New to PF trains

[marktimberman]

Hello there after a happy childhood spent playing with a large selection of 12 volt lego trains I drifted away from the hobby due to family commitments. I have now just purchased a power functions train set (7939) along with some extra track etc, but I was just wondering if anyone on here has been able to modify their PF controllers at all, using Lego pieces to make it a little nicer to use. I am looking to motorise my points and one or two other items in the near future and have seen some nice ideas involving the small 'M' motor any suggestion regarding the main controller though would be greatly recieved and I look forwards to hearing from some of you soon :-)

[kyphur]

Welcome to "Train Tech"...

There are already a few discussions about motorizing 9v/RC/PF Points. If you find those threads then you'll get some good links to solutions others have used.

If I ever get the time I just might take a look at NXT and see if I can do something with that. If I do down that path I just might experiment with automatic level crossings also.

You might want to Introduce yourself in the Train Tech Registry.

[peterab]

I was just wondering if anyone on here has been able to modify their PF controllers at all, using Lego pieces to make it a little nicer to use.

The most common mod I've seen at train shows and LEGO exhibitions is using an axle to connect a technic wheel above the speed control. It gives a larger area for adult hands to grip and you can use a twisting motion rather than a push down and around so it gives a bit better fine control.

Some of the guys in my train club also add coloured plates and tiles to give an indication of whose controller it is and which train it's set up to control.

Some connect several controllers together with technic pins, but I find this a bit unwieldy when walking around to follow trains on a large layout.

Edited October 22, 2011 by peterab