Haddock51 Posted June 10, 2020 (edited) Three years ago, I finished my Lego Train 9V Extreme Project. And now it's time to inaugurate My Own Lego World, a Project that - on and off - has been ongoing for approx. 30 months. This layout includes many vintage Lego sets from the time our daughters grew up. Most of these sets are from the 70s, 80s, 90s and 00s. Some originate from more recent years. My Own Lego World covers the following themes: City Paradisa & Beach Container Port & Shark Bay Outdoor activities World Cup Soccer (1998) Space & Space Center Airport, Aircrafts and Air Show Tivoli Train 9V In addition, it also includes several MOCs (e.g. signal box, track traverses, observation tower, stairways, open-air cinema, church, windmill and cableway base station with "elevator" tower) and a battery driven cableway (Rigi Lehmann). Addendum #1: Technical data & details Construction: Level 0: 74 cm above floor Level 1: 17 cm above level 0 Level 2: 36 cm above level 0 Top of Lego World: 214 cm above floor Layout dimensions: Level 0: 3.8 x 3.8 m (with two islands of 0.75 x 0.75 m) Level 1: 0.5 x 3.6 m plus 0.5 x 0.5 m Level 2: 0.5 x 2.1 m Total layout area (excl. Moon Base and Top of Lego World): approx. 17 sqm Train 9V: Total track length incl. sidings and dead-ends: approx. 51 m Total track length incl. Lego Train 9V Extreme layout: approx. 224 m with - all in all - 67 power connections to rails Including train shelves, 2 296 rails and switches are now deployed in this room with a total length of approx. 311 m: 1 871 straight (whereof 675 for train shelves), 330 curved, 51 modified straight (4, 8, 10, 12 and 14 studs), 19 standard-, 14 halfcurve and 11 crossover switches (eight switches are electrically operated). Movable train bridge between My Own Lego World and Lego Train 9V Extreme layout Gradients: approx. 6.5 and 8 percent Min. clearance: approx. 12 cm Track Design Program: Track Designer Application (R) version 2.0 by Matthew D. Bates (Matts LEGO (R) Train Depot) Electrics/Electronics: 1 power supply unit Voltcraft EP-925, 3-15V(DC), max 25A 2 modified train speed regulators (4548) with LM350T regulators, 3A diodes, outside heatsinks (with a thermal resistance of 1.9 K/W), mini fans and digital thermometers to measure temperatures inside the speed regulator boxes 3 standard train speed regulators (4548) 15 power connections to rails approx. 200 m RK cable 1.5 sqmm 1 LED strand (2 m) with dimmer Märklin pins and sleeves Cableway: Distance: aprox. 4.8 m Height difference: approx. 1.0 m Construction materials: 10 tables 0.75 x 1.5 m and 3 tables 0.75 x 0.75 m wood (45 x 45 mm) and wood strips (22 x 43 mm) MDF boards (6 and 10 mm) ground grass and ballast (Busch, Faller) fishline 0.47 mm cable conduits angle irons straps paint Addendum #1: Pictures Addendum #3: Videos Cableway: Edited June 17, 2020 by Haddock51 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LEGO Train 12 Volts Posted June 11, 2020 Fantastic world ...I really like your harbor ...and your old Rigi cableway Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Man with a hat Posted June 11, 2020 Amazing layout. So many things to see. I love those classic sets. But also all the fantastic trains. So many things to see. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vilhelm22 Posted June 11, 2020 This is awesome! Congratulations on an amazing layout! I remember seeing the extreme 9v layout a year or so ago on EB, but this is even more impressive! How many trains have you got on your layout? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haddock51 Posted June 11, 2020 (edited) 1 hour ago, Vilhelm22 said: How many trains have you got on your layout? On My Own Lego World layout, I have currently four trains plus one tramway. On the Lego Train 9V Extreme layout, I have currently another five trains. In addition, there are 30 more trains on my train shelves. All powered with 9V engines. Edited June 11, 2020 by Haddock51 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ALCO Posted June 11, 2020 What a beautiful world! Many sets from my childhood that I unfortunately no longer own due to the dark age. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zephyr1934 Posted June 11, 2020 Amazing complement to your extreme layout. And then all the macro detailing you are bringing, e.g., the cable car (looks like it could have been LGB) Still though, you need to squeeze in another 26 m of track... 19 hours ago, Haddock51 said: Total track length incl. Lego Train 9V Extreme layout: approx. 224 m ... to get to a quarter km Though in a pinch it looks like you've blown past that mark already... 19 hours ago, Haddock51 said: including train shelves,... a total length of approx. 311 m: Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haddock51 Posted June 11, 2020 (edited) 2 hours ago, zephyr1934 said: Amazing complement to your extreme layout. And then all the macro detailing you are bringing, e.g., the cable car (looks like it could have been LGB) Still though, you need to squeeze in another 26 m of track... ... to get to a quarter km Though in a pinch it looks like you've blown past that mark already... There is no way to squeeze in additional track meters (unless I expand my Lego room considerably. The support for such a plan is below zero...) Now I will take a much needed summer break until september/october. Then I will Think about new challenging objectives w.r.t. Lego projects. This will most likely be about new exciting trains. Edited June 11, 2020 by Haddock51 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phoxtane Posted June 11, 2020 How do you tell your dogs apart? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haddock51 Posted June 15, 2020 On 6/11/2020 at 11:40 PM, Phoxtane said: How do you tell your dogs apart? They are very different. The black & white one (Zorro) goes completely bananas when I start the cableway. He seems to appreciate trains much more... