LiamM32

I don't have any Technic figures, so I don't know for sure if I really like them. The reasons I can think of for being discontinued are; to make the Technic theme appear more "mature", because they're to expensive, or because they want to use a variety of scales in Technic sets. I'm not such a fan of large preassembled pieces, because of being expensive, specialized, and without the fun of building it. If they bring back Tehnic Figures, than I think that they should be in multiple pieces, probably about 15. I think that it might be fun to see a dummy swinging on the steering wheel, and they could add new functions such as seat belts. I don't think that all Technic sets should include them, especially Mini's.

I just used the website a bit today. I like it so far. I actually had the same idea (not trying to be accusatory). I entered 6 sets; the 4 technic sets that I have gotten, the Emerald Night, and an old Bionicle set from when I was a kid. It got some pretty good results, with the highest being a Technic Mini. I then tried finding sets that have the same pieces as the Emerald Night, where the results were poor. I'll try looking for MOC's on that website later. I see what you mean. They should program it so that it's less likely to show if there are rare pieces missing, especially exclusive ones. They could also have an options where you can ignore prints, ignore stickers, or even colours.

I think that's true. Batman is where I first found out about them. Back then they used technic axles (see set 7779), instead of element 61184. I agree that flick-missiles are now overused. When they were first released, I thought that they were a great idea, as they made it possible for small models to have firing projectiles. I didn't like them as much when later on when larger sets had flick-missiles. Larger sets should have blunts and other things. I have seen other examples of this with new Lego innovations; -Flexible train track: At first it was good because it allowed builders to have train tracks exactly in the shape that they wanted where previous geometry didn't work. Later on, they were advertising them as replacements for both straight and curved, which both became scarce. The problem is that they make trains derail at fairly high speeds when in large lengths. -Technic Linear Actuators: These cylinders extended with a screw-like design when an axle hole is rotated. They allowed crane arms to be stronger than ones using pneumatics. Pneumatics were still better for many things (but not all), and were often more fun. Now, there are quite a few sets with Linear actuators, but only one with pneumatics, which costs $250 Canadian.

There will probably be new city trains released for 2013 to replace the old ones. I hope that power functions doesn't get replaced, but some new PF pieces might be good. What I would like is a PF charging station and pickup brick. This would allow someone to recharge their train on the track when it stops on a small length of track; the charging station. For train sets: What I want for city is a partially elevated rapid transit set. This would include new ramp tracks. This idea might be too advanced for city though. For exclusives I would like to see a high-speed train. Extra cars would be good for me, but not very marketable to the mainstream. For train tracks, I would like to see ramp tracks and a 90 degree crossing. There should also be a switch track with a standard 45 degree curve on one way and straight on the other. Switch tracks should use technic switches.

Have any of you experimented with wind-up motors on Technic models. I like to use Power Functions on some models, but some vehicles are too small for Power Functions, and as CrowKillers said about his new Vampire GT, it can take up space that can be used for other things. I want to know if wind-up motors are good for these uses. I have an old wind-up motor from a Lego sports set, which isn't nearly strong enough, but I don't have any newer ones like element 61100c01. I just want to test Technic vehicles with an internal force, and in some cases there isn't much space. Has anyone experimented with wind-up motors in Technic models? If so, how well does it work?

I love your analogy of the dinosaur vs normal car. I just think it's hilarious, but also accurate. I also agree that the number of supporters required for a Cuusoo project to pass should vary. It should depend on whether it's licensed or original, whether it's a single set, series/subtheme, new theme, or a bring-back, and how big the set is (if it's a set). They could also have something where someone can pre-order the set, and it would count as more than 1 vote. I do like the Sean of the Dead Winchester because it's good for both fans and modular buildings collectors, as you mentioned. I'm curious as to what demographics dominate the supports on Cuusoo. Is it KFOL's that joined illegally, TFOL's, AFOL's, or NFOL's that joined just to support a single project based on something that they're interested in. I'm a TFOL who mostly likes medium to large non-licensed sets, like trains, modular buildings, and creator houses. I'm getting into building MOC's, but after seeing how many bricklink orders it took to build my EN kitchen car, I don't think that I'm going to get into larger MOC's. I've supported quite a few projects on Cuusoo. Hardly any of them are licensed. Most of the projects that I supported are pretty unpopular. My Cuusoo username is "GeekTeen2".

I really like the equipment wagon. I think that in this case, it may be better as part of the set than an expansion, even though I normally like add-ons. Of course, the Lego Group will want to make it with Power Functions. I have this same problem with CUUSOO. I mean, even My Little Pony is doing great, while the real good ones are suffering. But are AFOL's really the ones that like licensed sets?

