raised

Only six days to go in this years OcTRAINber! How are we doing? Does anybody already know they need a grace period to make sure we get more entries? Also, due to personal Lego obligations at Legoworld 2019 in Utrecht I totally forgot to crosspost the prizes here. They are however so cool, that I decided to do so anyways even it's a week late ;) We’re halfway through the month already and we’ve seen plenty of unique and interesting looking WIP stories so far. This is shaping up to be a great year so far, and we’re looking forward to seeing the final entries! Of course, what would any OcTRAINber challenge be without prizes? We have some new prizes this year from our good friends across the community. PFx Brick XL Package This prize was donated by Fx Bricks, and includes the following: PFx Brick 16 MB (new injection molded case!) XL Speaker pinLABsolo Light Accessory Board 4x Bright White Fx LEDs PFx Brick M Package Also donated by Fx Bricks, and includes the following: PFx Brick 16 MB (new injection molded case!) M Speaker pinLABsolo Light Accessory Board 4x Bright White Fx LEDs BrickTracks Track Packs BrickTracks has donated plenty of track this year! We have split it up as follows: R120 + Short Straights Package 1 full circle (4x boxes) of BrickTracks R120 Curved Track 2x boxes of BrickTracks Short Straight Track Short Straight Pack 2x boxes of BrickTracks Short Straight Track Lastly, and certainly not least: LEGO 71044 Disney Train and Station Prize allocation will be covered in the wrap up article before winners are announced. We hope everyone is having a great OcTRAINber!

Did you ever recieve the AliExpress aftermarket version? And what did you think of it?

I'd say it could be possible if you connect it with a PFx Brick with the light & sound modules. I'm not sure however if that works, since I don't own a BuWizz at the moment.

Dear Technic Fans, I must admit, I don't attend the Technic Forums that often here at EB. However, today I might have something that is interesting to share here! Since two years Brick Model Railroader has organized a yearly building challenge, OcTRAINber. Every year with a different theme, but always train-related. Two years ago the theme was 'build your longest', and last year it was 'build something from another continent'. This year however we have decided to up the stakes a little bit, and let the challenge be all about 'build something that moves, other than the regular train drive'. For that reason we have dubbed this year's building challenge "The Technic Challenge". Which in turn means it would be silly not to post it here as well! For more info about OcTRAINber 2019 you can go to Brickmodelrailroader.com, or check-in over at the EB Train Tech forums! Hope to see some of you attending this year!

Small update: This year's guest judge will be none other than @mahjqa, the wizard of moving technic builds. I can definately recommend you guys have a look at his Flickr Stream for some extra inspiration!

