What parts are needed to make a custom train?

[Kompye]

Hello. What parts are needed to make a custom train?

[supertruper1988]

This is a very broad question. 

Are you looking to have parts on hand to build from?

Are you looking to build a model of a specific train?

Are you looking to build a custom model from instructions you found or purchased?

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Definitely some wheels ...maybe custom wheels!

[Kompye]

I mean the needed electrical parts for any train to move, even if it is made out of a few bricks. Could you send me some links?

[TJJohn12]

2 hours ago, Kompye said:

I mean the needed electrical parts for any train to move, even if it is made out of a few bricks. Could you send me some links?

If you're just getting into LEGO trains, I'd suggest getting a proper train set. The newest trains include the battery box, controller, and motor that will start you down the right path.

[jus1973]

8 hours ago, TJJohn12 said:

If you're just getting into LEGO trains, I'd suggest getting a proper train set. The newest trains include the battery box, controller, and motor that will start you down the right path.

I totally agree, and it’s probably cheaper than buying the parts separately, especially with the sales opening up about now. 

[Kompye]

Do you know if there will be any more sales? I ordered a train yesterday while it was black friday and the free christmas tree offer but my order got cancelled for some reason. When I tried to order again, the train was out of stock. I am talking about Lego France.

Edited November 25, 2019 by Kompye

[Phil B]

1 hour ago, Kompye said:

Do you know if there will be any more sales? I ordered a train yesterday while it was black friday and the free christmas tree offer but my order got cancelled for some reason. When I tried to order again, the train was out of stock. I am talking about Lego France.

IDK about LEGO France, but the official Black Friday sales are not until this Friday Nov 29th, the real Black Friday. This weekend was a VIP pre-BF event with double points. There might be more offers coming this Friday, potentially at other retailers.

[Kompye]

23 minutes ago, Phil B said:

IDK about LEGO France, but the official Black Friday sales are not until this Friday Nov 29th, the real Black Friday. This weekend was a VIP pre-BF event with double points. There might be more offers coming this Friday, potentially at other retailers.

Do you think based off your experience that this is coming back by Friday? https://www.lego.com/en-fr/product/passenger-train-60197

[Phil B]

1 hour ago, Kompye said:

Do you think based off your experience that this is coming back by Friday? https://www.lego.com/en-fr/product/passenger-train-60197

It's not on the US 30% off list, but Europe might have a different list, and there will be 20% off deals as well that are not yet announced. Also, check Amazon.fr to see if they have offers on Friday - 60197 might be part of it.

[Kompye]

8 minutes ago, Phil B said:

It's not on the US 30% off list, but Europe might have a different list, and there will be 20% off deals as well that are not yet announced. Also, check Amazon.fr to see if they have offers on Friday - 60197 might be part of it.

Is this a good train set to start with?

[Phil B]

Just now, Kompye said:

Is this a good train set to start with?

Sure. It gives you a track oval, wheels, magnets, motor and Powered Up battery box. That's always a good start. You can build the train as is, or look for inspiration here (just search for 60197) to see what others have done with this train. Or add all the bricks to your build-pile, and use the train base and other useful parts with your existing LEGO pieces to make your own custom creation.

Just a word of warning: This will suck you in deep. Take it from me - I've got boxes full of wheels, track, PowerFunctions equipment etc. that will keep me going for the next few years.

[TJJohn12]

As Phil was alluding to, there is no “correct” way to MOC. But in general, creating your own custom LEGO trains can be addictive . But you need to get your - ahem - wheels under you first. Which is why a set is your best bet. But once you see how the mechanics work, tear that baby down and have at it with customization.

I know in the US, 60197 has been reliably in stock at Amazon since it was released. Sometimes a scratch-and-dent Warehouse deal comes up for a a punctured box that knocks a good percentage off. But for train sets, it’s very hard to find them on clearance or discount. Retailers seem not to stock tons, which means they aren’t the sets that gather dust and get clearances.

[Kompye]

Hi, this is a pretty old thread but where can I get a train baseplate from?

Edited December 2, 2019 by Kompye

[zephyr1934]

Actually the thread is not that old, but anyway, probably the cheapest 6x28 train baseplate is blue and can be found here. While the 6x24 looks to be cheapest in dark gray (but black isn't much more expensive) found here.