering it through the cable?

No you will need to buy the new PUP battery box and the PUP motor. And the new side frames.