Getting started in LEGO Trains - What to buy?

[RockeTeK]

Well, I consider the Emerald Night (#10194) a must-have and it isn't as expensive as either 7938 or 7939.

For a city I would recommend 7938 first, and if your budget is big, just buy all 3

[AussieJimbo]

What's your budget for getting started?

Do you want to build your own custom locos and rolling stock, power the tram, etc or are you happy with running the models from the sets.

Are you going for a simple loop of track in a corner of your town or will you be putting down a complex layout to play with.

Also do your local stores keep decent amounts of railway track and switches in stock? If not you'll be shopping online for it much of the time.

Buying several sets right off the bat can be a good way to go as you end up with a decent amount of track to play with along with the additional wagons and extra Power Functions parts for you own creations.

:classic:

Edited August 16, 2011 by AussieJimbo

[22kane]

Everyone that commented has good advice. It really goes back to what can you afford? The best starter set is the cargo train 7939 and you can still find them. There is the newer cargo train but doesn't have as much track, sorry I don't have the set number on hand. The Maersk set and Emerald Night are great add-ons but you have to purchase the Power Functions separately. They're both pretty rare and popular designs so I wouldn't wait too long as their value will probably skyrocket once they are discontinued.

The last passenger train #7938? is a nice small starter set but has a limited amount of track. I would also recommend staying with the new Power Functions sets as 9v and 12v parts and accessories tend to fetch a hefty price nowadays. Hope that helps.

[domboy]

From someone else who is just getting into trains, I say it really depends on which trains interest you, and that will dictate what route you take.

If the current city trains interest you, that'll be a one stop shop to get complete running trains in one box. You have three options for that:

7938 Passenger Train

7939 Cargo Train

And the new 3677 Red Cargo Train

A few months ago, before I decided to get into trains, I didn't really like either city train sets available at the time... they seemed rather <insert that tiresome argument>, and I don't really prefer the types of trains they are modeled after (that was before the new Red one arrived of course). Then I saw the Maersk train, and that's what did it. That's the kind of train that goes by my house, and what I first think of when I think trains (that or steam engines). So I bought:

10219 Maersk Train

10194 Emerald Night

I had to get the Emerald Night of course. But those two don't provide any track, power function parts, etc. So I'm left to buy all that separately. But the models are very fun to build and look great, and that's what I was after.

That said, I do like the new Red Cargo Train, so I might do things a bit differently if I was starting now.

[Artifex]

You guys got me thinking -- you just went straight to the point, asking the questions I should really be thinking about. I'm glad I openned this thread.

For starters, I want to have a train in my Lego city. I'm not yet sure how big the track has to be, and I'm not afraid of rebuilding and replanning everything (the whole city layout) if it comes to it. I thought about getting a train before planning anything, but I do see that's not the right way to do it.

I'd like to have a passenger train to take my minifigs from one side of the city to the other. No fancy layout, just a track going in and around the buildings. As I have no real experience with trains, I was going for something very straight in design, a Lego train set of tracks plus a couple of track sets if needed (and I'll probably need it, I guess).

Then I saw these pics on one of the train reviews (sorry, I can't remember which) where someone had a passenger train and a cargo one in his/her city. I liked that. I know that's far ahead in my city future, so I guess I'll start with a single train.

As for the train itself, I'll think about the money when I find out which train suits my needs -- I'll just save money for it, even if it takes some time to buy it. I'm not in a hurry. From what I said above, I guess a passenger train is the place to start, although I think I have a thing for the 7939 Cargo Train (it's got a nice train, a truck, two cars... It's good for the city as a whole!)

Here where I live, there's no better way to get tracks but buy them online. So... As for tracks, I see people complaining a lot about the flexible tracks -- but why? Are they that horrible?

I have no idea if I'm going to MOD or MOC the train itself (the loco and the wagons) -- do people do that a lot? I have no trouble running the trains as they are, and I'm pretty sure I won't be messing around with power functions, engines and such -- if I change anything, it's probably the exterior of the train, I guess.

Question: What's the difference between 9v, 12v and Power Functions? I know that for the 9v and 12v it's something related to how much the engine can pull, but in which ways are the Power Functions different?

Thanks so far!

[mostlytechnic]

9V and 12V are older systems that have metal on the tracks themselves to provide power for the train, much like a "typical" model train. Power Functions use all plastic rails (the same size as the older 9v rails) and batteries in the train for power. Basically, the older systems are more like a regular model train, but are getting very expensive now that the motors and track are no longer made.

[Artifex]

9V and 12V are older systems that have metal on the tracks themselves to provide power for the train, much like a "typical" model train. Power Functions use all plastic rails (the same size as the older 9v rails) and batteries in the train for power. Basically, the older systems are more like a regular model train, but are getting very expensive now that the motors and track are no longer made.

Thanks!

And do people still like the old 9v and 12v best? The PF sounds like an improvement... But I'm no train specialist, so...

[medib]

I havent really tried out any of the power functions trains (yet). I just recently won an auction for a red cargo train engine

with the powerfunctions included. So I will give my full opinion later on.

