WesternOutlaw

Both are fantastic creations! I esp. like the colorful western steam engine. Added to Train Tech!

Glad to see you all introducing yourselves. Periodically, I will be posting exclusive coverage of the mystery on Classic-Town.net, so that others may follow the story. More instructions will be coming soon. We embarq on May 15.

No. They will have roles, but I can't exactly explain everything now. Once all of them have responded, I will let you know.

The Main Characters and their roles have been posted on page 1 of this post.

For those of you not selected to play one of the main roles aboard the Emerald Express, I have started a list of extra characters. You have received a PM from me. If you are interested in participating, please respond to the PM. Extras List Brickfreak99 Da Death Star! General Armendariz Lego12 Ricecracker Sir Dillon Stash2sixx Zepher

10183 Hobby Train is a fantastic set. I picked mine up from Lego SAH for half the price ($50 USD). The main Crocodile Engine is a wonderfully detailed engine. Strangely, I never added a motor to mine or had it on the train track. After building; however, I had it displayed for a long time before taking it apart. Perhaps I'll add it to my current Train Town. The set has excellent train parts and I used many of the useful parts to create my Ghost Train, which had me preoccupied at the time (that's probably why I never got around to adding a motor to it). I had not tried building any of the other trains with instructions on LSAH, but some of them are very nice as well. So for even full price, the Hobby Train is a great set. Someone posted images of each of the creations on Brickshelf a while back. If I find the link, I'll post on this thread. EDIT: After building the Crocodile Engine from Hobby Train 10183, I just had to share. This is a fantastic set!

Definately pictures & text this time around the track! And this Train Mystery will also have a strange twist.

Interesting observation. I can't believe four years have already passed since EB's first mystery - Murder on the Lego Express. What's uncanny is the fact that this mystery was also in May, four years ago. I didn't do this on purpose in the least.

Very interesting topic KD. While I think this topic is more specific to Trains & Town, let me share my thoughts. With the threat of sounding "unpolitically correct", I don't so much care if Lego goes green. While I think a "green society" that recycles, and conserves, and uses our natural resources wisely is important to the future of generations to come, I don't necessarily buy a Lego set for "political reasons". If I did, I might be opposed to themes like Batman that has minifigs of the criminally insane, Wild West were every minifig has a rifle and a few pistols, and Indy with it's WWII German war vehicles. All of these themes I really like and as an AFOL, I buy what appeals and/or interests me. My favorite type of town is a Classic Town, and one of the things I like about classic type is its "old time" and simple charm. Towns of this sort are not so much "green", but rather depict a time in which everyone is a little slower paced, people all have smiles, and the negative things that come with City are at a minimal (like crime, traffic, disease, and war/conflict). This is one of the reasons why I like the Farm theme - it's a simpler and happier life style. Perhaps "Green" ties in with this vision, but to me "Green" is also modern which somewhat varies from Classic. In my recent Train Town (depicted below), I chose green baseplates intentionally, because I like the thought of a grassy country town. In the desert, green grass is not "green" at all, but rather quite bad with water restrictions and forced desert landscaping. I like the thought of kids playing with the hose in the street squirting one another, not worrying about wasting water, because it was a simpler time when resources were abundant; not at all "green". From a learning perspective, it is important to teach children not to waste resurces and to protect our planet, but is Lego the tool to do this? I'm not sure, but as an AFOL who buys mostly for myself, I'm looking for attributes in a set other than to promote "green living". I would just as well see Lego create a Classic Town-style Dutch Windmill than the new Vesta windmill. So, to answer your question, I don't care if Lego goes "green". I care about nicely detailed town sets that bring back the simplicity and Classic look of small-town living.

Well, I'm back on track with my old town... What I've learned is that sometimes less is better. By eliminating many of the roadplates as well as that 2nd layer of track, I was able to add the buildings that I had in a manner that works (Farm on one side, World City on the other), plus a switch track with shunting yard. Now I've got to break out some of my 9V rolling stock to fill it in. This is the first time I've gone back to a previous layout. I received my new train station, so I plan to swap it with the futuristic World City station.