As we announced a bit over a week ago, this year BMR will again run the OcTRAINber contest. OcTRAINber is a contest meant to get outside of your comfort zone and build something you haven’t thought of before. You know, that one truly special build that will spice up your layout like no other has before. All within the realm of Lego Trains, but with a twist. So, let us officially introduce you to the contest and let’s get rolling! OcTRAINber First of all, the name. It’s called OcTRAINber, if somebody had not noticed after two years. Why OcTRAINber? Well, because it’s a great intermediate month between SHIPtember and November. Also, TRAINS. Mostly TRAINS. TRAINS. “The Technic Challenge” Second of all, the subject of this years OcTRAINber. Why the Technic Challenge? Two years ago we had a ‘build your longest’ theme, and last year we were all about ‘building that foreign dream of yours’. Both of them produced some really nice models, but, in essence, they were all static. Yes, some of them were motorized, and yes, some of them even had very fancy motorization that not even us had thought of before. However, in the end motorization was just a nice have-to, not a requirement, which is strange when you think about it. Therefore, we have decided that this year everything is forced to move. The more movement, the better! The Rules The Rules have already been announced in the previous OcTRAINber post, but for completeness’ sake we have pasted them here again: “Moving” is defined as: A movement of any locomotive, rolling stock, structure, or other railroad-related item that is NOT indented to propel the item forwards or backwards on track.Ofcourse, the item can have these movements (we even recommend doing this, because static trains are soooo boring), but you will only be scored on extra movements, like doors opening, or running vents, or a moving telehandler on a goods dock. So, you can enter your newly build Acela Express, and it can be 9V powered, but it needs to have some extra modes of movement included as well, otherwise we will disqualify your entry. I’m sure you get the point. Entries must be original models. No stealing. This also means no MODs, only MOCs. We are making no rules for the scale you choose to model in. We are welcoming models of 6, 7, and 8 studs, and anything in between or beyond! However, we appreciate detail and accuracy. Reasonably sized models are usually better for that, but we don’t knock anything or anyone with serious skill. Also, the building of Train-related builds which aren’t trains themselves (trackside structures etc.) is stimulated, so no need to even join the 6 vs 7 vs 8 wide wars this year! NEW BUILDS ONLY. We are willing to accept anything unpublished or anything that was not published before September 1st 2019 as new. We want to inspire and promote a challenging build, entering an old model doesn’t quite work in that regard. Type of Entries Unlike the previous two years, we will only accept real-life builds this year. This has everything to do with the subject of this year’s challenge. It’s just virtually impossible to show movement in digital builds, and to prove that it actually works. To level the playing field we have thus decided not to allow digital builds. However, we will have to separate categories of Entries: Direct Drive and Indirect Drive. To explain this a bit further: Direct Drive entries are entries that are/could be driven by a separate motor that is specifically meant for that moment. So think moving crossing poles, a truck that runs around, waggling ducks, a moving carousel… You name it. The Indirect Drive category in the other hand is meant for entries that move around because of a movement that is already happening. So think a train that is already running around due to it’s train motor, but that has some movement that is kinetically powered and only moves when the train moves. Does your Entry have both? Well, then you are in luck and you can enter it in both categories! That’s just a gesture from us here at BMR to stimulate some extra movement :) Third party parts BMR has always been positive towards third-party parts, as long as they have any way of added value to the hobby. So the rule of thumb is simple: Lego: Yes Third Party Parts meant specifically for use with Lego: Yes* Clones: No *Other than the previous years we have made some extra specification to the Third Party Parts. All Third Party Parts this year have to be meant for use with Lego. So BuWizz, PFx Brick, sBrick etc. are allowed, but Arduino and Raspberry Pi are not. Rule of thumb: If it has studs and/or connectors to one of the Lego electric systems, it’s OK. If not, it isn’t. Points Points will be awarded in three categories: Credibility, WIP Story and Movement Factor. First of all, credibility of the prototype. This means we will be looking at how much the build represents the real life prototype. This means the quality of the build, but potential scale etc. If you are sending in a fantasy model, we will look at how credible the build is; would it fit in, does the backstory make sense? (Please note that this means an entry does need to be based in the real-life in some way, so no fantasy universes like Star Wars, etc.) Second of all, the WIP story. This refers to both showing off your building process, but also to how and why you decided to model a certain prototype. The better the story and the more updates you give and the more elaborate your building story is, the better. (Also, feel free to cross-post these pictures in our WIP-thread while you are still building!) Third and last, the Movement Factor. This is all about the how of the movement of your build. So, is it powered in a special way, or does it have some crazy movement, or does it have some special functionality, etc. The more the merrier, but as always with OcTRAINber, it’s about quality first, and quality second. So it’s great if you have some wobbling pigeons, but if one of them also flies up and down… that could definitely add some points. The Judges This contest will have four judges. Why four? Well, because last year we also had four. Just like last year we will have a guest judge related to the building contest. This year our guest judge will be none other than Peer Kreuger, better known as Mahjqa, one of the most well-known technic gearheads out there. Almost (if not all) of Peer’s builds have some funky motorization in them, which time after time surprises and makes his builds even more fun. We are delighted to have him and we hope it will give you guys an extra incentive to build! Glenn Holland Cale Leiphart Gerbrand van den Eeckhout Peer Kreuger (This year’s guest judge!) Timeline We will be accepting entries from Midnight on October 1st (being right now!) to midnight on November 1st (meaning October 31st, at 23:59 PDT). There is possibility of a grace period to ensure those that need that one final Bricklink order have a fair chance Entries Entries are to be sent in ONLY via our own BMR Flickr! There are two discussions; one for the Direct Drive Entries and one for the Indirect Drive Entries. This is the ONLY place we will be looking for entries, nowhere else. Sending photos to us on social media or showing us in person do not count as entries. Next to that, please also add your pictures in the pool! Also, we have a special thread for WIP pictures, just to keep OcTRAINber going. However, do keep in mind that pictures in this thread don’t count as entries! The Prizes No contest without prizes! Just as last year we have some really nice prizes from several outlets. Which prizes specifically will be made public as soon as possible, so to keep the hype train running for a little bit longer! Spare Parts We here over at BMR are very, very excited about OcTRAINber 2019: The Technic Challenge and we are looking forward to all those entries. We are really looking forward to see what the community has to offer in terms of creativity and we hope that all of you will be stimulated by this contest to finally build that one amazing moving MOC that you always wanted to build, but never managed. Also, if there are any things that aren’t fully clear, you can always reach out to us by posting your message below. So pack your gear and get aboard OcTRAINber!

