WesternOutlaw

Yes - a very classic 12V steam train. Panda strikes again! What I particularly like about this set is it's mid-sized 12V black DB steam locomotive. I say "mid-sized", because I tried MOCing this engine with old instructions, and the engine came out much larger than I anticipated, larger than the 9V engine in 3225 Classic Train (it's sad when I can start remembering the set numbers without looking ). Here's my modified 9V version of the engine: LINK MOCing it once again with some additional modifications and different colors resulted in my TTCE, Mining Train: LINK So, I find the engine design very useful for creating a classic train, just wish I had a few of those classic black train doors. Panda: I find your 12V collection truly amazing, and how I wish that I had some of these classic train sets. The prices for these sets, even used, are enormous. I would like to ask you one question. As I don't own any of these 12V sets, are the train wheels larger than the old spoked red wheels from Lego. These: Thanks for sharing these classic train set reviews.

Perhaps we shoud just vote the person "off the island". And Pete, you can keep dreaming of that dining car, but all we have is Schmelt serving leftover Euro-wit today. Sorry partner. I vote for Jethro. I'll go with Kill'n George. Sorry George, but I never liked your hot dogs. Plus, we only need one chef on this small overcrowded train engine rooftop.

As the Crocodile makes it's way up the hill toward the North side of Willoughby, not far from the original location of the fuel tanker, it begins to slow down dramatically. What's going on here Brakes? We seem to be slowing down considerably. Don't look at me! Seems we're a bit "top heavy". This locomotive is just very old and in need of major repair. It has no ability to climb with our current weight; and if it stalls, I may not be able to restart it. What would you recommend? (begins scratching feverishly on a white note pad) Judging by my calculation, we need to lose approximately 200 pounds. That means someone has to stay behind? Precisely NOT IT!

The Crocodile makes its way past Main Street toward the next point near the Switching Tower. A small light sign along the track lights up as the locomotive turns left at Junction #3. The speed of the Crocodile is moderate.

Train Month Nears the Station Train Month May Be Over, But the Train Tech Building Contest Runs Through September 30, 2009 From the EB Staff, we thank you for making Train Month a successful event. Train enthusiasts shared a number of creative MOCs, outstanding topics, and image reviews of classic trains. In addition, 14 entries for the Train Tech Building Contest were entered (not counting one staff entry from yours truly). As we debark from Train Month, please keep in mind that the Train Tech Building Contest does run through the end of September, giving train fans another month to perfect their entries for the contest. We look forward to seeing your entry. Good luck and make sure you continue to visit Train Tech for more track-side fun!

Okay then - Town Council, whoever you are; they're all yours! (just kidding). Let's respect one another while we share this rooftop. Suntan lotion anyone? A hat perhaps? Schmelt- I'd like two Fuzzy Navals please.

Fantastic AC! I'm not a real fan of pink, but you've made it work exceptionally. I remember when you first started this project (I think I blogged it in fact). This looks great. I'll have to check out all the little details.

The Crocodile locomotive passes it's first junction turning to the right past Main Street. (please ignore people pictured in scene) Yay! Get back on the roof Charlie Brown! 'else I'll karate chop your @$$! (makes a V-shape with his fingers, points to his eyes, then to Pete and Steve) I'm watch'n you boys! Pete begins humming an all-time classic one-hit wonder by Rockwell:

I don't think you guys understand our predicament. The Willoughby line does not connect to the Emerald Express line. That's part of our problem. We won't be going to LA but the next town of Auburn (I recall it being about 500 miles away). It's still out of Willoughby though where we can contact authorities. (standing up in the small cabin with Max) Pete: I heard you fine, but you don't have the luxury of choosing to ride inside the small drivers cabin of the Croc. You've got a roof seat with all the others. The dining car of the EMERALD is NOT an option. Now, we're approaching the first switch. Let's see where we go... Oh, let's take a look at that map again Max. Perhaps this will help show our roof-top guests the route:

After the townies make their way aboard the Crocodile, and all have settled in (as best as possible on the roof and twin engines of the locomotive), Max lets out a loud train whistle. Steve Thomas crosses the red and green wires in the forward cabin causing the engine to start. All smile as the sound of the humming engine can be heard. It's a go Max. All forward! Max engages the throttle and the locomotive begins moving slowly out of the train engine shed. Yippie! We're leaving Willoughby once and for all! Three cheers for Conductor Max and his crew - hell, even the city slickers. I must say that this has been quite an adventure. I'm glad to see us moving forward, even if it's away from Willoughby. Now let's just be good to one another and keep the peace as we leave this town once and for all. No axes, guns, knives or other sneaky maneuvers while we're on this train out of here. Got it folks? The train speeds up as it makes it's way toward the first switch near Main Street...