I purchased a membership for the Indy Jeep exclusive. I like the free ticket to Legoland, which I used. Aside from this, I got tired of SW minis as the exclusive sets. I wanted a City/Town set, and perhaps Castle, which I never saw. The magazine is geared to children, so I wasn't too impressed. Needless to say, I did not renew and now just get the regular Club magazine, which is almost the same. Unless there's a special set (like the Indy Jeep), I won't buy again.

I've never tried converting a 9V to RC or PF, but I'm sure it can be done with some creative building. The PF motor may be a bit tricky as well as the need to make space for the battery case. There's also the new motor (8866) that I haven't even tried yet, but it attaches like a 9V motor, just needs to be wired to the power source. I have a lot of 9V track (or at least a modest amount), so I'm just running my new Emerald Night on 9V track. I actually like the way it looks (metal track and all in old gray), and if I decide to add my Santa Fe Super Chief or BNSF, I can just attach the transformer and I'm up and running, without having to modify anything. Plus, this shouldn't affect the Emerald Night. I've also got a few 9V motors for each of these trains that I don't want to replace with new PF motors and battery cases that would be pricey. I like the 9V track solution - it's easier and I don't have to buy any additional items. Excellent! Share some pictures if you buy one or find all your pieces.

Thanks for sharing. That's an enjoyable video, esp. considering it took me almost 4 hours to build (and still didn't get the wheels right). Added to Train Tech! EDIT: But I think you mean set # 10194

And I thought I was just building a simple Lego Town... all these things to consider. I suppose I have to consider adding a hospital for delivery now. Sure! - but your yellow Postal Delivery Truck driver was there. Reminds me of cow flinging - oh, that's Castle.

But it's all about roads. Roads add fun and excitement to the town, and a place for you to "swoosh" the vehicles. Less roads... Actually, I agree with you a bit here. I wanted to cover every square inch of the table with road plates and/or green grass plates (for that country look), but it is a bit busy. I will be removing a number of these plates (some of which I opened new just for this crappy town. BTW: you can always go buy a few inexpensive boards for the floor and build a Floorville (if you don't have space for a Tabletown). Thanks for pointing that out. Another reason I don't like this town. Piping hot just until the draft of the train a few inches away blows it cool. Sure, like I would have taken a few quick seconds to take a photo... That would have been way too easy. No, actually I have a few. It won't be too hard. Believe me, I've got a stack of the old grey baseplates. I've been collecting Lego since the late 70s. I actually like the green better. As a ghost town builder, I like a little color, esp. with green baseplates and lots of trees. This is not a good example though, but I wanted more a classic country town vs. a "big city" look. I suppose I can't have everything. EDIT: I like the bridge.

A True Account of a Terrible Train Town Tragedy: Tonight, I had a burning desire to extend my Train Town by adding a second layer of track for a City Metro or other high-rise train. I had done this once before, several years ago, and faintly remembered how I had done so. To make sure I was on track, I began searching my computer media for pictures of the display, but couln't find one that provided the details of the two-tracked table. I eagerly started by disassembling my quaint little town that I just couln't leave well enough alone. Frustrated after several attempts to add a second level of track raised 14 bricks high, the mishaps began... The first unfortunate event occured when I attempted to pick up my new Lego farm set, and it collapsed in my hand landing on one of my most favorite new pieces, a black and white cow. A minor scuff to the head did not de-rail my efforts. As I was getting close to completion, I backed up to look at my achievement, stepping on my World City Train Station. After reassembly, which wasn't too bad, I picked the set up to drop it on the floor completely shattering it to pieces (even on carpet). Well, I ran out of space for part of my Train Level Crossing (recently reviewed), and couldn't find any space at all for the Train Engine Shed. I had to separate the farm and various farm vehicles (mainly the large blue tractor), but did have some nice roadplate space for a few additional city vehicles. My World City Train Station now serves the town as a cargo set far away from the track (due to placement of the raisers for the metro/raised-train, which I never got around to building). The result is this poorly layed out Town/World City/Farm/High-Rise Train Town: Aside from the bridge, which I've always wanted to add to a train layout, I absolutely hate everything about this terrible town. Tomorrow evening, I plan to disassemble and build my original Country Town Scene once again. Share your thoughts and disappointments with Terrible Town Tragedies. EDIT: Also note the proximity of the 2nd floor restaurant to the metro track. The chef is about three inches from the track. Do you think that he should charge extra for the train-side table?