However, I've had lots of experience with 9V and saying that its really the best way to go, IMO. (if you can swing it)

Yes, 9V motors and track are getting harder to come by, but everything that has come out recently is backward compatible

with the old 9V track.

I hate to say this but the easiest way to get 9V components (especially starting out) is to buy a used 4561 railway express

train set. Once you have the basic set, you can always expand it later. Used train motors are still pretty reasonable

but i might question how much wear and tear is already on them. Forget about getting new 9V train motors.... unless you

can spare the cash. Even the "My-Own-Train" motors that had slight performance issues are fetching big bucks brand new.

[Sokratesz]

Thanks!

And do people still like the old 9v and 12v best? The PF sounds like an improvement... But I'm no train specialist, so...

Compared to PF, the 'old' series have, in my opinion, better trackside structures that increase playability and improve the looks of the entire set-up. I personally also prefer the older 'brickish' look with more basic colours to the current line of rounded-down, fluorescent big ugly pieces trains.

- Sok.

[DaddyWhale]

My children and I recently got the Emerald Night. We love it! It's beautiful, a fun build and very playable.

One thing to keep in mind is that you lose some of the imaginary play when you add the PF to the EN because the PF takes up a lot of room. It fills the whole tender and all of the cab in the locomotive. So you can't put coal for example in the tender and you can't fit a minifigure in the loco.

In all other respects the EN is great. My kids love the PF (despite its drawbacks).

[peterab]

Thanks!

And do people still like the old 9v and 12v best? The PF sounds like an improvement... But I'm no train specialist, so...

Depends what you want to do with it. 9V has some advantages, but most of those are more relevant for clubs who run displays. Changing batteries every few hours is a pain.

PF has it's own advantages, such as more flexibility with wheel placement in Mocs, the ability to run more trains independently on the same track, the new PF train motor is stronger according to tests, you have a choice of motor sizes if you wish to use the XL and M motors. The main advantage if starting from scratch is price and availability.

From the sound of it you want a passenger train, which you won't modify, and a bit of extra track. I suggest just look at the passenger trains on Bricklink and make a choice based on price and availability and the one you like the look of most. I wouldn't be too concerned about if it's 9V, 12V (or even 4.5V & RC) or PF, since you can convert most from one system to another, just be aware you might want to do that.

I got back into trains just as 9V was being discontinued, and apart from battery issues running stuff on my train clubs 9V layout have never regretted going with RC & PF.

[hoeij]

The train sets 3677/7938/7939 all come with track and the PF components to make the train move, so I'd start with one of those sets (of these three, I would recommend to buy 7939 first, because it comes with more track than the other train sets). If you buy 7939 (or 7938) then I would also recommend buying a PF light, it does make the train look better when the lights are on.

One of the advantages of PF compared to the 9V trains is that you can control the light and the train-speed separately, in particular, you can have the light on while the train is standing still (that's something you couldn't do with the 9V trains).

If you later decide to buy an Emerald Night or a Maersk train, then you can run that train using the PF components from 3677, 7938 or 7939 (in the case of the Emerald Night, you need to add an XL motor to that).

I'd also buy AAA rechargeable batteries. That way you can run it as much as you want and not worry about the cost of batteries.

[r1chard]

Hello,

I'm a newbie to Lego stuffs in general, and recently was drawn into thinking that I want a motorized Lego train. I have Hogwarts Express but my problem is that it doesn't come with tracks and power function. I thought of buying these separately but calculations showed I might spend a lot (you know Canadian prices is 33% more than US MSRP plus 13% tax), and I'm not sure if I could get at least 16 curve tracks required to have a complete circular track.

To have less headache, I just bought the Passenger Train set 7938 which contains

Track pieces: 16 curved and 16 flexible.

Power Functions: battery box, train motor, infrared receiver and infrared remote control

and the Level Crossing set 7936 which contains 4 straight tracks.

I think those that I highlighted above are the bare essentials to have a motorized train. Of course, not everyone will agree specially the experts, may recommend you to buy like the rechargeable battery instead of the battery box above that uses AAA batteries, or the bigger train sets like Cargo Train. Or suggest you to buy the 9V system instead of the current Power Functions. If you have the money then go for those. But if you're like me, a newbie and just wanted a simple and cheaper set up that works then Lego 7938 is a good start or I must say a must-have. But if I have a bigger budget I will get the Cargo Trains either the older one or the recently released, just because it looks different than the Hogwarts Express.

Another point is about buying older models. My thought about this, and I know not everyone will agree, and this is sort of a Lego philosophy of mine is to buy what is current. It will save you more money, less headache about compatibility and availability, no sour-graping in case a new set is released very similar to the old model, and the current one will soon be a thing of a past anyways.

Links: Video review of 7938 http://www.brickshow.com/episode92-7938

[serge627]

Hey Guys and Gals.