It's really interesting to read all of the various responses, but what I have come to realize is that many of you still" play", but how we define PLAY varies. I suppose you could say that buillding and setting up a town is play, as well as writing fictitious stories/mysteries about your creations. At the same time, I am really referring to that play as a child that could keep you amused for hours "acting out" various scenerios, talking to yourself, and making vehicle noises. After reading all of the responses so far CB, yours seems to mimic my feelings the most. I spend a lot of time setting up a large display (like a jungle adventure, desert/Indiana Jones, Castle, Train Town, or other), but then it sits where it collects dust until destroying. I think the last time I actually had a lot of fun "playing" involved the Wild West Weapons Wagon and Frontier Patrol, setting up a small scene against a small group of Indians. These few sets created a lot of enjoyment for me, although it was very different than PLAY when I was a child. As an adult, I write mysteries and stories about Grave Stone, but this is far from play, but rather another type of imaginary outlet. The play that I would like to enjoy is sitting down with a single set, swooshing it through the air, making "battle noises", and genuinely enjoying the lighter side of the hobby (smash-up is still pushing it). To me, this is the play that I've lost, and have not had the ability or the strong interest to create again.

A faint scratching sound can be heard in the distance... Ruff! When (if) we make it out of Willoughby, we can alert the authorities at that time. I'm sure they won't be going anywhere.

This set is amazing! I'm really enjoying your reviews of these classic 12V sets Panda. I like the split red/yellow color combination as well as the classic yellow train windows. The set even has the split color doors, how great is that? I wonder what a set like this costs MISB? I would imagine that it goes for a pretty hefty price. 1980 was probably the best "single year" for Lego trains with all of these fantastic 12V sets. Thanks for resurrecting these classics! It looks like you've got superb collection.

Dining Car of the Emerald Express - what are you trying to pull Mister? We all know that your train is (how do you say) KAPUT! I'm climbing on the roof of this here Crocodile and bunking out. No one's going to pry my hands off this engine. Oh, is that my cell phone ringing... (makes an imitation ringing sound). It is, let me anser that. Hello - it's the Mayor of Willoughby. Oh, sure... just a moment. It's for you (hands plastic phone to Max). It's the broken Emerald Express calling - Says she wants her Johnson Rod back! The townies start climbing on top of the Crocodile's roof so that they don't miss the roller coaster ride of their life. Seriously Conductor Max, while you have tried to keep us off your broken luxury train, this Crocodile Locomotive belongs to Willoughby. It is a part of us, and you WILL NOT take her without offering each of the Townies a ride on her roof top. You have come to our town, and a number of us have assisted you during your visit. Now that you have found a way out, a number of them want to go with. Why? I don't know, but that's a whole other chapter. So, why don't you just show me my seat now, and we can continue.

When I was a kid, I remember PLAYING for hours with my best friend as we created scenes and action in my Lego Town. I have vivid memories of childhood play, building cars to crash, spaceships to swoosh through the air, and a bright yellow castle to defend. This was real PLAY, so enjoyable and fun. Now that I am an adult, I have lost the ability to PLAY. It's been replaced by collecting, building to set-up, and displaying Lego. Sure, I still have my imagination which helps me with writing and envisioning my thoughts, but it's so different than the PLAY of a child. For those of you studying child psychology, why is it that a child can PLAY for hours, yet something inside an adult limits this factor. If you believe that you have not lost the true ability to play, then you feel differently than I. I would be willing to guess that most adults do not PLAY in the same manner as a child. Is it IMAGINATION? I'm not sure, but whatever it is, I can tell the difference. What are your thoughts in regard to Child's Play as it relates to Lego? Do you PLAY or do you COLLECT Lego? Can you still imagine as you did when you were a child or has this changed in some adult evolution/variation? I'd be interested in hearing your thoughts.

Why don't you just tell me what I need to do to get a ride on this train?

Now now Peter. What did I tell you about those axes? Don't make me hurt you! We should be fair to all the Townies who want to come with us. This may be their only chance out of this troubled town.

