156439DMU

Maybe this is where I differ with the more collector style people in the space, but my 12v collection is dictated mostly by the incomplete sets I've purchased. For example, my current collection is a bunch of 4.5v system stuff, some of which are official sets and others own builds. 12v being then a 4 Car 7745, a 7745 B model steam engine, a 7740 and a 7821. I've rarely set out to get boxes for example, so 7860s I've amassed through mostly come across the isolator rails in lots, and then buying the required remote controls for them. Just my two pence, I've just found there are cheaper (and often more rewarding!) ways of getting these old sets than competing with the whole internet on eBay.

Given you can pick up an entire 60051 or 60197 online for as little as £40 or £50 with all the running gear and track that sounds about right. I think an earlier poster had the right idea where it has to be integrated in a way it can be played with even without a train set. Eg. a fire engine and sort of hazardous material wagon etc

Ah ok I see thank you. That's interesting that there was a 'winding down' so to speak of the 12v era parts. Would it just be that the later sets were still being demanded in greater numbers than sets that had been on the market earlier rather than them deliberately choosing later sets to use red wheel pins? Ie. would earlier sets like 7735 etc also turn up with red pins, but less frequently as far fewer as a total proportion were being made in that later period? Also, I notice both motors still have black pins, were motors never subject to the use of red pins, to your knowledge? It certainly made me feel way better about 150 quid spent on a slightly incomplete 7740 with a ratty motor last year!

Hello, I recently bought two different incomplete 7745s off fb Marketplace*. But I've noticed one set came with wheels that were fully black, whereas the other came with wheels that had a red centre. I'm not interested in any monetary difference or anything, but what was the reason? was there a changeover date where the wheels went over to fully black? Why was the change made? I would be delighted to hear any opinions and information on this. I can add pictures tomorrow if it isn't clear what I meant. - if there is an earlier thread on this, sorry, but I couldn't find it! * I paid £43.60 and £40 respectively for sets which both had the full track, working motors & transformer and enough parts for 2 wagons plus seemingly other random bricks too. One set also came with 2 points and the 7860 which I was very pleasantly surprised by!