I like this station. Medium to large-sized passenger rail station MOC's are something that I want to see more of.

I was recently thinking that a shrunken Emerald Night locomotive would be good for some purposes. I'm not often so big on small steam locomotives, but I think that I really like this one. You made a good looking locomotive. I would like it more if the cabin and tender were 6 studs wide, and the tiles at the front were removed to take away the wide look, but I understand that many people prefer 8 studs wide. If it was 6 studs wide, than it would be my favourite unofficial Lego steam locomotive. I have a question; where's the PF battery? Are you using an alternate power source?

I buy trains much differently from you. As a TFOL that buys trains for myself, I like good looking working trains with a good building experience, few specialized pieces, and good reviews. I got the Emerald Night because it was considered a classic by many, it looked great to me, and it was a system set that also used Technic heavily; with working pistons and gears. I like to get the well-reviewed sets that look interesting to me. If they sold extra cars for the EN separately, then I would buy them. But I liked it that it gave me and other builders an opportunity to design our own cars. I've made some progress on my Kitchen car since my first post on Eurobricks. Because they're exclusive and therefore expensive to buy used, it would still be good to be able to buy the windows (6556 tan, 4034 trans-clear, 4035 tan, 4036 trans-clear, 60032 tan, 60601 trans-clear), and possibly the other pieces for the EN cars on Pick-a-Brick. Although the EN and Maersk are at the top of my list because of the build, I might get 7938 because electrics are my favourite in real-life, and I like the colour scheme. Although some say they don't like the look of the bricky front, I actually like it. I really don't like the big specialized front on the older 7897. I wanted some My-Own-Train as a child. I still like the idea. But they look a bit under-detailed to me, and I would rather have a series where 1 or 2 cars are released each month than just one wave. I do understand that they're very slow selling though. I only have one train, which is PF, but in theory, I slightly prefer PF over 9v. Because of the electrified rails, 9v restricts exactly what I want to do with switch tracks. Tell me if I'm wrong, but I don't think that 9v has individual train control. From what I've seen, I like it that 12v uses many pieces, and more flexibility, using separate pick-up bricks and motors. One thing that I like about 9v (in theory) is the lack of space needed, making it better for self-propelled multiple unit. A train charging station track would be good for PF. Tell me if you think that this would sell well, but I had the idea of putting train tracks and cars in sets where trains aren't the main purpose of the set; such as a harbour with 8 straights and a well car. This might have the effect of getting children into train who would of otherwise been not too enthusiastic. But maybe the trains would dominate the set, and make them lose interest. In my introductory post, I talked more about what I wanted as a child. I did like the fire train that someone made, and the full scale version. Not that I would buy it. I imagined a 'police train' set differently; a DMU prison transfer train, with a rear car for the prisoners, a powered car at the front for the driver and officers, and maybe even a smaller central car to transport food and water. If they wanted to make the price jump significantly, they could combine it with a small max security prison.

I think that you chose the right full-scale train to base this model on, and you made a good KFOL-targeted model out of it. I agree that the one with the red tank with the white stripe looks a fair bit better. Lego city has had many fire sets with many fire vehicles, including some unusual ones. At first I was against this as a set, because of Lego City's excessive quantity of Fire sets, but now I think that because of it's popularity, it's a good way to get children into Lego trains. It's nice to spice up a Lego town with a bit of slightly unusual, but fun things like this. I'm now a supporter on Cuusoo. For the final set, I think it should be a 2 or 3 car train, with a bridge or small railroad-side building that's on fire. It would be better if the hose on the roof was on an arm. It's too bad that this project isn't doing so well on Cuusoo.

I really like the return of glow-in-the-dark elements. The sets don't look bad. My favourite is the Ghost Train, mainly because it's a train, but I saw some pure photos, and it doesn't have as much luminescence as the box art suggests. There is one big disappointment for me from this theme; it's that it's just another humans vs. monsters theme. I should of known better, because I've had this problem with new themes since I was a kid. The train does look nice but probably not PF-capable without making it look less visually appealing. But with my limited budget, I don't think that this or the other Monster Fighters sets will get high-enough priority for me.