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Toastie Posted June 15, 2020 4 hours ago, Haddock51 said: The black & white one (Zorro) goes completely bananas when I start the cableway OK. And do you the other black & white one apart from Zoro? ( Ok, yes, I am color-blind - I am speculating that a) Zoro is in front and b) the other one in the back is ... hmmm ... some brownish white? Man brown - what a color: It can go from red to green and gray ... certainly black when it is dark-brown) Fantastic layout - it must have been an enormous amount of work. Some of my airborne stuff is also hooked up the the ceilings with this barely visible Nylon yarn. That alone took me hours adn hours ... All the best and enjoy your summer break! Thorsten Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haddock51 Posted June 16, 2020 (edited) Thanks @Toastie The other dog (Luqas) is 10 years old and brown & white. He is a kind of old man who doesn't get excited in the first place, certainly not about cableways and trains... Before starting to build this display, I spend many hours to unpack and sort out all my Lego sets that were stocked in my sauna (which I haven't been able to use for more than 10 years...). There are still enough sets left for another major layout... But then I would need to expand my current room, an option that is not even negotiable... After the summer break, I will have to start with a complete and careful cleaning of the entire Lego room, incl. all trains on the shelves which will certainly require a mental recharge... But then, I will most likely start to build my own Riviera Express (the BR10 is already in place). And then start looking for other challenging train projects! Toastie, I wish you a nice summer. Take care of yourself, particularly in these Corona times! Daniel Edited June 17, 2020 by Haddock51 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zephyr1934 Posted June 18, 2020 On 6/16/2020 at 4:46 AM, Haddock51 said: But then I would need to expand my current room, an option that is not even negotiable... + And then start looking for other challenging train projects! = garden railway? (grin) + working rotary snow plow Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tanner Posted June 18, 2020 Wow that intense Cool though Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
1963maniac Posted October 6, 2021 I didn't comment last year but I am now because of your Glacier Express. I wanted to see more of your layout. It is still very impressive. I wish I had room in my house to do this. Looks like my kids grew up at the same time. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haddock51 Posted October 6, 2021 (edited) Even though the room is very much occupied, I managed to add some objects since summer 2020. I couldn't resist buying the Colosseum, a very nice addition to the attractions already in place (Taj Mahal, Big Ben, London Tower Bridge and Sydney Opera House). In addition, I built a Bistro along the high level train track next to the cable way top station.The MOC includes a mini loudspeaker so I can listen to Swiss folc music when running my trains through the Swiss alps.... I am very pleased with the Glacier Express, my latest addition to my train collection. Within soon, the Riviera Express will hopefully be ready as well. Edited October 7, 2021 by Haddock51 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
LEGOTrainBuilderSG Posted October 7, 2021 WOW! Phenomenal layout. Love all the LEGO trains you have and the fact that the town looks very 'Classic LEGO town'. I just have one burning question.. how do you prevent dust build up on such a massive layout? I have a small shunting layout and the amount of dust it collects in a week is pretty astounding. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haddock51 Posted October 7, 2021 I just have a short answer to your burning question - it's hardly impossible to prevent dust build up on such a huge layout, particularly if you have two dogs... So the basic question is: how do you deal with dust? As a matter of fact, I am right now in the process of getting mentally prepared to clean my entire Lego room, an exercise that will most likely take several weeks. That includes cleaning approx. 300 meters (!) of 9V tracks with metal plates. This will require the use of a special cleaning waggon with a weight of almost 1 kg, pushed and pulled by 6 locomotives with 12 9V engines (!) This waggon is mandatory in those parts of the track that are out of reach - and there are many ... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Paperinik77pk Posted October 7, 2021 Great layout and fantastic work even on non-train related creations!!! I love that cableway, the church and that fantastic console for controlling all trains! Ciao! Davide Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
XG BC Posted October 9, 2021 awesome layout! if it is a permanent one you might want to look at converting your trains to dcc controll so they can all be controlled by one pc/raspberry/tablet Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haddock51 Posted October 9, 2021 2 hours ago, XG BC said: awesome layout! if it is a permanent one you might want to look at converting your trains to dcc controll so they can all be controlled by one pc/raspberry/tablet Yes, this is a permanent layout with a total track length of 224 meters (plus 87 meters train shelves). I remember that DCC was a topic that was intensely discussed at the time I was making first plans and setting the basic requirements for my 9V Extreme track. That is many years ago, and I am unable to recall all the details of these discussions. Finally, I decided to remain with/go for 9V with original - and modified -Lego train controls. So far, I have invested in 160 9V engines (!), probably the largest 9V engine collection in the world, worth a fortune.. Due to the inclines of 8 percent, the long and heavy trains are equipped with 8 - 12 9V engines, which also required uppgrading of the train controls with 3A diodes and substantially more efficient heat sinks. In addition, the track is segmented in 4 segments where you can operate 4 trains simultaneously (by 4 hands ...). For me, that's good enough. I have no idea what a conversion of my trains to DCC control would imply, not the least financially. If the benefit of such a conversion is limited to control trains by one pc/raspberry/tablet, my decision would most likely be negative. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
