WesternOutlaw

I stand corrected. I always thought the metro was more an American train (Washington DC has a nice metro too (not at all like a New York subway). In any case, I do like the metroliner and it's one of the highest rated trains among train collectors. Trains are definately not the preferred way of travel anymore in the US, and that is unfortunate. Americans have created a culture around the freedom and independence of driving one's own car (vision of driving a classic sports car along Route 66 through the Western United States). It's unfortunate that the US has moved away from trains as a way of passenger travel (unlike Europe). Amtrack is our last federally funded train system and last I heard, they were having major financial difficulty. I've never been on one and they don't even go to every state in the U.S. But to me, I like old Western steam trains the best (which share some similarity to the old German steam trains (which I also like). I agree with Xwingyoda on this. I'd love to see Lego make a detailed model.

Kirby? Spyro? I think I'm not "hip" to these new programs.

I thought this would make a good poll. Bryan wrote: Here is a question - what style trains do you like? The 12V line included German style steam engines (such as 7750) and the classic 7740 Inter-city set. Both of these are based on prototypes from Germany's DB line. The 4551 Crocodile engine looks like a European design. LEGO then did some American style trains in the 9V line. The 4558 Metroliner comes to mind. And of course the 10020 Sante Fe Super Chief and 10133 BNSF locomotive are American. Now LEGO seems to be moving back towards European designs with the 2006 RC line. So which do you prefer? This may be a loaded question considering this is Eurobricks. Me? I prefer the European styles. I enjoy flipping through the Marklin HO catalog for building ideas. -- Bryan

Please disregard this poll as I was just testing to see how polls work w/ this new version. OK, it looks like the tricky part is that the poll CONTENT is the question and you may add up to three questions as part of a single poll. That wasn't too bad.

I have to admit, I really like the polls. It's a fun way to do a little research when curious as well as discussing great themes.

Very good question? Let's see: Lego's first 12V train sets were modeled after the German DB trains. These bring back a lot of fond memories for me, very nostalgic. I always enjoyed these sets esp. the shorter black engines with red base plates reminiscent of the German DB. Most of the train sets over the years seem to have continued this trend with the exception of the Metroliner, more an Amtrack or U.S. passenger train (with the red, white, and blue stripe). I loved the DB train sets on their blue track and the later 80s trains. I wish I had some of these to this day as they remind me of why I love Lego trains. But with the introduction of the My Own Train lines in the 90s came the era of the U.S. train models. The MOT engine, I think, is most like an 1800s American steam train (perhaps a 4-4-0 or 2-8-0), esp. with the red caboose. And the green passenger car, a very nice addition to this theme. Later, we saw the Santa Fe Super Chief which has to be the most detailed Lego train model to date, followed by the BNSF engine with brilliant orange and dark green colors. And then the cargo trains (both green) returned us to the European design. It is rather hard to compare the European and the American trains based on the fact that they were designed and produced during different eras. If I had to say which models are better, (not because I am American), I would have to say the American trains because of the detail of the two best single engines Lego has produced (SFSC and BNSF). I don't have the old red crocodile engine to compare them with. I don't like any of the new passenger trains which remind me more of high-speed "Japanese" bullet trains (I'm not familiar with ICE). I am partial to the old American Western trains though. But the DB/European trains will always remind me of early Lego trains, and bring back fond memories of looking at catalogues with pictures of these trains. I'm still waiting for Lego to produce a detailed model of an old Western Steam Train like the Super Chief. Good question Bryan. I had a similar experience in the 80s purchasing a train while in Germany but ended up taking it back because of the US/European power difference. Instead, my grandparents bought me the yellow castle which I still have to this day. I still wish I had some of those early European trains, which will always be the "original" Lego trains for me.

Are POLLS gone with this new version? Also, just a general comment, I thought the old system was easier to use. This new system seems to have a lot of new bells and whistles, which I haven't figured out yet - all in the name of progress (I suppose I'm just getting more and more technically challenged).

I've been saying this for a long time. Vikings, Airport/Airplanes, RC Trains (just in the last few years). What's next? Maybe zoo? Some argue that both companies just make popular/common themes. But when you look at what the themes are, I'm not sure how common/popular themes like Vikings and Airplanes are. Also, Playmobil seems to 1st offer the theme, and Lego seems to mimic the theme a few years later. Coincidence? I don't think so. I think Lego watches to see popularity and ideas of Playmobil themes, then decide to try the theme in Lego.

