Extending Train Track of 4204 - The Mine

[derlumpi]

Hi fellow brick fans!

Do any of you extended the tracks of the mentioned mine?
There are old 12V(?) train tracks that look similar but I'm not sure if I can use them.

Did any of you guys extended the track or do you have aby ideas how I can do this?

Thanks! :)

[Stuartn]

I thought about doing that some time ago (but sadly my copy of the set, is well, ah, no longer with us in complete form).

I thought about using the 12v track, but since that is designed to be 6 wide rather than 4 I don't think this would work, at least for curves, but for straight the track would work certainly.

If I am correct the rails in that mine are a newer version of the 12v rail track. (part 3228c, the 12v were 3228a and there was a b version to)

Since your not averse to using older parts, you could use the 4 wide train tracks, https://www.bricklink.com/v2/catalog/catalogitem.page?P=85976#T=S&O={"iconly":0}. I think you should be able to connect them to the parts in the set somehow, to reduce the cost.

 

[Vilhelm22]

This a set which I know, owning it myself, and I also know the tracks.  The straight rails in that set are actually very old moulds, I think first used in 1966 in the Blue Era (4.5V, 3 C batteries) of trains.  The grey era tracks are smoother and designed to clip together in a stronger fashion.

Because the standard LEGO train track gauge is 6 studs, not 4, these will not work for curves and the tracks suggested by @Stuartn above will be needed.  Unfortunately LEGO never produced straight versions of these curves, so you have three options:

1. Cut the ends of the curves so that they go up smoothly to the ends of the straight rails

2. Using jumper plates, position the curved tracks exactly 1/2 a stud away - this way should run pretty smoothly, and is the purest option if you are a serious LEGO purist

3. TrixBrix.eu sells 3D printed narrow gauge straight tracks in the style of the ones mentioned by @Stuartn, so the two could be combined.  This will give you the best track if you want ultimate smoothness

There's no adapter that I know of for narrow gauge from the 4.5v to modern tracks unfortunately.

The straight rails that appear in the set can be bought from a multitude of places if you want more.  60052 came with 8 in the crane from that set....

I have also seen people modify 4204 to take standard gauge trains.

Anyway, I hope this has been helpful and would love to see results!

[derlumpi]

Thx for the input, guys! Just had a look at the trixbrix website. Wow, great stuff. I just have to figure out a way to pay without credit card.

The plan is to extend the track for a second train and to put the mine on a tan baseplate to build some more rocks.

My sons love these old mining sets.  :-D