zephyr1934

Looking good, with some great details (I particularly like the dark red one)

Excellent!

A great design, thank you for sharing it! (also neat to see different solutions for the same problem)

That is a great layout, with interesting geometries and a lot going on. It does not look like the typical rectangular lego train layout. Also great that the trains can disappear from view. There are some ideas in RailBricks #9 for the double crossover.

Have you posted more about that MOC? It looks quite interesting. If not, please do start a new thread about it... there are some great details in that loco and it would be handy to have it in the MOC index (I also like your trees)

Looking good!

Nice build and the nostalgic refinery is a great feature (and nice touch using the crater baseplates)

You did a great job getting the look just right.

Here's one of the better 4-wide trains I've seen... This was my pure 5 stud spaced rail locomotive with working rods using the crank shaft parts (I borrowed this idea from someone else, but I don't remember who). It isn't pretty, the crank shafts have poor clutch, but it still gets the job done.

Occasionally you will find a deal on these sets, but not too often. Presumably the only sets on Amazon are in the market place (3rd parties). The sets might reappear at Amazon proper, if so, they might discount them at the end of the run. Lego might give 10-15% off at the end of the run as well. So if you really want them, S@H might be worth it now. Rarely will you find a good deal at TRU, lego is typically priced 20% or more above MSRP so that when it goes on sale it is about MSRP.

Actually, I suspect it is the AFOL's that keep the trains alive at all. Lego does not lose money with the trains, but they make more money on ninjago and such than they do on trains. However, lego looks at the insane layouts that AFOLs build for the trains, then they count the number of bricks, then they look at the free PR from shows, and so they toss enough sets our way to keep us building. As a result, the train sets have two target audiences- kids in numbers, and the smaller number of AFOLs who will part the sets out and spend a lot more money on lego than most kids. With the HE/Maersk/EN lego is providing a single gateway set for the casual AFOL (most AFOLs probably do not browse forums like this or even attempt MODs). So there is still a hole in the lineup for those ready to take the next step beyond casual AFOL but not yet ready to build a full layout of MOCs. Lego probably isn't pursuing it since these folks are smaller in number than the strictly casual AFOL and they do not spend money like the heavy duty AFOLs (or if they do, they are mostly spent out on the other sets). Of course where do the heavy duty AFOLs come from if not these folks who take the first step beyond the casual AFOL? Meanwhile, lego has become risk averse, so if they have a formula that is working, it is unlikely they will shake it up much. I suspect that was exactly what they intended to do with the constitution and it might be lego testing the water to see if they can afford to add a lower price point train into the mix.

Are there any reported problems putting two PF train motors on a single V2 receiver output? Or two XL motors on a single output?

Wow, very nice, you did a good job keeping the feel for the 1980's trains while still capturing the essence of an F40.

Yes, all of these motors have been used to power trains. The most recent post that I recall is Legoman666 using the L motors. If you look though the MOC index, particularly steam engines, you should find several more with XL and the diesels have had some medium motor powered MOCs.

Wow, impressive how you fit everything in while also including so much detail in a train that small.

I picked up a few switches with this same idea in mind (haven't done so yet myself). I personally prefer a single crossover to the double. In any event, yes, please do post photos of your creation when you have a chance.

Hi CP, before reading your text I could see Cale's influence in your photo (or more to the point, I thought, gee, that looks like something Cale built). You've got some neat builds. Looking forward to seeing more of your work around these parts.

That is an insane build, very nice. Are you going to continue developing it? What is the sorting strategy for the containers, just swap from one train to the other, or something more sophisticated? Having two trains (or was it more) run on the single track is also great. I hope you took that girl friend out for a nice night out.

Looking good!

Ah, if you are doing 9v, I'm pretty sure you should be able to fit two motors under a 24 long baseplate (I think I did so here, with the train baseplate, which is more limiting than simply plates), maybe even a 22 long base. But as you said, you might only need one motor.

Yes, also a great build. Looks like the first picture is a render from ldraw CAD model where color/part availability is never an issue and the others are "as built".

A good build, captures the look of the prototype nicely.

A fantastic build! (even down to the ballast under the wide radius curves). The long cars look great. Does it run well?

Wow, great little build and yes, the "oversized" look was typical of many narrow gauge locomotives. If you have any questions about the custom rods, just drop a PM here or on bricklink.

I was going to say the same thing, but also add that the BR 23-001-L instructions there are top notch. Though some of the parts are rare and you might want to substitute colors or parts for a few of them. You can also find some handy building tips in the various RailBricks magazines too.