Great to see the enthousiasm building up again! :) Feel free to come up with any questions that you have; we are more than willing to answer the, ofcourse. I wouldn't call it 'cheating' to build digitally, but the assumption here is absolutely correct: This challenge is all about movement, and as such digital just can't prove that something actually works. Therefore, instead of the first two installments of OcTRAINber, we have decided to not allow digital builds this time around. We are still working out the final rules, but yes, you can be sure we will ask for some sort of proof of movement!

@Hod Carrier I don't think there was an Lego ideas in this form back then. Maybe the Horizon Express, but I'm pretty sure Maersk and Emerald Night are from the pre-Ideas times.

“Everything that happens once can never happen twice. But everything that happens twice will surely happen a third time.” If there is one thing at BMR that this could apply for, definitely now that September is coming to a close, it would be the month of OcTRAINber. And yes, just like last year, we would like to announce that this year there will indeed be another OcTRAINber building challenge! Just like last year and the year before, OcTRAINber isn’t just a regular challenge, it’s a themed challenge. Two years ago it was all about ridiculous long trains, last year it was all about foreign trains, and this year the challenge is… The Technic Challenge! As you know, OcTRAINber is all about building outside of your comfort zone. Ofcourse, all of us motorize our trains, be it with PUP, PF, IR, 9V, 12V or anything in between. But in real life, not only the wheels move. There is so much more going on in trains and trackside structures that moves around, or wiggles, or turns, or whatever it does, as long as it makes a movement. So, for this year, we thought it would be fun to challenge our Lego Train community to come up with as much train-related stuff that makes movement, other than just the regular motorization of a locomotive. And, different than the last two years, this time it doesn’t have to be a train, it can also be a trackside structure! As long as it has a form of movement not necessary to let it run on the tracks, you are good to go! Rules As per tradition, we won’t tell you as of yet any of the specifics we will use to score builds until October 1st, but, as per tradition, we will give the general rules that are necessary to enter your builds and start planning! “Moving” is defined as: A movement of any locomotive, rolling stock, structure, or other railroad-related item that is NOT indented to propel the item forwards or backwards on track. Of course, the item can have these movements (we even recommend doing this, because static trains are soooo boring), but you will only be scored on extra movements, like doors opening, or running vents, or a moving telehandler on a goods dock… So, you can enter your newly build Acela Express, and it can be 9V powered, but it needs to have some extra modes of movement included as well, otherwise we will disqualify your entry. I’m sure you get the point. Entries must be original models. No stealing. This also means no MODs, only MOCs. We are making no rules for the scale you choose to model in. We are welcoming models of 6, 7, and 8 studs, and anything in between or beyond! However, we appreciate detail and accuracy. Reasonably sized models are usually better for that, but we don’t knock anything or anyone with serious skill. NEW BUILDS ONLY. We are willing to accept anything unpublished or anything that was not published before September 1st 2019 as new. We want to inspire and promote a challenging build, entering an old model doesn’t quite work in that regard. Entries MUST be made on our Flickr group in the appropriate thread. This is the ONLY place we will be looking for entries, nowhere else. Sending photos to us on social media or showing us in person do not count as entries! We will be accepting entries from Midnight on October 1st to Midnight on November 1st (meaning October 31st, at 23:59 PDT). There is possibility of a grace period to ensure those that need that one final Bricklink order have a fair chance. Entries and Prizes Keep in mind that OcTRAINber is a ‘quality over quantity’-building event. This means that we rather encourage you to build one amazing build than several sub-par ones. That’s why, just like last year, we will restrict the number of entries to only one per person. We are not accepting digital entries this year to emphasize the spirit of the challenge. We haven’t finalized on prizes yet, but since this is a building challenge, we will for sure have some, just like in previous years. Just like last year, we want to encourage you to show off your WIPs this year as well, to make OcTRAINber