weeble1688

The original colors of the #497 include light gray, blue, yellow, black, translucent-yellow, trans-red & trans-green. If one puts medium stone grey next to light gray, light gray tends to look slightly yellowish in comparison to medium stone grey. Medium stone grey only began started occurring around 2004, which is when light gray died a slow death. Nowadays, light gray is no longer manufactured as far as I am aware. To accurately complete the set, you should look for the original pieces in light gray, not medium stone grey. And if you are truly looking to recreate the set, you should also ascertain the original mold variations of certain pieces as needed - i.e. #3597 light gray antenna 1x4 (with rounded top) vs. #3597b, which has a flat top & only comes in medium stone grey. It is a fantastic set, one of my first childhood wonders - you have a worthy (if potentially expensive) task ahead of you to collect the original parts to complete the Galaxy Explorer! Best of luck in your search for the best parts at the best prices!!

Well, I have a few around the house for use without having to search for one. The rest I collect in a baggie and when I have enough, I give them away at shows at which my LUG exhibits. That way, I'm not overrun with them and they act as little goodwill gestures for younger fans, especially if they like our MOCs

I like the concept of a hybrid 9V/PF system, since I've been playing with both systems since my dark ages ended. If it is possible to add in PUP once more has become available (components available separately, more information & innovation from TLG & others willing to experiment), then all the better. With the exception of Duplo track, Lego has used the same gauge track for over 50 years, regardless of which system runs on it - 4.5V, 12V, 9V, PF, PUP. I know I'm beyond optimistic, but in theory isn't it possible for all those systems to work together, track-wise at least? Then let interested parties develop things that tie into the tracks, like 12V center rails (if desire is strong enough), 9V power pickup wheels/wheelsets (coaster), etc. Just my thoughts ... but I am definitely interested in larger radius curves & switches as well as power pickup wheels/wheelsets. Keep it up, coaster!

I suspect that replies will depend on whether one grew up in the "4-wide cars" era or afterward. I personally love the juxtaposition of Bill & Mary meeting up with the handcar operator! I remember being continually enthralled with my copy of #6000, wishing I had the amount of bricks to set up displays like that when I was young. True, it doesn't compare to today's more complex trains, cars, etc. - but really, should it? I see it as a celebration of 1980s building and nostalgia for the simpler stuff back then, which I wholeheartedly appreciate having grown up in that era. I say bravo for building this scene - let it spark imaginations today like the books did nearly 40 years ago!

I really hope so! Originally I used #88000 AAA battery boxes in my PF locos because I could use rechargeable AAA batteries (& keep a few disposables around for emergencies). Then I got a #8878 rechargeable battery and I was hooked - no going slower as the batteries weakened, just build the box into the loco & plug in to recharge ... loved it! (It helped that I got it & the cord for less-than-retail though.) Now I have 3 locos set up with #8878 and when I build a fourth I'll be building it into that one too, assuming I can still get it then. I still have the #88000 boxes, so I could use that in a pinch - but I've been spoiled by the convenience of just plugging in a loco when it depletes its charge at a show & swapping for another. Much easier than having to take pieces off, pull out the battery box, take out old batteries, put in fresh batteries, reassemble the loco and return it to service - all while kids are waiting & saying "Where's the train?". So I really hope that TLG decides to make a PUP rechargeable battery box!

I'm backer 99 for eight each of left & right switches, though I fear I am "too little, too late". But I'm in whether the Kickstarter succeeds or not - just let me know what the alternate means to purchase/preorder these would be, should the Kickstarter fail. I am hoping for the best, and poking my LUG forum to try and help the cause!

"Hi, my name is weeble1688 and I play with Lego trains" ... Wow, I don't know how I missed introducing myself here - I've only been on EB for 8 years or so! I am in my 40s and I work at a school as well as working part-time at my local Lego Brand Retail Store. I am a confirmed town & train maniac (train-iac?), although I'll raid freely from nearly every theme Lego has ever made. I modify existing sets to my liking especially the Modular buildings, have many more ideas than time to make them all , and usually build MOCs very slowly (though I once created a modular building in less than 8 hours while at an event - we needed 1 more for the display!). Usually my train cars are way too heavy and/or need more accuracy the first time I build them, but hopefully I will get over these bumps one day. I grew up playing with Classic Space and some Town sets - my dad had the train thing cornered with O-gauge. I didn't get into Lego trains until I was an AFOL; my first set was #4561 which I picked up on clearance - wonder why? But it gave me the starter stuff I needed to start making other train cars, etc. Now I am part of a LUG and contribute buildings, 9V & PF trains, vehicles and other stuff to the group displays at exhibitions & conventions. I also play with the Star Wars theme, including making stuff for the LUG's SW collaborative work too. I love all the inspiration and innovation I find here in this forum - so many wonderful MOCs, new ideas for continuing 9V track, expanding radii & switches, and motorization/lighting of trackside stuff. Thank you all for these great ideas and techniques!

One more obvious thing to state, but as an employee of a Lego Store I have found that I must belabor this point on occasion. Duplo train track is NOT compatible with regular Lego System train track. I have had purchasers return Duplo or Lego track saying they "weren't told that the two types are incompatible". Just FYI ...

Well, Bricklink lists the parts as #29119 Slope Curved 2x1 with No Studs with Stud Notch Right and #24151 Vehicle, Mudguard 4x4x1-1/3 Double, respectively. Each is available in red, either by buying on BL or by finding the sets from which those parts come. Buying from Bricklink is probably your best bet, as the second piece is from a 2016 set. Best of luck in finding your elements!