I like this train. I'm not such a fan of those overly simple seasonal sets, but you made good use of them with the locomotive. I liked the open freight car of eggs. The boxcar was good. I liked it that you managed to use Clikits pieces on a model. I would prefer if the rabbit had a brown body, as his head was brown. It's too bad that Minifigures series 7 Bunny Suit Guy wasn't released earlier. Even though you said that the caboose may be too plain, it's my favourite car in the train. Whoa! Another Lego trains fan in Canada? Great. I'm looking forward to the Canada day train, if you're going to make it. I'm curious of what it will look like. Maybe a white diesel loco with the Canadian flag, a car that launches fireworks as the train moves, a maple syrup tanker (if you want it to be stereotypical). It might be hard to design a train that realistically represents Canada while looking interesting, so I'm curious of how it will look.

I already love this ship. I like it for both size and detail. Since you said that you will modify it, my suggestion is to add glow-in-the-dark pieces, as sightings in the 19th and 20th century reported that the ship glowed.

I think that Lego City can be gender-neutral, but mostly for boys. My younger sister got more excited about the 3182 Airport than my younger brother, as that's a gender-neutral set. I don't like it that in the smaller sets, with only one minifigure, that they're afraid to use female minifigs. In the past, there were rarely professional women. That's why I aim for the female's in collectible Minifigures. It may be getting better, as there's some females at work, such as a police officer, gargagewoman, firewomen, and others. Now they just need a female train driver or engineer. In the past, there were mostly firefighting and police, as the young boys want action. My favourite set that I have is 8404 Public Transport Station, as public transit is a better representation of everyday city life. My idea for a new subtheme is called "Commercial", which would have stores, restaurants, coffee shops, plazas, and other things. Now I question how Lego should design and market their town-related products, as it's something that appeals to both genders and a wide age-range. They have City; mostly for young boys, Friends; only for young girls, Exclusives; for adult targeted trains and modular buildings, and Creator; which has a small selection of architectural sets for those older children and teens that want something less expensive than Modular buildings, but better than city. It just seems that there aren't enough sets between City and modular buildings, to make a town. The creator houses are good for what they have, but it's not enough to build a town. But enough of that last paragraph, that's for a different topic.

Thanks for telling me. I didn't know about the tracks on Pick-a-Brick. But this discussion is still relevant. It's $24 CAD for 8 straight track. That's just $1 less than 7499 Flexible and Straight tracks. If there was a Polybag of 8 or 16 straight tracks, that it would be cheaper. A 90 degree crossing would also be good for pick-a-brick. On the positive note, the price for straight track may have gone down on Bricklink because of this.

I at least partially agree with you. I think that all Lego trains should include at least as much straight track as the length of the train. Even the Emerald Night and Maersk train should include just 8 straights, without any other track, just so that there's enough for display, enough to test it, and to make the straight track more common. I had to wait weeks after building the Emerald Night to see how it would work on tracks. Now I have 24 9v curved tracks from BrickLink, but no plastic or 9v straights, because they were too expensive. What city was this Lego store? I live in Vancouver, and I've never seen this, and not even at Legoland California. There's no Lego store here, but there will be in the next few months. Do you know if they were selling better with the Maersk Train on Display? I knew about that one, because I often find out on Lego Shop at Home. It's too bad that the only type of track sold alone is flex, for obvious reasons. It's hard to predict if Lego is going to improve their track options. They definately have to sell the straight track alone. I don't think that they should completely discontinue the flex, only they should only sell it in one small track set, in a smaller amount.

I love full-scale (real) trams, and I also love to see them in Lego, both old and modern. Great job with the MOC. I'm hoping that we get a tram here in Vancouver, where I live.

I sent an email of complaint to Lego about their poor options for train tracks. I linked to this topic, to let them see the poll results, and let them know that there's many people that are also unhappy with their options. They might even read these posts. I also said that I won't buy any of their current track packs, but if they ever have better options (especially a set of straight track), than I'll buy it in multiple copies. I got a reply, saying that my email will be forwarded to the right department. I hope that this helps. Maybe if there were storefront displays of Lego trains, than they would sell better. Of course, they would need to have better track options if they were to make them out of what's available in sets. It would be good if Lego released an automatic train charging station, a length of track with conductive rails that would charge the train's PF battery when it goes over it. I've never seen anyone other than myself with a Lego train, but some KFOL's liked it when they saw the PF Emerald Night at my house. I also want extra cars. My ideas are; an extra car for the Emerald Night, with instructions for all 3 classes, a Maersk wellcar with 2 collectible mystery containers, and collectible cargo cars. They could also sell extra cars for the passenger train. There are already PF headlights available, but I want interior lights for my Emerald Night passenger car.