really a month that is all about trains within the Lego community. Therefore, extra credit will be given to the best WIP stories and/or pictures during the event. Specific information about WIP points will be mentioned in the kick-off article, but the rules will be pretty much in line with last year’s event. We will pick the winners after we have announced the official close of the competition and have stopped accepting new entries, which will be some time after November 1. Once the judges (who, just like last year, will be announced in an upcoming article) have come to a sound conclusion regarding the winners, we will post one final article announcing them, and then we will be in contact with those winners regarding their prizes. So, that’s it for now. We are very excited about this years’ installment, hopefully the same goes for all you train-heads out there! Stay tuned for updates on the start of the challenge, the judges and the scoring when OcTRAINber starts on October 1st. So pack your gear and all aboard OcTRAINber! BTW: For more information and extras it's always wise to check out both Brickmodelrailroader.com, our Flickr and our Facebook, but we will ofcourse try our best to also answer your questions here on the famous Train Tech forums!  ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- As we announced a bit over a week ago, this year BMR will again run the OcTRAINber contest. OcTRAINber is a contest meant to get outside of your comfort zone and build something you haven’t thought of before. You know, that one truly special build that will spice up your layout like no other has before. All within the realm of Lego Trains, but with a twist. So, let us officially introduce you to the contest and let’s get rolling! OcTRAINber First of all, the name. It’s called OcTRAINber, if somebody had not noticed after two years. Why OcTRAINber? Well, because it’s a great intermediate month between SHIPtember and November. Also, TRAINS. Mostly TRAINS. TRAINS. “The Technic Challenge” Second of all, the subject of this years OcTRAINber. Why the Technic Challenge? Two years ago we had a ‘build your longest’ theme, and last year we were all about ‘building that foreign dream of yours’. Both of them produced some really nice models, but, in essence, they were all static. Yes, some of them were motorized, and yes, some of them even had very fancy motorization that not even us had thought of before. However, in the end motorization was just a nice have-to, not a requirement, which is strange when you think about it. Therefore, we have decided that this year everything is forced to move. The more movement, the better! The Rules The Rules have already been announced in the previous OcTRAINber post, but for completeness’ sake we have pasted them here again: “Moving” is defined as: A movement of any locomotive, rolling stock, structure, or other railroad-related item that is NOT indented to propel the item forwards or backwards on track.Ofcourse, the item can have these movements (we even recommend doing this, because static trains are soooo boring), but you will only be scored on extra movements, like doors opening, or running vents, or a moving telehandler on a goods dock. So, you can enter your newly build Acela Express, and it can be 9V powered, but it needs to have some extra modes of movement included as well, otherwise we will disqualify your entry. I’m sure you get the point. Entries must be original models. No stealing. This also means no MODs, only MOCs. We are making no rules for the scale you choose to model in. We are welcoming models of 6, 7, and 8 studs, and anything in between or beyond! However, we appreciate detail and accuracy. Reasonably sized models are usually better for that, but we don’t knock anything or anyone with serious skill. Also, the building of Train-related builds which aren’t trains themselves (trackside structures etc.) is stimulated, so no need to even join the 6 vs 7 vs 8 wide wars this year! NEW BUILDS ONLY. We are willing to accept anything unpublished or anything that was not published before September 1st 2019 as new. We want to inspire and promote a challenging build, entering an old model doesn’t quite work in that regard. Type of Entries Unlike the previous two years, we will only accept real-life builds this year. This has everything to do with the subject of this year’s challenge. It’s just virtually impossible to show movement in digital builds, and to prove that it actually works. To level the playing field we have thus decided not to allow digital builds. However, we will have to separate categories of Entries: Direct Drive and Indirect Drive. To explain this a bit further: Direct Drive entries are entries that are/could be driven by a separate motor that is specifically meant