Track wish list

[andythenorth]

Lets imagine Lego took a 20-year view on plastic train track, and produced a small range of new track parts. Will they do this? I have no idea, but it's an interesting question.

There are already plenty of threads here about flex, about how track is sold, and about 9V, so please leave those out

Any new part would have to be:

- something kids and parents would understand and want as a toy, not just an AFOL hobby item

- possible to produce without expensive production techniques

So what can you suggest that meets those goals?

My suggestions:

1. a 'Y' point. This would be fun for connecting multiple loops, making switchyards etc. It doesn't need left hand / right hand versions, so only one mould needed.

2. larger curve radius - to make two track loops easier. I've made larger curves by inserting flex between curve pieces, but it's not a great solution. Scalextric car racing has multiple curve radii. I guess this is unlikely though - probably flex is TLG's solution to this.

3. crossing piece. Figure-of-8 layouts are fun. TLG already have the basic design for this from the 9V system.

Edited January 2, 2011 by andythenorth

[Seany]

Personally I would love to see something as simple as a Railway Bridge, Duplo has one and its extremely simplistic

http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Product.aspx?p=3774&cn=175&d=104

I know its not as simple with the problems of motors losing traction on entering and leaving slopes, but something as simple as this would be great to see.

[JopieK]

Well with the PF motors, maybe inclinations will not be that bad if LEGO would but a tooth bar on it so we can make a gear wheel under our trains.

[hoeij]

1. a 'Y' point. This would be fun for connecting multiple loops, making switchyards etc. It doesn't need left hand / right hand versions, so only one mould needed.

2. larger curve radius - to make two track loops easier. I've made larger curves by inserting flex between curve pieces, but it's not a great solution. Scalextric car racing has multiple curve radii. I guess this is unlikely though - probably flex is TLG's solution to this.

3. crossing piece. Figure-of-8 layouts are fun. TLG already have the basic design for this from the 9V system.

A crossing piece with an angle of less than 90 degrees would also be very nice. Or, a slight modification of the no-longer-available Double Crossover Rail. That would have been a very nice piece of track if only one could control both sides independently.

A stubby switch (a switch with a part of the curved-out track cut off) is also very useful.

[roamingstop]

Diamond Cross over - i.e. the two tracks at 45 / 135 degrees apart, and you need curves to make it work. However it makes asseembly using logical studs much harder.

Double Cross Over - these are regularly seen in large yards. Trains are not expected to be going fast over them... A good link in Wikipedia

Agreed a wider radius curved track would be nice. Flex can get to a tighter radius but it is only suitable for slow moving objects.

In one railbricks magazine someone shows how to modify the standard points so that the slip line is much shorter - allowing a normal design for goods yards. This would be great to have - but once again makes designing a layout harder for children.... although with the advent of Flex track it would be good.

[Cinderbike]

I would LOVE wider radius curves. I would also like if they brought back the + crossing and the double crossover (roamingstudio, they made one and then discontinued it). Most importantly, I'd love if they added teeth to the inside of the track so we could build inclines and declines, as well as opening the door for official lego bridges (as the Duplo one).

[roamingstop]

double crossover (roamingstudio, they made one and then discontinued it)

Hmm... I did not remember that. So a quick link into the different combinations which were released (I wont make a difference between 4.5V, 9V, 12V unless there is a significant one).

and

Note on the 9V points the track does not seem to end straight as it did on 12V and 4.5V

and

The incorrectly functioning double cross over - this is not the same as a diamond double cross over (check the wikipedia link).

An interesting 3 way switch (which would be fun for Indiana Jones Track) and a proper Wye Switch

[andythenorth]

Or, a slight modification of the no-longer-available Double Crossover Rail. That would have been a very nice piece of track if only one could control both sides independently.

It would. I just setup a two track loop, which is more fun than a one track loop

The crossovers would be very useful for connecting the two tracks, but because the two sides are not independently switchable, there's a lot of crashes.

[peterab]

I'd like to see a crossing, stub switches so yards are easier, a 3 way switch, a Y, larger radius curves and left and right curved switches in that order.

It would. I just setup a two track loop, which is more fun than a one track loop

The crossovers would be very useful for connecting the two tracks, but because the two sides are not independently switchable, there's a lot of crashes.

It's pretty easy to set them so you have two trains traveling around a double loop as long as each train travels in different directions around the loop, just as they would on parallel tracks on the real thing anyway.They would be more flexible if each section were independently switchable but they are still useful.

[Gavinfuzzy]

Personally I would love to see something as simple as a Railway Bridge, Duplo has one and its extremely simplistic

http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Product.aspx?p=3774&cn=175&d=104

I know its not as simple with the problems of motors losing traction on entering and leaving slopes, but something as simple as this would be great to see.

Actually, there's already a railway bridge. It's not really official... but can be used anyway. XD it was in the set 7900. with some slight mods, it works perfectly

[AussieJimbo]

Actually, there's already a railway bridge. It's not really official... but can be used anyway. XD it was in the set 7900. with some slight mods, it works perfectly

Yep, I bought a couple of those years before I had any trains knowing one day I'd be running one across it. The big challenge is how much lead in and lead out tressle/support work you need to do to get you track up to the level where you can cross another train (13 or 14 brick high if I recall correctly).

