Jon Reynolds

I do like the crossing and have desires to create a custom 9V compatible one myself, although not a 90 degree version like yours. Ideally, this would be suitable for a double junction in combination with FX Tracks' P40s. I haven't seen any plans for FX to make a crossing of any type so I'm hoping we will see a bunch of excellent DIY solutions appear on these pages.

I sometimes wonder how the hate:love ratio from the AFOL community would look, should Lego have made different choices for the OE. I think we are all a little bit guilty of brushing the reality of a toy manufacturer under the carpet, so to speak, when critically reviewing such models. I do like the set and I think it is very hard to argue against it being one of the best model trains since Lego started making sets in 1966 (?). I intend to buy a set but I'm not rushing right now because it should be available for some 2-3 years. Sure, there are some quality issues related to the stickers and the printed parts. That is bad and goes against the '2 coats of varnish on the duck' philosophy that we should expect. I disagree with most of the other criticisms, though. For example... 1. Lego 'can't' offer a motorising solution - Yes, we know it's possible. I work for a company that manufactures at the high quality end of the market (the best, in fact). For similar reasons, only well-tested products are launched to the market and these are often less interesting or 'sexy' compared to our competitors. The difference is they will work for 25 years, have full back up support and prove at least twice as reliable in operation. I value this. Others, including those who buy on price alone, do not. I'm not saying who is right or wrong here - I'm just illustrating where I think Lego's strategy lies. They apply these standards and we are free to ignore them, as I'm sure many of our MOCs do too! 2. The engine isn't (choose from; long enough; detailed enough; looks like the IDEAS submission; the right colour etc.). I may be in a minority these days but I don't like the trend of Lego concentrating on their 'Adults Welcome' marketing to the detriment of the core creativity of the Lego system. I don't think we, as AFOLs, are served well by sets that are designed to be built into one thing and left on the shelf, much like an Airfix kit. I really hope that there are enough genuine creative adult fans who see through this and buy the sets for not only the fun of building the fixed model but also for what they can turn the bricks into. A symptom of Lego's direction in following the adult pound/dollar/euro is the lack of instructions for a secondary model, like we used to get. So, my message is 'quit bitching and build the engine you want' . 3. Yes, it is overpriced due to the licensing fee. That doesn't mean it isn't a great model. Finally, a question for the wider Lego train community: Had we been able to enjoy the marvel of these internet groups at the time the fabled Metroliner was launched, would we have accepted it without criticism? . Jon

It is a dilemma but I see why Lego have to take this stance; they are focussing specific models to a lucrative adult market yet should an injury occur, a jury would look at 'the Lego pieces' (which is basically what is being sold, irrespective of the marketing focus) and conclude that it is a kids toy. Game over for any attempt by Lego to say it was safe because it was intended for adults only! That doesn't make it any easier for me to accept the demise of track-powered trains, though. We do, at least, have the excellent FX track offerings...though these are best suited for those of use with patience . Back on topic and I am definitely in the camp of a very happy AFOL to see this Lego set. I prefer it to the original IDEAS concept, for various reasons not least of which is that it is far more likely to be a commercial success. We need that to happen for Lego to make the next one . Jon

We all have our favourite 'scales' for this model but The Lego Group need to ensure the set is a commercial success. I suspect the sales performance of that oddball 76405 Collectors Edition Hogwarts Express may push them into making the Orient Express set suit the 6-8 wide 'system' models with compatibility benefits to suit AFOLs and younger markets alike. Personally, I'd like to see something that sits well alongside the 7-wide 10277 Crocodile. By this I mean consistency of scale along the whole model rather than cramming as much detail in as possible. The latter approach may look better as a static model but when the real excitement begins, the trains are racing around an unfeasibly twisted railway and such details are secondary to the fun we can have. I'm sure I've heard the phrase 'Just imagine' before somewhere... Jon