for that moment. So think moving crossing poles, a truck that runs around, waggling ducks, a moving carousel… You name it. The Indirect Drive category in the other hand is meant for entries that move around because of a movement that is already happening. So think a train that is already running around due to it’s train motor, but that has some movement that is kinetically powered and only moves when the train moves. Does your Entry have both? Well, then you are in luck and you can enter it in both categories! That’s just a gesture from us here at BMR to stimulate some extra movement :) Third party parts BMR has always been positive towards third-party parts, as long as they have any way of added value to the hobby. So the rule of thumb is simple: Lego: Yes Third Party Parts meant specifically for use with Lego: Yes* Clones: No *Other than the previous years we have made some extra specification to the Third Party Parts. All Third Party Parts this year have to be meant for use with Lego. So BuWizz, PFx Brick, sBrick etc. are allowed, but Arduino and Raspberry Pi are not. Rule of thumb: If it has studs and/or connectors to one of the Lego electric systems, it’s OK. If not, it isn’t. Points Points will be awarded in three categories: Credibility, WIP Story and Movement Factor. First of all, credibility of the prototype. This means we will be looking at how much the build represents the real life prototype. This means the quality of the build, but potential scale etc. If you are sending in a fantasy model, we will look at how credible the build is; would it fit in, does the backstory make sense? (Please note that this means an entry does need to be based in the real-life in some way, so no fantasy universes like Star Wars, etc.) Second of all, the WIP story. This refers to both showing off your building process, but also to how and why you decided to model a certain prototype. The better the story and the more updates you give and the more elaborate your building story is, the better. (Also, feel free to cross-post these pictures in our WIP-thread while you are still building!) Third and last, the Movement Factor. This is all about the how of the movement of your build. So, is it powered in a special way, or does it have some crazy movement, or does it have some special functionality, etc. The more the merrier, but as always with OcTRAINber, it’s about quality first, and quality second. So it’s great if you have some wobbling pigeons, but if one of them also flies up and down… that could definitely add some points. The Judges This contest will have four judges. Why four? Well, because last year we also had four. Just like last year we will have a guest judge related to the building contest. This year our guest judge will be none other than Peer Kreuger, better known as Mahjqa, one of the most well-known technic gearheads out there. Almost (if not all) of Peer’s builds have some funky motorization in them, which time after time surprises and makes his builds even more fun. We are delighted to have him and we hope it will give you guys an extra incentive to build! Glenn Holland Cale Leiphart Gerbrand van den Eeckhout Peer Kreuger (This year’s guest judge!) Timeline We will be accepting entries from Midnight on October 1st (being right now!) to midnight on November 1st (meaning October 31st, at 23:59 PDT). There is possibility of a grace period to ensure those that need that one final Bricklink order have a fair chance Entries Entries are to be sent in ONLY via our own BMR Flickr! There are two discussions; one for the Direct Drive Entries and one for the Indirect Drive Entries. This is the ONLY place we will be looking for entries, nowhere else. Sending photos to us on social media or showing us in person do not count as entries. Next to that, please also add your pictures in the pool! Also, we have a special thread for WIP pictures, just to keep OcTRAINber going. However, do keep in mind that pictures in this thread don’t count as entries! The Prizes No contest without prizes! Just as last year we have some really nice prizes from several outlets. Which prizes specifically will be made public as soon as possible, so to keep the hype train running for a little bit longer! Spare Parts We here over at BMR are very, very excited about OcTRAINber 2019: The Technic Challenge and we are looking forward to all those entries. We are really looking forward to see what the community has to offer in terms of creativity and we hope that all of you will be stimulated by this contest to finally build that one amazing moving MOC that you always wanted to build, but never managed. Also, if there are any things that aren’t fully clear, you can always reach out to us by posting your message below. So pack your gear and get aboard OcTRAINber!