Those Duplo kids are lucky, being able to buy straight and curved separately, without other types bundled. They even get a cross track in the cargo train set. It may actually be pointless for Duplo, as they're bought by the parents who don't know what their buying (as proven in the Duplo curved track reviews). Duplo is where the flex tracks should be used most, as they're push trains, and those kids often need their parents to build the track for them at this point. There should definitely be a system set that only includes straights and a set that only includes curves. Lego is pushing the flex tracks too far. If I was in charge of this, then these would be the options; A polybag that includes 8 curved tracks, a polybag that includes 8 straight tracks, a boxed set that includes 16 curved and 16 straight, a polybag with 2 90 degree cross tracks, a set that includes 16 flex track and 8 (new) short straight tracks, a boxed set that includes 2 curved tracks and 2 (opposite) switch tracks with technic switches, a boxed set that includes 4 curved tracks and 2 (opposite) new switch tracks with a 45 degree curve, and a box set that includes various (new) ramp tracks. The one with 16 curved and 16 straight would be the most common in stores. I realize that The Lego Group probably wouldn't be able to release all those sets, so they might have to combine the 2 switch sets into one, and take out the ramp. They could also sell the cross differently. There should also be some of those tracks on Pick-a-Brick. The polybags would be to make them cheaper. I hope it's fine with all you that I'm bringing back an old topic. That's definitely not true. Even though most layouts have more straights, they'll still need a fair amount of straight; especially the smaller and more complex layouts. Today with the Emerald Night and Maersk Train, starters will need some curved. Also, could someone please upload a project to Lego CUUSOO of a curved track pack, and one of a straight track pack. With all these people wanting them alone, we may have a chance. My CUUSOO account isn't capable of uploading projects. I'll link to an existing track project, but this one has straight and curved together, as in 7896, and is failing. But as I said, if someone uploads the straight and curved alone, than we may have a chance. http://lego.cuusoo.com/ideas/view/11625

Thanks for merging. I should of looked for existing topics more carefully. Sorry but I'm new here. It's true that they probably won't want to bring back the previous high-speed train, and I don't want that either. I don't like that one from my judgement; the parts are too specialized. If it's the next train in that series, than it would probably be be built mostly out of old pieces. The EN had a great design, so the designer might be able to figure out a way to give it the aerodynamic shape out of mostly unspecialized pieces. I'll post a link to a page for a fan designed high-speed train. The official lego version would probably be narrower. I know of one unofficial train with tilting cars. http://www.mocpages.com/Mary Poppins.php/128273 The high-speed train that I linked to was well made. It might look a bit on the "bricky" side. I don't know how the official train would look. It might be a bit of a lie to call a battery train "high-speed", as electric trains achieve their speed from a high power to body ratio, because they don't require batteries like most EV's (or gas tanks and other parts of diesel and steam).

I'm sure that you know about the unnamed series of Lego trains that includes the Emerald Night and Maersk train. Do you have any rumours, predictions, or ideas for the third train in this series? There has been one steam train, and one diesel, so I'm predicting that the third will be electric. They've done one passenger, and one cargo, so Lego may be alternating between the two. My prediction is a High-Speed train. Possibly a Japanese bullet train, with tilting cars. If not, it will probably be some type of electric passenger train. Do you have any more ideas? I should add that I don't mean to say that the Maersk train is a bad set in need of replacement. I don't own it yet but I like it from my judgement.

I like your train and the rest of the display. I just have a question. I was thinking of making a train locomotive powered by a PF M or XL motor, in a way similar to this, but I was concerned that it would curve in one direction better than the other the way the gears work. Did you have this problem?

This is just what I was looking for. It would be nice to have the individual train control and motor power of Power Functions with the low weight (from lack of battery) and unlimited use of 9v.

I'm new to Eurobricks and I also started with Lego Trains recently. The only train set that I have now is the Emerald Night. I have it motorized with Power Functions and I'm currently building a custom (MOC) coach to add to the train. You can see it with the unfinished coach in the picture. I only have 24 9v curved tracks, a blue crossing, and a few straight and curved blue rails. I'll try to get some PF straight track but it's expensive on Bricklink now and the options for train track Lego has now are very poor. I wanted to get a Lego train as a kid. It was one of the few toys I wanted back then that was neither well advertised, nor did my friends have one. Back then, I tried to get the High-Speed locomotive and some tracks from Shop at Home, but my mother must of made a mistake so it never arrived. So finally, after getting the Emerald Night in early 2012 (right after it's discontinue), and some track and PF, I think that it's great, and that I've been missing out all these years on a great branch of Lego. My next train will probably be either a MOC cargo train or the Maersk train.