You're on fire with these fantastic reviews Svelte! Your pictures are superb! I rate this set a 5 and it's great to see Lego continuing to offer these smaller Indy sets. I can't wait to find this set at my local TRU.

Hi Calvin. Nice figs. I like the "Playmobil" shirts. I've moved your post to the Minifig Customization Forum that is probably more fitting for this topic. Thanks for sharing.

Yes, I completely understand. It's all a matter of priorities, but given the fact that you love Towns/City, it would be awesome to add a nice train to the mix, perhaps even a complete 9V set from Ebay or Bricklink. Space is always a limiting factor. I wish I had more room for a set of four tables to build a large layout around the room. I had thought about doing this for some time now and I could add numerous themes as the train passes different sections of the layout (e.g. Wild West, Indian, Classic Town, World City, etc.). I am limited to the table that you see in that last picture. Now I want to build upward to add a 2nd train. I did this once before, but I have to completely redo my layout, which took me quite a bit of time to work out. I've always wanted a train room and could maybe create one in the garage, but it's too hot and dusty.

This is excellent Rupi! Great job. I absolutely love how you created the legs of the rider. I'll have to use that design myself. The old fence looks great as well. I enjoy little MOCs/scenes like this. Nice!

Great question. I've struggled with cow catchers as well. Your designs look very good Tony, as well as the locomotives. I hope a few more train fans will share their cow catcher designs. Added to Train Tech!