In fact, they already did so thrice: First the Emerald Night, which took its inspiration of the Flying Scotsman, the Mearsk container train which tried to appeal to 1/2nd of the world that sees american-style container trains on daily basis (and thus is an icon as such, and to be totally sure they combined it with the Mearsk sponsorship), and ofcourse the Horizon Express, which is the original TGV as so many people remember it. Not sure if Stephensons' Rocket really speaks that much to the imagination, but indeed, a shinkansen might be one of the few memorable trains left... There just aren't that many really iconic trains that are beloved worldwide unfortunately...

Have you tried already to use Google, check Brickshelf, MOCpages and Flickr? Or maybe rebrickable, or Lego ideas where the also tend to share their designs now and then? Also, have you tried already to design something yourself? That's quite common around the members here. I can guarantee you that building stuff yourself, even though it can be a bit of a learning curve in the beginning, is really rewarding and a fun thing to do.

Yes. Former DB UIC-x Coaches that were renamed to ICK. https://nl.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/ICK

Just thinking: Did you try putting your BT control device in the same train, ie. in a gondola or something like that, so that it stays in range all the time? Just to test to see what happens if the BT receiver and transmitter do stay in range.

Seems to be a lot like my problems with the BT Modules of these bricks. I only have one PF train motor so I never checked. Interesting though, I almost never used the PF train motor I have experienced problems with, before installing it in this loco, so I never thought about this thing being the troublemaker to begin with... However, thinking about it, it could indeed be the case that this is the problem! But... Did you try these tests with full or half empty batteries?

That E44 is -for the lack of a better way of putting it- sheer beauty. I mean, not as a prototype per se, but definately when build with bricks. I can fully understand your sons fascination with electric US freight locos, I have the same. They are just so, you know, 'what if'. Also, 99% of electrics worldwide has streamlined, sleek designs, and their US counterparts from the sixties and seventies just don't have that at all. That utilitarian design just makes them even better. So keep up the good work, as long as you promise the whole Lego trainhead community that you will never build the EMD GM6C, or even worse, the EMD GM10B! Also, those wrongly placed / slipped ties are amazing. Just amazing.

@Duq Thanks! The reason I went for the MobileLabeller is because it was the only one available that accepts D1 tapes of 24mm with a resolution of 300dpi. However, I must admit that the smallest details aren't as crisp as I would like to have them. The luxury of printing your own stickers at your own time, without waiting or going to a printer shop does make up a lot though ;) BTW: You're the first one that noticed. Must admit I had expected more tumult about that wording ;)

For the ones who are interested in how this project came to be, I just published a small article about on on Brick Model Railroader, called "How to Traxx".

There are indeed several very silly bunnies and a bee (all CMF 'suits') in the current train tech banner. I don't mind the colours, its.just that these Easter / Spring designs make no sense whatsoever for a Train Tech Forum. That's what's so silly if you ask me ;)

Where can I vote to get this banner back?! We desperately need this one. The current one is indeed so absolutely silly...

My group (the 8widers in Lowlug) use 9V as well, but only because its esthetically more pleasing. Might be that more LUGs than just us do so just for the looks of it ;) (on the other hand; our 6 widers DO have a fully functional 9V layout!)

