WesternOutlaw

What Ever Happened to the Train Engine Shed? LEGO Train Article by TheBrickster “What? I own this set”, your might be thinking, but let me explain. In 2003, LEGO released the 633 piece 10027 Train Engine Shed. Those of you who were fortunate to have purchased the set at a mere $70 (USD), might remember the beautifully large design complete with two large sets of black circle-top doors, removable roof sections with clear sun roof, four pieces of 9V straight track, and “classic-style” hinges that allowed train buffs to close the shed or open for train repair, or even create a “long tunnel-like structure” for the more narrow of train tables. Yes, “Big Red” was certainly a beauty. Strangely, during 2003, LEGO was flooding the market with the World City sub-theme that included a number of train sets like 4511 High Speed Train, 4512 Cargo Train, and LEGOs most modern of train stations, 4513 Grand Central Station. An attempt to provide a rail crossing would result in 10128 Train Level Crossing. Did any of these sets even compare to the popularity and grandeur of the Train Engine Shed? “Hardly”, I say most definitely. LEGO’s Train Engine Shed would create a new precedence among trackside structures and provide adult LEGO train fans hope of what may be next for the LEGO train hobbyist. “Move over kiddies, LEGO is building up its arsenal to attack the pocket books of adult train fans”, many of us thought as we eagerly made room on our table tops for the new red building, dwarfing all other Classic Town and World City structures. Standing out like the modern day Café Corner or Green Grocer, “Big Red” stood proudly as the doors opened and the light of a shiny Santa Fe Super Chief came barreling out. Proud owners wondered what might be next for future trackside structures. 2004 offered the colorful orange and green 10133 Burlington Northern Santa Fe and add-ons for the Passenger Train, followed by 10170 TTX Intermodal Double-Stack Car in 2005, and 10173 Christmas Train plus R/C system trains in 2006. 2007 restored some faith in LEGO Trains with the 10183 Hobby Train kit, many purchased at half price from LEGO Shop at Home. Trackside structures seemed to be a “thing of the past” with only 7997 Train Station offered in 2007 with new R/C track. 2008 gave rise to the last hope for 9V which was quickly thwarted by LEGO. Some blamed poor sales on the part of the Hobby Train kit, while others looked for opportunities with a new system that would restore functionally similar to 12V. Unfortunately, track side structures seemed even lesser a priority compared with demands from an angry mob of 9V fans. We are now quickly approaching 2010 with the beautiful Emerald Night behind us in 2009. Is there a grand modular station in the near distance? Will we see the new Power Functions system integrated with trackside structures like a light-up train crossing? Or how about a simple shed that can compare with the ornately detailed and now legendary Train Shed? Adult train fans were given opportunity for “what might be coming down the tracks” in 2003 with “Big Red”, but we never saw it to fruition. What ever happened to the Train Engine Shed? and more importantly, what ever happened to the grand trackside structures that we had all hoped for? Perhaps the plans are locked away in a Train Engine Shed. Resources http://www.lugnet.com/

Toys R Us and Target both have sales on a few sets. I think they're trying to make room for new stock. This might be for Atlantis.

Interesting thought/question, but moved to Train Tech.

Segambit: I would strongly recommend Cargo Train Deluxe. It's a great starter set; although a little pricey, but has very useful pieces (like plates , wheels, buffers, and track) for future use. It's battery powered, so you would not need to worry about electricity. The R/C unit also has a neat horn that I'm sure your child would love, plus lights on the engine. Down the road, you could create a Thomas Train of your own with some extra bricks. I think the Emerald is definately a little too advanced for a child/beginner. Here's a brief article that you might find useful: The Enjoyment of Lego Trains, For the Town Fan Who Doesn't Own a Train As well as some train building tips from some of our experts (although more intended for you as the beginner) Project Train Start Good luck, and please let us know what you decide on.

For those of you who know SavaTheAggie or have seen his LEGO creations, you'll know that he can certainly build a fine steam locomotive. He has shared his most recent creation, Texas State Railroad #300, a beautiful 2-8-0 engine, within Train Tech. Utilizing a black, yellow, and red palette, his rebuilt Texas State is an outstanding locomotive.

I was hoping to see a haunted Train Engine Shed. Nice thought though. No, just a spooky forest found on the web with a little photo editing. Great picture though, isn't it? It's interesting how many of us return to our favorites, and Grave Stone is definately one of mine. It's my passion, so you'll definately see me return to it sooner or later. I would love to see your Ghost Town creation, so please share when you're able to take an image. Thanks for the feedback.

Nice job on this Bricknave. I love the use of orange, and it has that My Own Steam Train look about it. One thing is missing though, and that's a Jack-O Lantern Minifig head, but nice front end that makes up for it.

Ghost Train Building Challenge Our ghoulish builders within the darker shadows of Train Tech have built a haunting collection of Ghost Trains. Make sure you stop by and vote for your favorite, but do leave the lights on...

Thanks Otters. The train is hard to photograph and I've tried a few times but have been unsuccessful. Here's a shot now that I've got some light. It's not the best, but gives you a better idea of what the complete train looks like. I did add that yellow stripe to the loco and passenger wagons that I mentioned in one of the other threads. Not pictured is the station, that is too large to fit on my limited table space.