Mini-Article: The Enjoyment of Lego Trains For the Town Fan Who Doesn't Own a Train Set - By TheBrickster 5/4/09 Background After years of collecting Classic Town, it wasn't until 2001 that I purchased a Lego Train set. The "My Own Train" collection became available and offered a small or large locomotive, in a variety of colors, as welll as an Open Freight Wagon (10013), Caboose (10014), Green Passenger Wagon (10015), Tanker (10016), and Hopper Wagon (10017). What a great collection of various single train cars to get started with Lego Trains. The locomotive utilized a standard 9V motor with simple instructions to add it to the train, as well as a light connecting to the motor. With the addition of a plug-in transformer and track, 16 curves that made a circle, and a box of 8 straight track, I had my first Lego Train running around a Wild West town. I was quite excited and pleased with my new toy. My Own Train: Steam Engine w/Tender (3741 & 3742) Does an Electric or Battery System Intimidate You? If it does, it shouldn't. Speaking as a collector of 9V trains; I'm up to 10 trains now (Emerald Night being the only non-9V), the 9V system is simple. The 9V motor is a single piece with four attached metal wheels. The wheels draw power from the metal plated track, and simply attaches to a holed train baseplate. There's no need for even wiring unless one wants to add a light. The light is attached to the motor and has a wire that runs through one of a few holes in the train baseplate. The 9V track is powered from a transformer that plugs into a standard electrical outlet. A wire runs between the track and transformer. The transformer controls the speed of your motor/engine. TheBrickster's Train Collection: 5/4/09 In regard to the newer R/C system and Power Functions, there's one major change. Track is no longer metal plated and does not require an electrical current. Rather, a batttery box placed inside the train powers the train motor. A remote control allows one to control the speed from a few feet away, just like your television set. How easy is that? Well, Power functions is slightly more complicated and with the new Emerald Night (10194), the complete system requires a few more building tricks. Understanding the New Power Functions (PF) System The new Power Functions system requires a few additional parts not needed with 9V. The entire PF system includes a motor that is attached inside the train requiring some sort of gear system or mechanism to create wheel movement from a single turning horizontal hole within the motor. A few gears are used within the Emerald Night to create the wheel movement. In addition, an Infared Receiver (I/R) is also attached to allow use of a remote control, placed within the engine. The power source is a rechargable battery pack that is tucked away in the train tender and connected by wire to the motor. The new PF light has two bulbs (not one) like 9V also attached by wire. The advantage of PF, there's no transformer or need to power the track. There is no limit to the number of track you can add to your layout without the need to provide an elecrical current, a huge adavantage over 9V. In case you were wondering if existing 9V train transformers plug into the new rechargeable battery pack, they do not. This is another reason the entire PF system is needed. Price is a huge consideration; however, with the complete set costing $100+ (US Dollars), although PF can be used to power trackside buildings as well as other non-train related creations. I'm looking forward to all the terrific train and trackside structures Lego train fans will be building utilizing the new PF system. So Many Choices, So Few Dollar$ Is the cost of a train set preventing you from owning a Lego Train? Well if it is, I can understand that. But you can always pick up one of the new R/C sets (specifically 7897 Passenger Train for $90 or equivalent foreign currency). This set includes everything you need to add a train to your town, including the track. You'll just need to go out and buy yourself 9 AA bateries. For $150, you can own 7898 Cargo Train Deluxe, a far better train in my opinion. But if you want to go "full steam ahead", I'd strongly recommend the Emerald Night, a beauty among Lego Trains. Why a Lego Train? For those of you who don't own a Lego Train, you don't know what you're missing. It's so fun to build your town around a Lego Train layout, sitting nearby as you control the speed of one or more trains through your town/city. You are in control and you can make your train go forward, reverse, manually switch track (for more advanced layouts), crawl, or race along the track. This adds an entirely new dimension and element to an otherwise uneventful tabletown. It's also fun to turn on your train while you're typing an article to share on Eurobricks. They make for great background sound. Other Fun Things to Do With Trains Just like with other City/Town sets/elements, building a train MOCs is very enjoyable (perhaps even a Ghost Train). While passenger trains are fun, cargo trains offer an abundance of MOC opportunities with the variety of freight one can haul aboard a train. In addition, trackside structures like stations and freight depots are great additions to any layout. The possibilities are endless. One can even use their train to host a Murder Mystery. What ever your fancy, the addition of a train can make the fun of a tabletown 100% better. What's Next I've created a small train & town layout in my computer room, and now I'd like to expand it by adding another train. I will most likely have to raise the 2nd train, perhaps even adding a bridge to the layout. I've always wanted to create a train tunnel, perhaps I'll try my luck. What's Stopping You? So, to WhiteFang and all my other friends on EB who do not own a train, what's stopping you? Go out and buy that train set. 5-10 years from now, you'll regret not picking up a set (or two) when they are no longer available. Sure, there will always be new trains, designs, and power sytems, but there's never a better time than the present to enjoy your Lego hobby. I've hope you enjoy this short train article. Please let me know if you decide to go out and buy a Lego Train. TheBrickster's Train Town: 5/4/09

lipstick (okay, you set yourself up for that one)

Ahhhh... Klaus-Dieter has officially entered the contest, and with a fantastic entry that has Classic Town written all over it. Very nice KD. Classic grey baseplates, indeed a perfect choice for this scene. And you successfully managed to incorporate not two, but three buildings in this City Square, all with very nice detail, inside and out. My eyes immediately focus on the bright red roof to the left, a very nice building indeed. And is that a flower stand with white and blue top, it is! Great addition. The extra details like the red and yellow bicycles really fancy up your square. I love that 4-stud wide blue car (although I think I've seen that before in a set) - must be the traditional style. A very nice entry for the Classic Town Contest. I'm glad you enjoyed building this great entry, as I did when I put mine together.

Nice review. I want one!