bricks n bolts

Great work on the decoupler zephyr1934, looking forward to any more details! I have the original 7862 12v decoupler set somewhere but it's not very good with all the limitations regarding exact train position and pins. One idea I had which I'm not sure if there is a solution for, so probably just a day dream, is finding a small put powerful enough elecro-magnet to pull the train magnets down if positioned under the track, ideally small enough to fit inside the space made by the original 7862 mecanism (see http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=decbase - the round bit in the middle could easily be replaced) - you then power the magnet from the rails using the circular motion of the switch mechanism to turn it on or off.

Yes, saw that too. I wonder if inadequate for 9v would mean still ok at 12v? Nothing stopping you from running track power at 12v with 12v transformer and swapping out the internal motors which would likely need replacing at some point anyway.

Fantastic, great resource for the rest of us 12v heads!

Looks great, any thoughts regarding lighting?

Hi Guys, Sorry I didn't reply sooner. For some reason I thought I would get an email notifying me of any replies, but didn't... Thanks for the compliments harnbak, RailCo and AFOL12V 1974, the difference between 5mm and 7mm bogie pins has never been an issue to me, except if you are using a non-standard train base built from brick, in which case the old 7mm ones seem better with technic plate holes, etc.. I've now also mod'ed my 7740, where I removed the PF plugs entirely and replaced with 12v ones. Those PF plugs are so bulky and hard to fit through the old train bases. Cheers, BnB

Congratulations LT12V, brilliantly scaled and the gearing is superb. Can't wait for "coal district"

Who can get bored when looking at your work, just staggering, another masterpiece!

I did toy with the idea of replacing the mechanism inside 7862 to use a strong electro-magnet. Haven't go very far.. It would have to be a very flat electro magnet whilst still being very strong (strong enough to decouple the train magnets). The original turning motion in the 7862 would then power the magnet on or off via contacts. As said, the original concept behind 7862 didn't work very well....

Fantastic stuff Is that PF track or your self-made 9v track, as the picture is quite dark? Just as if it's 9v then the train automatically stops every time? Is there an override for that?

You just have to use the mini-plugs of an existing wire if you haven't any spare. Easy to unscrew with a micro screwdriver, the only tricky part is screwing the wire back in with the teeny tiny screws, for that I find it helps a lot if you have another plug attached to the one you are attaching at 90 degrees so that the screw holes are kept in the correct position.

Wow, nice idea! You'd still have to work out what to do with any other trains on your layout when you reverse the power flow - so they don't all start going backwards

I've tried looking through your amazing forum (a lot) but still can't find the topic.

Wow, that's very impressive patje. Looking forward to more details. I've got to ask, in your post here http://legotreinforum.forum2go.nl/post13154.html#13154 how did you get and/or make the metal wheels?

Wow, nice job Steinkopf. A real classic

Well balanced and thought out without going 'overboard', congratulations

You're doing some really nice work 'Steinkopf' Can't wait for some more.

Wow, that's a fantastic way to switch levels.

Well deserved, congratulations! Each element here needs it's photo stream to do it justice, inspirational.

Well done! I'm sure this will help with getting the kids interest. When you say you cut off the Duplo face, how did you cut it, do you mean you literally cut it off or does the face come as a distinct piece?

Certainly have to agree with that comment Mikka! Carl is one of my favourite MOC builders. Agree with most of what's been said, only want to add that in the UK the majority of public Lego train layouts are shown alongside other model train shows, and there aren't many specific Lego train shows. Not being ageist, I can't help but notice that most the people who are into model trains are older gentlemen whereas Lego is mainly targeted at children. It's a pity that more children aren't involved in the shows here as that would lead to greater exposure for Lego trains. But, moreover, I think it's just a matter of time, the average age of train AFOLs is below that of other train modellers, once the likes of us in this forum have greyed just that little bit more to reach parity of age we will have won the argument.

Good idea Agree with your suggestions, but... Reinstate electric plate!! In black preferably. I can't beleive they would discontinue such a useful item but they only made it in the '90s well before they gave up on the rest of 9v. Interestingly they first appeared in 1986 which puts them across the 12v-9v interglacial periods.

Maybe we need an IM function that would work with phones

After saying this I felt the need to prove the new motors work in RC/PF casings and can happily report that they do and make very nice replacement 12v motors I'll write up a full report soon.

Don't forget to look at Marciej's Brickshelf for his other masterpieces, the diesel engine shed is magnificent :

I'm 7821 - Track & Lighting Maintenance Wagon - It's basically my job... BnB