XG BC Posted October 9, 2021 (edited) dcc enables you to automate trains and much more like adding sound to them, lights that change based on train direction and it allowes you to have lights when the train isnt moving. financially yes it is an investment but it also depends with what central station or components you choose. they can vary in price insanely depending on the brand/features you want. if you are happy with your current solution then stick with it! Edited October 9, 2021 by XG BC Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haddock51 Posted October 9, 2021 (edited) Thank you XG BC, your comments and feedback are much appreciated! When reading your lines, I recall some of the arguments to go for DCC. I also remember visiting an AFOL colleague in Belgium several years ago with a very interesting and impressive layout using DCC with basically all the features and benefits you mentionned. Yes, lights have been on my agenda for many years and several of my passenger trains are equipped with various light systems. It really creates a special ambiance when running these trains in darkness. However, the lights have to be turned on/off manually which is ok for me. The remaining open topics on my list are sound - and smoke! I remember a video some years ago on Youtube from a guy in Norway who was operating a steam engine - I think it was an Emerald Night - with both sound and smoke! Very impressive indeed, but I haven't investigated this matter any further so far. Hopefully this can be solved for a single locomotive - e.g. the BR10 - without a complete conversion to DCC. Looking ahead, I will think about new train projects, with the Orient Express on top of my wish list. In addition, I hope we start making more videos now when the Corona pandemic seems to be more under control.. Visit my topic "Lego Train 9V Extreme - ready!" where you can read more about this track and watch spectacular videos! Edited October 9, 2021 by Haddock51 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zephyr1934 Posted October 10, 2021 23 hours ago, Haddock51 said: Yes, this is a permanent layout with a total track length of 224 meters (plus 87 meters train shelves). Come on, marketing says you should say "over 1/4 km of track." In all seriousness, that is a very impressive claim, you are among the few who can rightfully use "km" to talk about their lego build. 23 hours ago, Haddock51 said: So far, I have invested in 160 9V engines (!), probably the largest 9V engine collection in the world, worth a fortune.. Due to the inclines of 8 percent, the long and heavy trains are equipped with 8 - 12 9V engines, Wow! So have you become proficient at rearing and maintaining the 9v motors too? What sort of lifetime do you get out of a motor? (hours of operation?) And do you see any extra wear due to running so many motors at one time, the higher current, the steep grades, etc.? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Haddock51 Posted October 10, 2021 5 hours ago, zephyr1934 said: Wow! So have you become proficient at rearing and maintaining the 9v motors too? What sort of lifetime do you get out of a motor? (hours of operation?) And do you see any extra wear due to running so many motors at one time, the higher current, the steep grades, etc.? Proficient is probably slightly exaggerated, but I have been rather careful when using my 9V motors during all these years. My first 9V motors were purchased and operated almost 20 years ago. As of today, none of the motors I have purchased - which in average have a lifetime so far of ten years plus - has broken down! All of them are running without problems! I remember several years ago - probably at the time when TLG decided to discontinue the 9V product line and the introduction of new train product lines like RC, PF etc - when I read several topics with rather negative opinions and comments about 9V motors, mentionning motors that have broken down etc. I also remember myself reacting strongly because I simply couldn't understand what they were talking about! My guess is that some of these motors suffered extra wear because of overload, i.e. too long trains with too much weight for a single motor, in combination with multiple hours of running. Zephyr1934, it's not so easy to answer your questions. Since all my motors are still in operation - i.e. no experienced end of lifetime - the question remains open, at least from my side. I don't run my trains for several hours in a row, for several reasons. I have not seen any extra wear due to running multiple motors at one time. The higher current is irrelevant in this context because 9V motors pick up just so much current for what is needed. No extra wear due to inclines because I use many motors based on the total train weight, thereby avoiding overload. This can easily be verified by checking motor temperatures, and so far I haven't experienced any overheated motors. Once a while I clean motor wheels with 70 percent rubbing alcohol, primarily to prevent deterioration of power transmission fram track to motor. And that's about it. I don't want to resurrect an infected debate, but with my experience - and from what I have seen myself so far - I still believe that Lego train 9V is superior to any other Lego train system, especially with my needs in mind. 6 hours ago, zephyr1934 said: Come on, marketing says you should say "over 1/4 km of track." What about 28 000 plus 10 900 studs? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
