ALCO
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Everything posted by ALCO
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Join a LUG (Lego User Group) and try to take advantage of a LUG bulk purchase. Don't know if/when track is available for LUG bulk though, nor what the price per track will be. But that, I have heard, from friends in LUGs as one of the best ways to get bulk track for more reasonable then ebay/Bricklink.
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So then in 2026 we can expect another holiday train? Cool. As stated previously (can't find it in 32 pages of comments) a 3-in-1 would be a great idea, with maybe a non-train model being one of the builds to extend interest beyond our nich. Actually if they did a 3-in-1 and all three models were wagons then if folks wanted longer trains (like @pirzyk) then they would have to get many copies. They would just have to make them cool enough. Maybe covered hopper, tank car (both might use a lot of slopes) and a steel? Car? Can't think of what it might be called but looks like a gondola with a curved lid. Anyway, I'm happy we are getting new trains this year and hope for a Creator Expert (would LOVE a Hogwarts Express) in the near future as well. Those mining sets look cool. OH!!! MAYBE they will do a 3-in-1 that will help tie the mining sets into the trains with one build a loading platform, another build being a wagon for the mined ore/gold and another build being an excavator/dump truck with a helicopter! (Only because Lego obviously cannot produce enough helicopters)
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I wonder if the new Duplo trains will have features that are enabled using NFC technology in those panels between the rails... For example from the photos maybe Stop, Lights, Horn.... Etc. Interesting!
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I have quite a few switches and have been interested in modifying some of them for a while now. I found a couple PowerPoint presentations from BrickWorld in years past discussing how to modify switches. The one thing they do not cover is moving the throw to the other side of the track. Now, I know there are switches from 4DBricks in just about every configuration including with the throw on the other side. But if I have an over-supply of switches, and have no need to purchase more, then modifying my existing stock makes more sense. Is there a write up on how to move the throw it is that really something I will have to figure out for myself?
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Wow! Thank you @ust60!! This is incredible! Thank you so much!
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@ust60 the switches of your cross-over in the inner loop: the handles are on the other side of the track. How did you move the handles to the straight side of the track?
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No, they were definitely modified TLG switches. Any tips you can share? Thank you for the resource! I will check it out. Not sure if he will share his methods since I am not interested in purchasing, but learning. I'll reach out and see!
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I was thinking about some of the switches I saw on penlug's layout at Brick World...
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@peterab this discussion is about track that is compatible with 9v and PF systems. In the interest of not confusing topics and having two different conversations going on at the same time, it might be a good idea to start a new topic or PM @coaster off-line.
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So, good haul at Christmas this year for me. Among other sets, I was given 60051. While I never would have gone out to buy that set myself, now that I have it, I want to get a second one to make into three additional coaches. This would make this set 6 car-bodies including the locomotive. Have any of you done this and added a second motor? I'm wondering if it makes sense to modify the locomotive to take the second motor or run PF extension wires and have the 2nd motor at the end of the train. What are your thoughts of having one motor at the front and the other at the end so one pulls and the other pushes? What has the experience been of one motor pulling at the front and the other motor pushing at the rear? Thanks
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Good thoughts. I think in the short term (while my son is too little to play with Lego trains) I would like to do the trainline, medium term (while my son is interested in crashing Lego trains) both motors in the locomotive, and long term (when my son thinks he is too cool for Lego trains) back to trainline. Guess, at this point I've got a couple years at least to figure this out.
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Really cool @dr_spock! Will these axles work in the same ball-bearings BMR is using in their models? I have been thinking about how I can get more axles... And this is great! Where did you get the 2mm metal rod you are using?
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All, thanks for the replay and info. I would like to keep it all in one receiver so that is why I am thinking about the extension wires. It sounds like having one motor pull and one push works well so that is good news. I thought about doing this as well. However I want to keep it as stock looking as possible. If I were to extend the locomotive a bit, then I might as well but both motors in the front. But that would also mean I would have to extend the rear "locomotive" too. I think running the wires will be fine. Once I get a second 60051 I will just Bricklink the remaining parts I need to turn the second set into 3 carriages. Now, any thoughts on the lights? I have Brickstuff lights on my Big Boy and I love them. But I would rather not have more than one wire going along the train...So I was thinking the Lego lights for the front, rear and carriages because they just plug on the PF wires and are not affected by the speed selector. I could mount them on the bottom of the roof with 1x2 technic bricks.
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A quiz for vintage train lovers: What do you find uncommon in this picture?
ALCO replied to Reza's topic in LEGO Train Tech
Guess I need a photo of the other side of the wagon then. -
YES! I'm sorry! here it is below. Also, is my first attempt at the rods. Video
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A quiz for vintage train lovers: What do you find uncommon in this picture?
ALCO replied to Reza's topic in LEGO Train Tech
Oh! I have one with a black switch! Now if only I could figure out how to login to it via my mobile.... the other side of it has the black lever. -
How could I provide power and/or data coupling between train cars?
ALCO replied to TK2241's topic in LEGO Train Tech
Hmm! This looks interesting! @zephyr1934 I cannot believe you would suggest such a thing! *gasp* lol -
Oh! Now you are talking! That would be a really cool idea! It would really increase it's play value and for folks like us, we would be inclined to get at least three of them. I'll vote for this idea!
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@jimim if you look up the straight or curve on Bricklink you can see the current average price and the average for all the sales in the last 6 months.
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@Beltigan, in many ways you and I are in similar places in life, however, I do not have a cat. I am also planning a Christmas train display, but I will have a bit more space as I am planning to lay my track on the floor of the living room under the Christmas tree. I will have few buildings since I have more trains and wagons and track. I don't know if your wife would be open to having the train under the Christmas tree for the holidays but the good thing is that when guests come, it is easy to remove the track to keep it out of the way. However, this thought does not take your furry friend into consideration. Just a thought to consider.
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I think this is a really interesting idea, and it will be fun to see where this goes. I have seen these couplers with a (for lack of better words and in complete ignorance) "thing" on the end of the pawl on top and bottom that interfaces with the pawl from the other car in such a way to prevent them from becoming disconnected on uneven track. Maybe a bit more design research will uncover what it is called. As you said, this is just the beginning of this idea. Another thought is that the magnet system is so well established that and that is what everyone has and uses. While I agree a more realistic (to North American railroads) and stronger alternative is a great idea, the trouble is compatibility with the magnet system. IF it were possible to make it "backwards" compatible then I would think it should be more acceptable.
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I agree with you on the claw piece in the trucks and really like your solution. However, the cost of 8 pistols for one car vs. The cost of 8 claws is significant especially if you are building many cars. I was thinking about a drop of Elmers glue to help stabilize the claws.
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@ecmo47, great review on the instructions! I just got mine and looked through them and noticed some of the issues you bring to light. Thank you for clarifying those points! That will really help when I start building this!
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[MOC] Flexible Articulated Mallet with Bellows-Type Connection
ALCO replied to Daedalus304's topic in LEGO Train Tech
This is pretty cool! I was really impressed with the swoosh! -
Great idea Zephyr! I didn't have any of those on hand. As long as the lift arm is positioned in the middle, the friction ridges will keep it in the middle. At least in my testing it has worked this way. All, please excuse the type-o's. I'm doing this on my phone and the auto-correct has a mind of its own.