eliminator

B Model For those of you who have built the "B Model", approximately what percentage of the parts were used? Is it worth building?

For any Canadians looking to buy this set, Costco.ca now has it for $239.99 CDN (vice the Lego Store price of $329.99 CDN). Free shipping.

For any Canadians looking to buy this set, Costco.ca now has it for $169.99 CDN (vice the Lego Store price of $229.99 CDN). These will probably sell out fast, like the 42043 did.

Well, after reading 26 pages of this thread last night I finally ordered this set. Double VIP points and a free holiday set is as good as it gets when ordering direct from Lego. Special thanks to "Jim" for posting up the review on page-1.

After over two decades of Lego in my life, I've finally purchased my first Technic set.....42043. I've always been a fan of the larger Technic sets. So begins a new chapter after a considerable downsize and refocus of my collection.

I think you're right. That's why I'm spreading out my purchases of the current train sets. Only buying them on sale, preferably when Lego is offering bonus items or double VIP points.

I'd recommend trying to find a 7939 for a good price. It includes a good amount of track (including 2 switches) and some decent rail-yard accessories.

If they stick to the theme of the previous 3 creator train sets, the next one will likely follow the same recipe: 1) Price: around $130USD 2) Engine and 1-2 cars 3) Able to be motorized with power functions 4) No track or power functions included, minimal accessories (Maersk Train) Chatting with a long time employee of a Lego store, he indicated that many potential buyers of the last 3 sets were swayed away due to the face that the set didn't include track, power functions, and track-side accessories/structures. Sure, they were a hit with the AFOLs, but that isn't always enough to justify TLG continuing the series in its current form. Given the current healthy amount of train sets on the shelves (2x cargo trains, passenger train, train station) I bet Lego feels that is enough right now.

I just picked up a Heavy Haul Train, despite the fact that I said I wouldn't. I just couldn't pass up the set on sale and double VIP points. Guess that's my "2016 set"

So, I was browsing Brickset and came across this gem from 2002; set 3739 Blacksmith Shop. Looks like a great set and will go great with my Medieval Market Village and Mill Village Raid. Although an original can be very pricey, you can part one out on Bricklink for under $100. I just ordered the hundred or so parts that I needed to build it. Just though I'd mention it since I never even heard of this set till now. Also, instructions on Lego.com: http://cache.lego.com/bigdownloads/buildinginstructions/4177128.pdf

In terms of the last few years of PF cargo trains, I'd rate them from most favorite to least in the following order: #1: 7939 #2: 60052 #3: 3677 #4: 60098 Anyone else the same?

I'm disappointed with this set, particularly with the engine rehash from 7939. I can see the appeal that this set will have with the under-10 year olds, but as an AFOL I will pass on it unless it goes on sale 20% off or more. I look forward to the actual release to do some analysis of the train-specific parts per dollar breakout. It might be a decent parts source set for MOCs..

I find that 1x PF motor can pull two HE sets (2x engines, 4x cars), but it has slippage issues around the more "curvy" sections of my current layout.

I'll buy one once it goes on sale for a good deal. While I'm not crazy about the nose design, if the set gets more youngsters I to lego train at an early age I'm all for it. Leave the more advanced sets for the Creator Expert line, keep it simple for the City Trains. Regarding the nose from Rail Bricks Summer 2014 issue "RB: The new passenger train uses a single molded nose piece in place of the brick-built nose of the previous 7938 Passenger Train. What influenced the decision to use the one-piece nose on the new train?" "R/A: The decision to use a single-molded front nose piece was influenced by two factors. First is the complexity of the model when building; it is easier for our target age group to build with the single-molded piece. Second is the flexibility in design that a single element gives us the opportunity to do that a brick build front doesn’t." "RB: After the ill-fated molded nose of the 7897 RC passenger train, many fans were pleased to see a return to the multipart brick-built nose for the 7938 train for its more traditional LEGO look and the versatility of its individual parts. Now with the return of a large nose piece for the new train, fans are understandably leery about adopting what many consider to be a single-use piece. Do you feel that when fans finally have their hands on the new train they will be more accepting of the new nose piece and use it in their own trains?" "R/A: The reactions from fans in response to the 7897 RC passenger train molded nose piece were understandable. The piece had a very big gap between the element and the rest of the model. I think fans will be happy with the redesigned element, as the gap has been removed and a new glass part has been added so the whole front looks really good. For any piece to be used in a different context, it’s up to the creativity of the builder."

I wonder if the Creator Expert trains came with track and PFs they would sell better? I'm sure more than one sale was lost due to the fact that another $150+ Would have to be spent to have it motorized and on track.

I'm more concerned about the release of a new Creator Expert train. (especially since the HE had a shorter than normal run?) IMO, the current cargo and passenger tain starter sets don't need a third set to complement them. My personal theory is that the 3677 red cargo train was released specifically to target North America, since the yellow cargo train was unidentifiable as a cargo train to that market.

I have a friend just expanding into trains and recommended he acquire the following: -1x Horizon Express 10023, while the prices are still reasonable (call Lego direct, they may still have some left) -1x Blue Cargo Train 60052 (great set to start with track, PFs, and train bits) -1x Switching Track 7895 set -2-3x 7499 Straight and Flexible Track sets 1x 8870 PF lights The above will get you one of the AFOL trains (10233) and be able to motorize it (from the PFs in 60052) and then with the track from 60052 and the additional other track you can get a good start on a layout.

60052 is a great set. I'm just waiting for toys r us to do one of their "buy-one-get-one-50%-off" deals.

Awesome! Great to hear that it worked out. I could have ordered several with the intent to sell them in the future, but decided not to spoil my good luck!!!

Original email said a "few", I was only in search of 2 so didn't push them too much. I would call them first thing tomorrow or at least send customer support an email right now.

Indeed. The Lego Gods were on my side this time. They even sold them to me at the pre-Christmas sell-off price!!

Well, looks like the HE is gone. Get them while you still can. Here's the email I got from Lego today: I was able to get two more (now I will have three total)! So relieved.

So, that means the Horizon Express is discontinued, not just temporarily sold out (from Christmas)?

I'm hopeful it will get back in stock at the US/CAN Lego shops; doesn't say "retired product" yet. (although it did go on sale, so that's usually an indicator to retire) I have one, but will buy two more immediately if they become available again.

Looking forward to learning more about this possible new train. Hopefully they don't overly "junior-ize" it like they did with 3677.