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peterab

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Everything posted by peterab

  1. peterab
    I've used it as the connection between track and the edge of a turntable. The flexibility helps with the alignment of the track and covering the track at the edge of the turn table was prototypical on some turntables.
  2. peterab
    A TLG employee told me that as soon as images got moved to a particular public facing server, GRogall leaks them, so the web spider seems to be spot on. I've always guessed the images come from the image directory for the LEGO shop web server. Where else does TLG absolutely have to post images of every set? The same TLG employee seemed pretty frustrated that the leaks continued, both from the point of view that they knew the server wasn't secure so nobody should put pre-release images on it, and that the server hasn't been configured to block robots scanning for new images. If GRogall is being deliberately drip fed, it's a secret from large slices of the company. Their official line is it shouldn't be happening, so I wouldn't be surprised if TLG make it much harder at some time in the future.
  3. peterab
    There was a blue and red controller for the older 12V trains so your memory could be correct. There are two sets of pickups to make sure there is always an electrical connection through points and crossovers, for testing either should work, so you should be able to just put a 12V supply to either set.
  4. peterab
    The local hardware stores here in Australia sell plastic tables which are OK and relatively cheap. My train club has used them for a few years and are now starting to move to custom built wooden ones. The plastic tables do sag a bit after a while, though if you buy the more expensive types the hire firms use this takes a lot longer. The cost of covering all your tables in wood is probably more than half the cost of custom tables. Custom legs gives you the possibility of adjustment (though that's most useful if you will be moving the layout often). Building the tables will take a bit of time and skill, though I know in Europe their are pretty good train layout table kits around if you just want a fixed layout in your home.
  5. peterab
    One of the real difficulties we have at shows is getting level tables. Any bow in them leads to quite sharp changes at the edges of tables, which can result in trains stalling or crashing. I'd imagine card tables would bow over time since lego can get quite heavy if you do detailed scenery. If you build your own tables it's very helpful to have adjustment in the leg height, and make them solid enough that they wont warp or bow.
  6. peterab
    The UK LUG is http://www.brickish.org/default.aspx
  7. peterab
    There was at least one in Railbricks, and if I remember correctly linked from the Mpc of the LEGO Kof. The article said it was sold when LEGO moved from their German warehouse and is now painted red again. Now I'm really interested, I had assumed it was eight wide, because I assumed it needed to be to avoid the wheels. Counting studs across the roof tells me I'm wrong. Are you using a six wide axle with the ends inside an anti-stud of the curved slope?
  8. peterab
    Any chance this will be written up for those not able to attend? Brickworld is a little far in some cases
  9. peterab
    The reason he want to avoid the IR receiver and motor appears to be because of his misunderstanding of the line of sight issue. Without that there is no logical/natural/clear/obvious/sensible reason to want to bypass the IR receiver, which is his question.
  10. peterab
    There is quite a lot of reflection, particularly off ceilings, in domestic buildings. In large exhibition spaces both PF and IR need to be pointing directly at the receiver and have a limited range of about two or three meters. This is particularly so if you try and hide the receiver in a MOC.
  11. peterab
    What you know about IR is wrong. It works pretty much like PF except it has only 3 channels. They both use line of sight IR. They both have seven speed increments. They both keep operating if out of sight. More than likely you will experience a bit of wheel slip from the IR motor. This will be mostly eliminated by replacing the rubber tires on the motor. Unless you are going to add a few carriages you probably won't need a second motor. If you do need one you are probably better off just adding a second IR moltor and a 9V extension lead. You're other option is to buy two PF motors and appropriate conversion leads. Mixing motor types is likely to put strain on both motors, and eventually to burn one out.
  12. peterab
    I think the Swiss crocodile would make an excellent choice for a Creator Expert set. As you say it's probably the best known example internationally, even if I'd find one of the early German electrics more interesting myself.
  13. peterab
    The mold for the 90 degree crossover was for 9V, which left space for the conducting rails, so I can't see them ever being used again. I'm not sure re-working the mould would be cheaper than a new mould. The crossover didn't sell very well so while the mould might be usable, there probably won't be an economic reason to use it again. The only scenario I can see that might work is the inclusion of a crossover in a large train set. Even then why not include an extra like a crane instead that might appeal to kids more.
  14. peterab
    I'd also suggest the Fire Brigade if you want the most interesting build. It's my favourite build of all the modulars I've built so far. I haven't built my town hall yet and don't own the cinema, but I really enjoyed the Fire Brigade.
  15. peterab
    The obvious prediction is we'll see some creator expert train in a couple of years. I doubt there are as many iconic freight trains as passenger trains though, so that's a much more risky guess IMHO. On the other hand passenger trains have the problem that AFOLs will want a whole rake of carriages per engine, and the buy two for a longer train solution will only be applicable for modern trains with a cab at both ends. Arguments can be made either way, since there are two choices, there's 50% chance each is correct.
  16. peterab
    Thanks for that, I was hoping there was a better way of accessing some of the rarer figs. I'm a little sad that the distribution has been changed so dramatically. I liked that you used to get three full sets in a 60 box. Since I'm more interested in the city figs the new distribution makes it harder for me. I understand why the change happened but wish the aim of supporting army builders could have been achieved a little differently. I would have liked to see at least three of each figure, and then four or five of obvious army builders. In army builders I'd also include team sports.
  17. peterab
    Has anybody got a distribution for the 30 set boxes?
  18. peterab
    It looks quite good, though the second tender was only used in recent times, due to the removal of much of the infrastructure that supported steam locos. During the steam era there were enough water towers en-route to refill the water tank during the journey. Most modern photos obviously show two tenders and this is completely appropriate if you wish to run your Flying Scotsman alongside more modern rolling stock.
  19. peterab
    You do realise these were from the eighties, and the instructions on Lego's website don't go back that far?
  20. peterab
    They will if the sales are low. Look at the cuusoo project linked above. It has a couple of hundred supporters after eight months, despite being a very nice suggestion. There simply isn't enough interest to compete with the more popular themes.
  21. peterab
    As an addition to pinioncorp most of what you wish for is possible to build as modifications of either 9V or RC track. Take a look around Brickshelf. As to the reason why we don't have more variety, trains are a niche theme. Themes with greater sales get more new parts. The double cross over was not a great success, so I doubt we will see to many exotic track pieces in future. I would like at least one crossing myself, but failing an official one I'm willing to build my own.
  22. peterab
    As others have said you can use either. Space normally means 88000 is used, but if you can fit it in 8881 has two advantages; AAs can be bought in higher capacities so your trains run longer, the extra weight can give better traction if the battery box is supported by the driving wheels.
  23. peterab
    I think a major problem will be this window, other rare parts of the carriage might also be troublesome. You might be able to build just the engine and tender cheaper since many people wanted more carriages, so the engine only is less in demand.
  24. peterab
    I'm not sure how much this will help unless the area is in deep shade. If I remember correctly UV and IR light both get reflected around in ways that are not as apparent and predictable as visible light. The sacrificial track test is very worthwhile since at least you'll know how fast it will degrade if it does.
  25. peterab
    Welcome along Micheal, I've really enjoyed seeing your builds in the Flickr groups, most recently the pink hopper.
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