My kids (and I) are pretty big into Lego. They are 8 and 6 and Lego is probably their favorite thing to play with and build. Actually they are currently rebuilding their Creator houses

Anyhow, I am trying to prepare for Christmas and thought that maybe we would pick up a Lego train to go under and around the tree this year. I really like the Emerald Night train thats currently available, but I notice it only comes with one passenger car.

What do you guys do to add another car, is there a place that sells the parts you need or do you need to BrickLink the parts?

Is the engine strong enough to even pull more than one car?

Any and all ideas welcome, Thanks!!

[22kane]

There is a very similar topic in train tech right now on different train sets. I would check that out.

As far as EN goes, you can either check out eBay for additional passenger cars or bricklink the parts. The EN is a powerful loco and can pull the standard amount of cars just like any other Lego locomotive. Buying just the EN will require you to buy a lot of separate components. I would look into buying a set first.

[jonwil]

If you just want a train set, the red passenger train is a good place to start.

Gives you all the parts you need to make trains and at a reasonable price.

[serge627]

There is a very similar topic in train tech right now on different train sets. I would check that out.

As far as EN goes, you can either check out eBay for additional passenger cars or bricklink the parts. The EN is a powerful loco and can pull the standard amount of cars just like any other Lego locomotive. Buying just the EN will require you to buy a lot of separate components. I would look into buying a set first.

Good call, for whatever reason I didnt see that when making this post. After reading it I have some answers to some of the questions that I have.

So its Ebay or B/L for additional parts and cars.

Other ideas still welcome.

[WesternOutlaw]

Hi Serge: we've got a number of Train Tech topics related to "what should I buy", "what should I add", and "where to get started" with LEGO Trains. I'm going to merge this topic and after seeing you as one additional member who has asked the recurring question, I may even create/merge one singe topic for beginners or parents who want to buy that train for their little tots.

Topic temporarily closed but will be merged soon.

EDIT: Topic merged

[Brik-el]

If you just want a train set, the red passenger train is a good place to start.

Gives you all the parts you need to make trains and at a reasonable price.

this is what i did.

but i bashed the kit and created my first MOC with it.

my lovely red CP diesel.

[serge627]

Hi Serge: we've got a number of Train Tech topics related to "what should I buy", "what should I add", and "where to get started" with LEGO Trains. I'm going to merge this topic and after seeing you as one additional member who has asked the recurring question, I may even create/merge one singe topic for beginners or parents who want to buy that train for their little tots.

Topic temporarily closed but will be merged soon.

EDIT: Topic merged

No problem, as I mentioned, for whaterver reason I didnt notice this thread. Thanks for the merge, now it actually makes it easier to keep track of ideas!

[r1chard]

I just want to add, or update my comment on page 1. I got the Red Cargo Train (RCT) instead. I returned the Passenger Train (PT) after knowing that the RCT is just 5 bucks above the C$170 TRU price tag for the PT.

[eliminator]

After lusting after Lego trains since my childhood, I finally picked up the new Passenger Train and Train Station. ToysRUS Canada was having a 25% off sale so I finally bit the bullet and picked these up. I know the new Passenger Train and Train Station arent the greatest sets, but I wanted something passenger-type oriented for the city I'm starting to build and the price was right.

Growing up I had an HO scale layout, so I'm looking forward to getting back into both Lego and Trains. I just wish I had of bought some of those lego train sets from the mid-90s instead of being into Spyrius and Aquazone!

I guess my next purchase should be some more track and some baseplates....?

Edited October 19, 2011 by eliminator

[slovakiasteph]

I'm getting my first train tomorrow, and I'm super-excited! Even though I like the passenger train better, I'm hoping to get the yellow cargo train because I have coupons, etc... just makes more sense at the moment.

Already got the road crossing at TRU on Monday. It's sitting there, waiting for the train!

Do you know what I need in terms of batteries? Haven't taken the time to look that up yet...

Have fun!

[LegoSjaak]

I'm getting my first train tomorrow, and I'm super-excited! Even though I like the passenger train better, I'm hoping to get the yellow cargo train because I have coupons, etc... just makes more sense at the moment.

Already got the road crossing at TRU on Monday. It's sitting there, waiting for the train!

Do you know what I need in terms of batteries? Haven't taken the time to look that up yet...

Have fun!

You need 9 AAA-size batteries.... 6 for the battery-box in the train and 3 for your PF-remote control!

Congratulations with your purchase... you will not regret it!!!!

Greetz, LegoSjaak

[DaddyWhale]

After lusting after Lego trains since my childhood, I finally picked up the new Passenger Train and Train Station. ToysRUS Canada was having a 25% off sale so I finally bit the bullet and picked these up. I know the new Passenger Train and Train Station arent the greatest sets, but I wanted something passenger-type oriented for the city I'm starting to build and the price was right.

Growing up I had an HO scale layout, so I'm looking forward to getting back into both Lego and Trains. I just wish I had of bought some of those lego train sets from the mid-90s instead of being into Spyrius and Aquazone!

I guess my next purchase should be some more track and some baseplates....?

Given your comment about getting LEGO trains from the 90s, I would suggest you get the Emerald Night next. It's not in the same style as the passenger train set, but it's a classic!