Though I've learned "never say never", I highly doubt that The Lego Group would outright cancel the Town/World City/City theme as TLG regards it as an 'evergreen' theme, meaning it will continue onward. The name of the theme may change at some point in the future (as has happened in the past), but the idea of a kid-friendly theme related to life around them is the 'evergreen' part. Just my two cents!

I have to ask - is the front headlight a trans-yellow "ingot" piece? It sure looks like, but Bricklink doesn't show any translucent colors having been produced for that element AFAIK. Looks beautiful by the way - like what would have pulled the Tropicana juice train if that existed when streamlined steam engines did!

I too used to call my feline friend "Catzilla" for traipsing through my town setup in a former apartment, toppling traffic lights and trampling trucks. Hang on to that video though ... I wish I had more than memories of my cat romping through my Lego MOCs. Eventually I'll get another cat (possibly to be named Catzilla) depending on her/his propensity for wandering through Lego builds! - weeble

What, no grave site for Galidor?!?All kidding aside, this is a wonderful creation - very true to the original church, and all that cylindrical building - beautiful! (deepens voice) "Impressive. Most impressive."

Another possibility is that they are indeed slightly different shades of dark stone grey. If you plug those 7-digit codes into Brickset.com, you get two different entries for the same type of part, one spanning 2005-6 and the next 2004-2018, with no sets in common between the two. Though it is uncommon it does happen in my local Lego store, usually in the Pick-A-Brick wall contents - two boxes of the same color piece but varying slightly in shade or color density, like Johnny 1360 noticed above. I have also seen it in pieces that are from either different countries of origin or from different years (but still being the same type of color - i.e. that part only exists post-2004 and therefore must be dark stone grey rather than dark grey). I hope this helps you somewhat and does not lead to more confusion!

I agree with what you are saying Zephyr, but man it hurts to have been one of the original KS supporters only to have never gotten anything from them, other than one email over a year ago looking for more orders - which I declined to do, since I had not seen anything since they took my money during the KS in May 2014. Personally, I think it stinks that they were more than happy to sell track on their website, but not fulfill their original KS orders! PS - Coaster, I hope your venture succeeds - I still have need of larger-radius track!

Unfortunately, the likelihood of cypress trees returning is slim to nonexistent. AFAIK the old mold was destroyed, so a new one would need to be created which is very expensive. I was lucky enough to get a couple bags from the last run of the old mold, and the trees tend to be slightly bent or twisted. To me, they look more like real trees that way, but I doubt they would be to everyone's taste. I wouldn't mind seeing more of the deciduous and coniferous trees available though - it has to be a few years since I last saw a "circle" tree in a set!

This project is mind-bending - simply awesome!! I love the all the detail work put into this - scenery, buildings, spaceships and everything! I wish your expo was in the United States so I could come see this behemoth, but France is way out of my travel reach. Good luck and I can't wait for more pictures!

Nicely done BrickWolf! I am lucky enough to own the re-release of the Metroliner & Club Car, and you did quite well getting the feel of the engine - only thing I see missing is the pantograph. I built another standard car that only lacks the light grey trainbase - instead I used what I had available, dark grey. It looks good but is noticeably different to discerning onlookers. Eventually I may acquire the light grey to swap it in! Enjoy your new Metroliner!

Very well executed! I love the Tehcnic figures, the popcorn bucket, and of course the movie playing on-screen! I've been toying with building a giant Palace Cinema - now thanks to your inspiration, I might even go for a brick-built screen!

I've been reading this set/theme thread since it first got put in the sidebar as a new item - really cool stuff! Very 1950's/Fantastic Voyage feel to it, and I love all the little call-outs to the era, from the Chevrolac to the diner's payphone. Please make another wave of these - or pitch it/them to Lego Ideas! This theme could even be a fun way to teach kids about germs and the body's defenses against them - who knows? Anyway, great ideas and I would buy the whole theme if it came out in-store!

Wow, these are great! How hard would it be to make instructions for them? I'd love to make my own. Looking forward to seeing more pics once the other airtanks come in!

Yesterday I managed to grab a returned 75054 AT-AT at my local LEGO Store. I'm glad to have found it since I missed getting the set when it was available. I'm hoping to see the Assault on Hoth "UCS" set on sale this coming May the Fourth, since I now have something to assault it with!

I like the ideas/solutions 4DBrix has been generating/presenting, especially the switch motors, nControl software and the lights. I would definitely be interested in the extended arm version of the switch motor, since I know of people who do build train engines and cars longer than 38 studs (6-wide) or 30 studs (8-wide). I know it's holiday time and all, but any further development on that front, by chance?

Hey Coaster, I was wondering if you were planning to attend BrickFair Virginia or BrickFair New Jersey this year? I would love to see these wonderful creations in person! If not, I can just keep trying to throw money through my screen until it is Kickstarter time. But please keep us informed, and thanks for all yourr hard work on this exciting 9v train stuff!

Though I've been silent on this project up until now, I'm loving all you have done here Coaster! Though my LUG isn't in the same league as PennLUG, I can definitely see a few places these could be incorporated into our train layout. I think you've hit a wonderful solution with the switch stand being movable to either side of the switch, and cannot wait until these become reality so I can buy a couple (or more). Also looking forward to seeing what you have in mind for the single-axle power pickup wheelset!