Cute little vehicle, great to hear it's also motorized. I can definately see this one running around a layout or on a shunting yard. Also, gorgeous backdrop!

I can fully understand that, it's the only way how to continuously have that thing run. Last year at Legoworld the TLC-employees had to change & charge batteries all the time just to keep their own displays and events running. Was pretty sad to see. At that's 'only' a 8 day event. But yeah, I'm eager to see what FX Bricks come up with. Even though I'm quite sceptical that it would work if they don't immediately release some kind of motor or power pickup as well. There just isn't enough people anymore that have working 9V motors. And since it's been discontinued for 12 years (2007 was it's last year, BL says) all people that came into the hobby in those last 12 years (and that's a vast number) might not have any at all.

This is actually a very good point that I hadn't thought about. Indeed, PUP doesn't solve the LiPo discontinuation problem at all with their battery boxes... To be fair: Modding a PUP batterybox so that it holds Lithium-ion cells or 3d printed and soldered cables isn't really the 'mainstream' solution either. For some of us however this might work pretty well, so I've included in the opening post

Thanks a lot! I kept staring at it for a loooong time as well, just for other reasons. Mainly because I just couldn't get it working ;) Feel free to! The LKAB IORE is still somewhere on my list as well, that thing is such a beast. Massive loco. Your version will be diffficult to match! Thanks! Glad to hear, I always see it as a little game to include as many details as possible. It's one the the reasons why my building process is so lengthy though... I just logged in to EB after a weekend without internets, just to see my loco on the frontpage! I feel truely honored! So cool :) Haha thanks! You are right, the Traxx'es of NS were bought / leased because the V250 first was delayed several times, and then became permanent after NS and NMBS decided to cancel the V250-order alltogether. However, due to differences in level of ETCS between Bombardier (Traxx) and Siemens (as far as I know the supplier of the ETCS system for the whole HSL-Zuid) they still aren't as reliable as one would like. Even though I must admit, all the times I have traveled with them lately they run perfect on time without any hickups.

Some of you might remember that several years ago (end of 2014! Wow that's long ago) I wrote a topic about my ongoing tries to build a Bombardier Traxx F140 MS2 loco in the Fyra livery of NS Hispeed, the -now defunct- brand of Dutch high speed trains in 1:45 scale. Well, here it finally is! NS Hispeed Fyra Traxx F140 MS2 - 3/4th view by raised, on Flickr Back then, I never managed to finish the build, due to several reasons. The major one being a lack of motivation to build a loco that looks so simple in real life, but is so difficult to get right in Legos. Luckily for me, there are nowadays several amazing builders in this community that every time that I was feeling down about ever finishing this loco, came up again with their version, and thus gave me again and again a kick in the back to re-start. The list is definately not complete, but included are BigDaeady, Dennis aka TECHNO, Beck, StefanEris, dutchtrains and Ashi Valkoinen. NS Hispeed Fyra Traxx F140 MS2 - 3/4th front view by raised, on Flickr Some small details: The Traxx is powered by two L-motors, geared 1:2 for some extra speed. Controls come from a PFx brick (with the possibility to swap it out for a IR reciever) and I have build in a XL Speaker. There is still some room available for the FX Bricks LED board, but due to a lack of LED knowledge I haven't tried incorporating it. Stickers are printed with a Dymo MobileLabeler Labelwriter, which is a perfectly fine machine if you don't like to outsource printing your stickers. As long as you don't need fancy multi-coloured stickers (it's only available in white, black, blue, yellow and red on transparent) it get's the job done very well. NS Hispeed Fyra Traxx F140 MS2 - Sideview by raised, on Flickr The whole album, including some WIP pictures of failed previous attempts, can be found here. As part of this model I made a post over at Brick Model Railroader, discussing my model and the at the same time released model by BigDaedy. During these five years we have quite often inspired each other, but still, the end results are pretty different due to different design choises. Definately worth a couple of minutes to read! Thanks for checking it out, hope you enjoyed it! -raised