I think I may be able to help. (pulls out map pointing to Main Street) It turns out that the train will pass Main Street, very close to the crane. I can use my "special building skills" to assist in modifying the crane (just a tad) to lift/hoist the fuel tanker out of the way. We might want to drain it just in case. And that's exactly what occurs next... After the tractor pulls the tanker to Main Street, Charlie gets busy with a few of the stronger men (and Lorraine) modifying the building crane to lift the tanker. After completion, the crane is able to lift the tanker a few inches to clear the track, then lifts it to the ground nearby. Well slap my @$$ and call me Jethro - we've cleared the rail with a little teamwork (and a whole lot of help from above). Everyone returns to the engine shed where Steve gets ready to start the engine. Well boys (and girls), this is the moment we've all been waiting for. (Takes out a large pair of fuzzy white and black dice and hangs them in front of the Crocodile's front window). Hello, I'm Capt'n Maxwell Snyder and I'll be serving as your pilot today. I'm going to go ahead and turn on the "fasten seatbelt lights", if you'd all return to your seats. We will be providing your choice of Willoughby beverages today, as well as a small microscopic bag of complimentary peanuts. Now for those of you resting comfortably on the roof of the Crocodile's cabin, we ask that you please heed all safety warnings; and as a reminder, please keep all arms and legs inside the 6-stud wide barrier. (thinking... you may get them chopped off here on Willoughby Air) I'll be tending the non-functional Brakes. Now if anyone wants to stay behind, this is your last chance. (bends over within the small train cabin and crosses the red and blue wires... SPARK!) Oops! I always get these mixed up. It's the red and GREEN wire. This one's for you Bulldog! and Scruffy too.

I think that's a great idea - good think'n Jeb! I can't believe that I didn't think of that myself. Let's make it happen and get out of this flea-bitten town! I knew that crane down on Main Street had to be good for something. Someone pull out a map and see if the train line passes Main Street. Beam me up Scotty!

Thanks WF. I'm glad to see you looking at these train layouts. This is one of the biggest challenges when building a train layout (to stay within the tracks OR to place the tracks on the baseplates). Whenever I set the tracks on them, I have some areas (the curves), higher than the rest. It looks a bit awkward and creates ups and downs. I suppose one remedy would be to use a few plates (round 1x1s) under the curved track to connect them to the plates. Another option (and someone had suggested this to me), would be to use some sort of green mat to cover the board (blending in the plates with the table). Right now, the onlt "mat" I have is beige/tan which is great for desert, but not for green. This would make a great topic of itself. Perhaps I'll start one. EDIT: I've taken a larger daylight image of this if any of you would like to see it: Train Town 5 - Large

I just received 10184 Town Plan Friday and finally finished building the last structure, the Town Hall. My Thoughts of 10184 What a wonderful set! I love the classic-time (1950s) style of the buildings and vehicles, as well as all the little extras. Integrating the Town Plan with Cafe Corner isn't as bad as I thought it would be, and I'm happy with the similar detailed quality that both sets share. (for an image of the integration, see Train Town 5). I suppose my impression of Town Plan is "smooth", meaning the use of many tiles, esp. for the theater. I love the roll-down garage door and hinged backside of the garage. The detals of the theater, esp the interior is superb, and the color and design of the Town Hall is among my favorite structure. For Some Fun I thought it would be fun to create a poll of what building within the Town Plan is your favorite. I think I'll vote for the Town Hall because of the building design and dark green/white color combination. What's your favorite?

Thanks for the feedback guys. I think the real thing looks 100% better than the pictures (perhaps it's because I took the pictures late last night. Perhaps I'll share another in daylight. I actually did this on purpose. I had the straight track set on the green roadplates, but where they curve, I did not. This gave the Emerald some trouble going up and down in these areas (at least in reverse). The Emerald does not do well up slopes- esp. after the red wheel bands get a bit dirty. The top of the silo and theater aren't too much lower, so I'm okay with the height of Cafe Corner - but I understand your point. What I'm learning is that sometimes less is much better. I had to remove a number of my other trains and switch track to make room for the Town Plan. I was; however, able to add the farm, which I like. The red roof looks good near the green roadplates. Next set for me is Green Grocer, so I will have to relocate the Town Plan gas station.

How I wish Lego would bring back a set like this. This puts the 9V My Own Train Steam Engine to shame (and I actually like the set). With the red base and black train doors and windows, this set is truly a classic. I tried building a smaller version of this from one of the other 12V sets (7727), but it just doesn't compare. I love the heavy German DB locomotive-look that this classic train exhibits. Very nice, and thanks for sharing Panda.

There will be no blowing up anything or shoot'n gas tanks in my town. I know you folks aren't particularly fond of Willoughby; for good reason, but let's just keep the guns in your pockets and the dynamite happy to see another town (whatever that meant)

I'm not a demolitions expert, but I think you're right. Destroying the tanker would most likely destroy the tracks as well. I don't know- it's definately a plan, but it seems a "bit greasy". I just don't believe that an explosion large enough to get the tanker off the track would NOT damage the track in some way. Perhaps one of our townies has a special skill that might help this situation (Hint...hint... )