I achieved this with multiple sets of the City crawler crane with it's braced yellow pieces. You get the same pieces in white with the current train station but not the tall triangular ones. It also has yellow 2x2 bricks with technic pin that are useful for securing the sloping track to your supports.

I ended up with a long oval lead in and a tight steep loop at the end. There was only one speed that would climb the grade without derailing on the descent but the flanging noise was very cool as it sped down the spiral. I'll see if I can fish out some rather scratchy pictures later as it's been taken down now.

:classic:

Edited January 8, 2011 by AussieJimbo

[Gavinfuzzy]

Yep, I bought a couple of those years before I had any trains knowing one day I'd be running one across it. The big challenge is how much lead in and lead out tressle/support work you need to do to get you track up to the level where you can cross another train (13 or 14 brick high if I recall correctly).

I achieved this with multiple sets of the City crawler crane with it's braced yellow pieces. You get the same pieces in white with the current train station but not the tall triangular ones. It also has yellow 2x2 bricks with technic pin that are useful for securing the sloping track to your supports.

I ended up with a long oval lead in and a tight steep loop at the end. There was only one speed that would climb the grade without derailing on the descent but the flanging noise was very cool as it sped down the spiral. I'll see if I can fish out some rather scratchy pictures later as it's been taken down now.

:classic:

I don't have a big layout and i only have 1 train so i dont find the bridge's height being a problem XD. if you want to elevate the whole railway, maybe you could try stacking 2 of the the grey supports that hold up the old lego city airport. part number 4289616

[AussieJimbo]

I don't have a big layout and i only have 1 train so i dont find the bridge's height being a problem XD. if you want to elevate the whole railway, maybe you could try stacking 2 of the the grey supports that hold up the old lego city airport. part number 4289616

I'll have to look that one up. In my case it was more functional than anything else (and the crawler crane was on special) as I had to climb and descend in a tight spot and I wanted to cross over the track. I'm a more serious layout much of the grade would be hidden by scenery.

On the track wish list, I agree a Y switch would be good but I think I'd prefer high speed left and right points.

The number one priority would be the wider radius curves. I think it would be best achieved with a return of the separate rail and sleeper arrangement with modifications to connect with new RC track. I suggest this for versatility of curve radius you could then achieve.

The first set of rails would be set with a radius to give a 4 stud spacing from the existing curved rails, this gives you a nice double track arrangement alongside an existing radius curve.

Next set is radiused for another 4 stud spacing outside the previous one. The bonus of using separate rails is you can then use the outer rail from the first set and the inner rail from the second set for a third curve radius.

In addition to the 3 new curve radii (radiuses) you also get the ability to do graduated entry to tighter curves. I wish I had an injection molding machine.

:classic:

Edited January 16, 2011 by AussieJimbo

[AussieJimbo]

On reflection, this still leaves the curve radius too tight to be a major. Got caught up in the idea of nice equally spaced tracks.

Scrap the separate rails idea, so the wishlist is conventional rail-and-sleeper pieces, radiused to allow 8 stud spacings between the ties. (Same spacing as parrall tracks in the crossover piece/dual track train station)

Three different sets spacing outwards from original curves. I know I'm dreaming.

I was however thinking about some custom track building for outside use. I read a thread here from a while back where someone had set up a small dogbone layout in their back yard with conventional LEGO track.

Can't recall if there was an update on the outdoor resilience but I would be concerned about UV destroying the plastic let alone moisture destroying the point-work.

With that in mind and considering an ultimate goal of one day having a garden railway I'm considering the possibilities of custom built dual-gauge L and G-scale track or simply modifying G track to LEGO track gauge for outdoor use.

I'm waiting for the next local train show so I can ask some of the track builders about this and maybe pick up a few bit to play with.

My biggest concern with this approach is my LEGO ethos. Basically if it's not LEGO, it's not LEGO. Also once you start running trains outside all it takes is a crash and you risk scratching them up. I don't want that so that's a deterrent.

I'm also a little apprehensive how the LEGO wheels would take to regular use on metal track. I don't want to eat up all my wheel sets.

On the flip-side though, I'd like to see a LEGO train running through the vegetation and once you're building custom track it can snake around however you like.

If I was to attempt this, I think that despite the complexity, I'd do it as a dual-gauge setup with the LEGO train visiting the predominantly G-scale railway.

What are your thoughts?

:classic:

[BrickWild]

How 'bout a roundhouse with turntable, or a motorised transfer table!

[AussieJimbo]

How 'bout a roundhouse with turntable, or a motorised transfer table!

I think the Carousel set would be a good source of parts for both a turntable and bits for a roundhouse but it was a bit too pricey the only time I saw in a retail shop.

Base of carousel is a good start for the turntable. I thought that it's roof sections could make useful roofing for a roundhouse, (which would need many more parts from somewhere or other.

Modular Fire Station sets would be a good base for a roundhouse with the arch and those nice big arched doors. I'm just waiting for a really good special on them. Even 3 for 2 at Aussie RRP of $299 is still a bit too steep, If they clear them at $149 each I'll probably bite.

:classic:

Edited January 16, 2011 by AussieJimbo