Lego Train 4560 / 4561

[roamingstop]

I have a strange question... and am looking for some advice. I recently picked up a cheap auction of used bits, which included two almost complete 4560 / 4561 passenger carriages. However there was no locomotive.... or mini-figs.

Having assembled these carriages (both 95% complete, just missing the seats) I find that they dont really fit with any of my other models (Santa Fe, BNSF, Emerald Night, and Western), and I will probably part with them on ebay / bricklink. But does it make sense to make up a partial set with loco (I have some unused 9V motors) or sell them seperately? (without containers?)

That said, is it actually worth keeping the models and making my own custom Loco with PF parts? The set seems a strange one for people to like, and it picked my curiosity as to whether it was considered to be a good model? Certainly it is probably not a classic... but I dont know...

So all thoughts are welcome.

Edited March 7, 2011 by roamingstudio

[LEGO Guy Bri]

Personally I was not a fan of this set. It was released when TLG was in a weird place. By that, I mean, they were producing sets that looked some what cheap, with those single pieces that replaced numerous small ones. I am a 9V collector but, never bought this one. I would sell it as a whole on eBay and put that money towards a new train or other sets but, thats just me. I think PF trains are better looking.

[MojoLego]

I found this set at a yard sale. Whole or in parts, it is just odd. Style-wise, it is closest to the Futuron monorail. I would take those split-levels train bases and start building more container cars for 10219.

[roamingstop]

Whole or in parts, it is just odd. Style-wise, it is closest to the Futuron monorail.

That was my sentiments... until I moc'ed up some (check the 10219 thread for the LDD files) and found that the black bases are too shinny and black. Since I will be getting 10219 (a few) I will definitely be selling... I have an old 9V motor and just discovered a cheap 'cab' (loco) bits <6 euro - so should be able to make up a set and sell it.

Good to know I am on the right path.

[jonwil]

My 2 biggest gripes with this set (and yes I own one) are the use of many large specialty pieces (like the black cab nose piece that was only ever found in this set) and the fact that the engine was only tiny and not full-length.

Thankfully TLG seems to have moved away from specialty parts that only see use in one set (even the new aircraft nose/tail pieces are being seen in a variety of sets and in a variety of colors)

[hoeij]

Having assembled these carriages (both 95% complete, just missing the seats) I find that they dont really fit with any of my other models (Santa Fe, BNSF, Emerald Night, and Western), and I will probably part with them on ebay / bricklink. But does it make sense to make up a partial set with loco (I have some unused 9V motors) or sell them seperately? (without containers?)

There are two of these carriages for sale on eBay right now, you could check to see what they sell for, to see if selling is worthwhile. There's also a 4561 engine for sale, in case you want to complete your train.

The 4560/4561 train had good play value because of the accessories, a loading ramp, etc. It looks OK when it's moving, but standing still, the engine looks strange. So I think it was a good set for kids, but not for AFOL's.

This train set used to be quite cheap (I bought 2 and a half sets on eBay for less than $100 including shipping). However, 9V stuff has gone up, and even this train is not so cheap anymore ($100) although I guess that's probably still the cheapest 9V train. I took apart the two engines and rebuilt them plus some spare pieces into one longer engine to make it look a bit more realistic. It looks better now, but it's still not the best.

If you sell a complete train for $100 (do you have all the accessories too?), compare with what you would have gotten for a 9V motor and a light, so you'd probably have about $65 for the two carriages, minus eBay fees, you end up with just below $60. If you use it as parts, the two black base train base plates plus the wheels together are probably worth $20 (if you sell it) or $30 (if you buy it, because then you have shipping fees).

If you sell the carriages on eBay at auction, you might get a good price, but you might also end up with a low price. What you could also do is list the carriages on bricklink at a price that is worthwhile for you. If it sells at that price, fine, if it doesn't, then use it to make something else.

[LEGO Train 12 Volts]

Personally I was not a fan of this set. It was released when TLG was in a weird place.

True words of windsdoom Leg Godt Gud, however I will try to build a new rolling stock for your BNSF

[paul_delahaye]

My memories of this train when running it round the track without any carriages behind was that it was very good at doing wheelies :-)

[roamingstop]

The Brickster might hate me for bumping this thread; but it felt like the best place to add the final addendum to this project which never really went off the ground... but did get itself a 7939 inspired locomotive (see picture) which somehow makes the whole set look much more grown up.

9V 7939 Locomotive in 4560 / 4561 Colours by roamingstudio, on Flickr

9V 7939 Locomotive and Train by roamingstudio, on Flickr

The whole set is also on ebay as I decided to clear out my 9V collection (sacrilege, but 12V and PF remain)

Edited December 26, 2012 by roamingstudio

[JopieK]

@roamingstudio, very nice work!!!! Then it is indeed much more appropriate.

[WesternOutlaw]

The Brickster might hate me for bumping this thread; but...

You're good. I'd call this an "appropriate bump". Nice job.

[medib]

creative!! to make a decent looking loco for the rest of the rolling stock. way to go roaming studio