BNSF Train Engine and TTX rail cars

[chewie]

Well, as I was recently at a hobby/toy show with a bunch of other lego enthusiasts, one of the guys had the BNSF as well as TTX, I saw them a tiny bit.

I was just wondering what you're guy's opinion is about these sets and if there worth the hefty price.

Thanks in advanced.

Chewie

[Hobbes]

As a train fan they're a must have!

I commented on the TTX here once.

The BNSF is maybe the best looking locomotive right after the Santa Fe Super Chief. Depending on my mood (passenger or cargo trains) I would put it on top of the list, too ;-)

I have 1 BNSF and 3 TTX and they look great as a cargo train. A second BNSF would look even better but that has to wait. I can post some pics after work if you're interested.

As I said, as a train fan they're a must and you don't look at the price. If you're not really into trains the price tag can be a damper to your euphoria.

Hth

[chewie]

Awesome, if you would post some pics that would be greatly appreciaited.

Thanks

Chewie

[Hobbes]

Here we go (thumbs clickable):

The loco:

Nice color design (not really LEGO's credit but they adopted it at least ;-)), quite easy and fun build. Not much interior except for the engineer's cabin, but then there's not much room, either. Not a problem for me, though.

I think it looks terrific "coming right at you" (the focusing was a bit tricky but I hope you get the idea):

The only downside is that it comes without light and motor. The motor's still available but light bricks are hard to find. I was lucky to get a few but I have only one light brick left which I will save for a second locomotive, methinks...

The TTX car:

The containers were kind of a disappointment at first sight, but when you build them and see them in the car they're not that bad. Sure, shutters would look nice, but once your trains up and running you don't mind that much (at least I didn't). And you can add tons more on your own since it doesn't use special bricks (except for the handle).

The entire train:

I think it's the best looking cargo train LEGO has ever made. That from an 80s train fan should tell something ;-)

Even looks good "empty":

Summary:

Before the BNSF I didn't really care much for American trains. I've never heard of GP38s or Dash-9s and the like. But that locomotive got me hooked. And the TTX car did the rest. I could build TTX cars for hours on end. It's just fun since it's so easy and the result is great looking.

Hope that helped :-)

[chewie]

Hobbes, thanks so much for the pictures, I think I'm sold, I just need the fund and I'm gonna order the BNSF and atleast one TTX rail car. They look so awesome together X-O . Thanks again for the pics

[Hobbes]

No problem, glad to help :-)

[snefroe]

very cool models. i wasn't very impressed with the flatbed when I first saw it, but it seems ok. it's curious to see that the Americans opted for a different type of flatbed then Europeans. I mean, a European car would be no longer then a container it carries, but it would be carrying only 1; these American cars are twice as long but take two...

the engine is great, even though not my first choice...

btw, Hobbes, you positioned a yellew slope in the wrong direction

[Hobbes]

it's curious to see that the Americans opted for a different type of flatbed then Europeans. I mean, a European car would be no longer then a container it carries, but it would be carrying only 1; these American cars are twice as long but take two...

Those are intermodal cars, they usually come in 3s or 5s. LEGO opted to do "doubles" only to be able to bring the model onto the market at a reasonable price. If you have enough, though, it's absolutely no problem to exchange the end bogies for shared bogies and make 3s or even 5s.

btw, Hobbes, you positioned a yellew slope in the wrong direction

Argh, you're right... how could I :-$

It shall be remedied ASAP :-)