I am proud to announce the chilling winners of the Ghost Train Building Challenge. First place goes to pe668's Ghost Train Carnival Ride! What a unique and very creative entry for a Ghost Train. Second place goes to Robuko with his snakey Morsmorde Express. Both winners will be receiving a special "train tag" for their EB avatar. And to all the participants, great job! It's great to see the creativity and originality shared among all the entries. Until next Halloween... try to stay out of the dark train engine sheds. You never know what you might find! Bahhh Ha Ha Ha Haaaa. :skull: ------------------------------------------------------------------- Now is my favorite part of the Ghost Train Building Challenge. This is the time when we get to vote for our favorite entry. From the darkest tunnels of Dead Man's Mine to the Carnival Ride of a twisted county fair, which is your favorite Ghost Train: Links to Individual Entries My Own Ghost Train: TheBrickster Ghost Train Carnival Ride: pe668 Death Train: Eskallon Bricktober Transport: TheBrickster Dead Man's Mine: Deanc Morsmordre Express: Robuko Werewolf Wagon: TheBrickster Jack 'O Lantern Locomotive: Bricknave

Within a damp and desolate valley, east of the castle, there's a sinister old station that awaits the Ghost Line. Few continue to visit except for creatures of the night, and an "occasional guest" who may not need a return ticket. Grey bricks from the nearby quary, ebony laquered woodwork, and crimson paint highlight the eerie station. Sinister secrets may be found within, if one ever makes it off the train.

Interesting topic and discussion. As a fan of steam engines, as well as classic 12V sets, I'll have to say Trains (ground level track). I think Monorails are somewhat limited in terms of what types of vehicles one can run on their elevated track. There's no limit when it comes to ground level trains.

Have you built a LEGO bridge for your train layout? Have you tried and been unsuccessful? How about creating an incline needed to rise over your other trains? Let's discuss and share some tips and secrets to spanning those layout canyons and chasms. From the small arches that pass over steams and rivers, to the large cable bridges that connect table top layouts, share your hints and tricks.

Welcome Freddie.

Brick and mortar (well, not the mortar part, but definately the brick ). This challenge is for actual built MOCs. No problem at all. I can't change my name as the person who posted the creation though (but I think by the title and post, they'll know it's not from me). Love that snake!

It's a great set! The Studio Monster sets were all pretty nice, but i don't own the largest of the collection, Spooky/Scary Laboratory. Not until I'm able to get my hand on the new LEGO Monsters game. Actually, I have something else planned for that. Thanks Chris. Got to add the "spooky effects". I like to capture "the mood".

I can't wait, it's just that I hate LEGO SAH shipping these days. I can't get a large set without being crushed.

Just like the castles. It gives the effect that the buildings are much taller without having to build so high - more or less an illusion. Jamie Berard was a monorail driver in Disney (from what I heard). I think much of the architecture for all the modulars (with the exception of Market Street) resembles Disney. Fire Brigade especially looks like something out of Disney Main Street.

Thanks for the feedback. The idea wasn't too hard at all with this Studio set: 1380 Werewolf Ambush Review I've never been a huge fan of werewolves, but at the same time, I love this little Studio set. It also (at least the werewolf) provided much of the inspiration for this little Grave Stone creation as well: About Werewolf Wagon The crate is easily removable, as well as the car, but they stay on well for transport. What was difficult was the placement of chains which were either too short or too long. I wanted to tie the crate down, but couldn't seem to get it to work (having nothing to tie it to).

What better way to transport a Bricktober Brick? I'd love to see one of your Ghost Trains Otters, as I think you have a great building style. If this inspires anyone else to create a Ghost Train, then I'd be very happy this haunting Halloween season. Little "tid bit" about the yellow fences. They come from this 1978 set. -with a little wash in some sudsy warm water.

Otters: I always appreciate your kind words and creative ideas. This MOC was really intended to promote the building challenge, but I had always wanted to build a "spooky Halloween train" that wasn't part of the Grave Stone collection. I hope it did inspire a few to build a Ghost Train. I have since added a yellow stripe to the engine, passenger car, and small caboose/passenger car (not pictured) as a little extra detailing. I may share a picture of the whole train, if I can get one to come out. Trains are hard to photograph. Your idea to have a few extra haunts aboard isn't a bad one at all. I always seem to use figs sparingly, not sure why. Love the idea of a haunted shed. Perhaps I may just try one - that would be fun.

I'm a sucker for Wild West topics. With that said... Legoredo can be considered one of those "all time" Legends". Not until building does one realize how wonderful the set is. It's built in four sections, each on its own tan baseplate. It's very large, and contains lots of brown log bricks, and packed with figs and accessories. The back section, "headquarters" has a really slick trap with two chairs and a poker table. Turning the table one way causes one trap door that leads to safety (horse or ground), while the other leads to the "pockie"/cell. It's too cool. There's a few secret compartments for hiding loot, and just a huge amount of playability with the set. In terms of parts, this set has formed the foundation of my Grave Stone creations with many useful pieces. I would buy again in a heart beat.

Ghost Train Entry The lupine transport seems to have become disattached from the Ghost Line when the train made its descent into the valley. By the light of a full moon, a "clank" is heard from the chained box as a section of the crate gives way. A large head, not human, but not quite animal growls ferociously as its eyes glow red with the scent for blood.

"When the Train come tearing and a roaring through the station, with its whiskers blowing and it haunted steam up..." -Ghost Train (1941) Don't let the Ghost Train Building Challenge pass you by! Building Challenge ends October 30.

Interesting... There's also the Toy Story Train as well. I'm wondering what this will look like?