Now I'm bitching. Let's see, just in the past 2-3 years: 9 V Track, old grey 9 V Track, new bley 9 V Track, all plastic, new bley That's three different track if you're looking to have consistency in color and style. I'm tired of Lego changing track when I've got large quantities of the old track. I just assume pay more if that means the same track. Sure, the old track is available in the old grey metal rails in bulk, but how about spending $140 US (or) 170 Euro for a set that you plan to swap the track on. I did the same with Harry Potter's Express very disappointed to receiving bley track. The track is useless with existing collections. Now, another change. Is this value? I think not. If the train sold for less $, then maybe I could see it. But it's actually more as indicated in a previous message. That's not value at all and doesn't make the non-train collectors or young children (or parents of young children) want to run out and buy $140 starter train set. In fact, Lego partly justifies the price of the Santa Fe and BLSF on licensing costs associated with stickers/rights to these names. Now here's a generic train set with cheaper plastic rails at a very high price (in my opinion). I don't know about this at all, but I may not buy this new line at all (not sure if it's the play train or the hobby train)???

I was never a big fan of 4565- but I agree with the thought of an old western train or even the return of some of the 80s trains. They were great. I like the new cargo train, just not the $, the new track, and battery pack. But these fancy new passenger trains really remind me of Japanese Bullet trains or DisneyLand monorails. Not my ideal view of trains (although a good MOC). And I'm going off topic a bit here, but I'm really disappointed with 7893 airplane. After viwing Bloody Jay's pic review, the set looked awesome. As soon as I got it out of the box and began building, I didn't like it. Not a good set, but maybe a much better train.

I may have to boycott these new trains. I'm tired of Lego changing existing designs, pieces, and colors (esp. with trains). NO MORE CHANGES TO TRAINS!

It should be at this price (esp. considering I kept hearing the use of all plastic rails would reduce the price of train sets). Not sure that I see the reduction? Not to complain, but it sounds like another ploy by Lego to reduce quality and save costs in manufacturing. Unfortunately, that cost does not pass to the consumers. I like this set, but I hate spending this much on ANY set. Trains are my favorite, but I may think twice about buying this set.

What nice breast you have Phes. Seriously though, it's a nice piece. I think I may have two based on your list of sets.

ok, ok, maybe I'll try removing them. I've been collecting Lego a long time. Maybe they've improved them over the years. In any case, thanks for the compliments. Like I said though, two doesn't make a good army, but a dozen or two would do the trick (although I'm partial to the Union).

cute for the little ones, but maybe one day, we'll see real pirates return...

nice thought

And to think, we thought plastic rails would reduce the price. I hope the piece count is a lot higher than the old cargo train. I hate sets over $100 (U.S.).

Pretty slick, but I have to admit, I'm still partial to old classic trains. I've always wanted to make an elegant Orient Express or luxurious western train; when train travel had a culture and a mystique of it's own. But this moc looks great. I've been waiting for those airplane pieces to be used for a train.

I don't like taking off mini-fig hands. It loosens them considerably, and next time you attach an item (gun, tool, etc) and try to pull it off, the hand comes with it. But basically, I think the torsos work fine.

I agree. This is why I left the peach heads on. Would have to swap the hands to match.

Neat find Hobbes. I don't recall seeing the use of dark brown pieces for a train MOC before (other than a steam train). Looks very nice. I like the other cars as well (with jeep and airplane). These are the kind of unique sets Lego should be offering as exclusive SAH specials.

I think the answer to your question is DEFINATELY, you can do anything you like. I'm not sure about the historical accuracy of combining the two (depending on the scene), but I use to use castle buildings with pirate ships all the time. They look good together, esp. when you think of a port castle being blown away by a pirate ship. I've posted this before, but here's an old display of castle and pirates:

I added some yellow Wild West faces and think these look better. Here's my version of a Confederate Frontier Patrol.

The flag was really easy to make, and I didn't put much time in it. Just found a flag on the web, added another (side-by-side), printed on regular paper, and just folded it over the pole with a piece of tape in the middle. I think it came out very well, considering it didn't take much work. I agree with you Snefroe. I don't like the flesh toned faces either. I didn't swap them for western faces because the hands match- but they're not too bad. Maybe I'll experiment with some other faces and post the results. I wish I had about 20 of these figs. I've got a few of the Imperial Officer that came with 7201 Final Duel II, but the hats don't work. The grey caps are a lot better.

A great use for Imperial Officers is none other than Confederate troops. Featured in the new dark grey with flesh tones are a few of General Lee's troops aiming for the Union. Pow! I've been wanting to make these for a long time, but never took the time to do so and shoot an image or two.