roamingstop

A quadcopter (not a classic heli) might work better - counter rotating blades etc

And finally the old lego books 241 and 239 havesome interesting examples and instructions for these models. http://www.peeron.com/scans/239-1/62 http://www.peeron.com/scans/239-1/63 http://www.peeron.com/scans/239-1/64 http://www.peeron.com/scans/241-1/

On the peeron scans us a better graphic that wont deeplink (im using a handy) http://www.peeron.com/scans/314-2/ Here it would seem to be 2-4-6 as tender is built solid. You can also see ut running on brick built track with the design of a red carriage as well. Im pretty sure it would never handle a curve; but then kids in lederhosen and bow ties probably dont mind For some more funky train ideas there were some good books published here http://brickfetish.com/timeline/1967.html Although i was born 8 years after these publications many of the photos are very familiar. Ive seen them before - long long time ago! And here we go - a Provinance Warren Bristol prototype 2-4-6 (oversize image)http://www.ironhorse129.com/prototype/masonbogie/Graphics/PWB_2-4-6.jpg http://www.ironhorse129.com/prototype/masonbogie/ProvWarrBrist2-4-6T.htm And a pensylvania 2-4-6t http://www.steamlocomotive.com/2-4-6/?page=prr The mason bogie (whatever it is) seems to bring up similiar style locos http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mason_Bogie

Good point and i will try that. Although i might tackle a dremel and wheel in a week In the meantime this interesting post in technic forum (dual pf batteries) might be a good way to overpower the 12v motors - if anyone cares to try. Im in a hotel for a week - so no bricks for me http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=77490#entry1469908 Whoops here is the link

I was browsing bricklink when i found this age as part of set 314 Does anyone (trainhead) know which type of locomotive it is supposed to be modelled on? Im tempted to replicate it for someone's museum layout- but wanted some better idea of what it was trying to show Other images were found in the 314 instructions and guide books- but there is an art to capturing these older models in lego design circa 1970

Whilst I very much like the new connecting rods designed here I could not help but wonder if it would be possible to modify existing PF train wheels (with axle) to accept the old 12V style connecting rods. So I decided to sacrifice two wheels in order to find out (gasp). First up - checking the hole tolerances on the old 12V motor wheels; they are slightly over 3mm diameter (but much less than 3.5!). So 3mm drill bit it was. Next time to build a quick Lego jib and work out where to remove the spokes (with craft knife) so that I had a nice flat surface to drill into. It does not matter how well you plan this step; it always works out wrong, in this case narrowly catching one of the 3 reinforcing beams at the back (photo below). Better luck on round two (since this is a sacrifice I did not mind making extra holes). PF wheel for 12V connecting rod by roamingstudio, on Flickr PF wheel for 12V connecting rod by roamingstudio, on Flickr First I can say that the 3mm diameter is perfect for allowing the rod to insert, but it does not 'click' tight. The reason? Behind the wheel there is an inner ridge which is thicker than the plastic through which the drill just went. (it is tagged on the flickr link). In order to get a click it is necessary to mill this extra bit out - as I tried on the right hand wheel. However it was just too easy to 'go through' and spoil the approach. Now for the next caveat. On a PF motor; running with a 5L axle through the motor, there is just a little of the axle projecting which can foul the connecting rod as the wheel rotates underneath it. Also not quite a perfect solution. So in summary An interesting experiment which shows that the old 12V connecting rods could be fitted to the modern PF locomotive wheels... But the milling would need to be done to a very high precision standard (not by hand) And there would need to be a way to ensure the rods dont foul the axles. Pity as this seemed like a nice way to overhaul some of the older 12V locomotives (7760 you know your number) to PF standards. However in this case I guess it is better to use BBB medium wheels (linked in another thread). The other alternative would be to ask a Lego part designer for a copy of the wheel 3D cad file, and add the necessary holes... and then do some 3D printing in black and red.

I was sorting through some of my older 9V models and discovered a variation in the light grey split train base which did not appear listed on bricklink. And I was curious... On the official train bases (http://www.bricklink.com/catalogItem.asp?P=2972) the image shows two variations Both have only one hole at each end (for the bogey). Quite a few of my light grey bases have three holes at each end - and checking the quality - it appears to have been an official mould and not someone doing a bit of drilling. Does anyone know of this variation or indeed why these extra holes are present... perhaps Lego were originally planning an official Jacobs bogey design for 4549? Any ideas or decent speculation?

Actually since Disney own muppets and have many other licenses with Lego it could see the light of day; the main issue would be the cross licensing of a 'muppet' (and various equivalent soft toys) and a Lego Brick rendition. However with the new palace cinema modular (pics on front page) it would be easy to convert to a muppet theater!

The Brickster might hate me for bumping this thread; but it felt like the best place to add the final addendum to this project which never really went off the ground... but did get itself a 7939 inspired locomotive (see picture) which somehow makes the whole set look much more grown up. 9V 7939 Locomotive in 4560 / 4561 Colours by roamingstudio, on Flickr 9V 7939 Locomotive and Train by roamingstudio, on Flickr The whole set is also on ebay as I decided to clear out my 9V collection (sacrilege, but 12V and PF remain)

It would make sense with the advent of Arduino and Raspberry Pi that low cost; small; easy to use electronics will become ever more popular... and without the powerful backend of graphics. So with all the sensors also discounted I could easily see something happening... The old NXT motors could do with some improved designs to reduce slippage / windup - and more accurate position control. We finally got PF servo's and Large motors - so there could be something nice coming in the next 6 months..

Over Christmas I have decided to reduce the total volume of Lego trains I currently own and have decided to sell off my 9V track and controllers (they rested in my basement for a long time). The items are currently on ebay - but I include some photos below. I decided to bundle things into a 'Starter' set since a lot of people probably also want the ability to grown their own sets (or do something for Christmas 2013). I also decided to include some of my custom Lego models which are sat in boxes doing nothing - so might as well make someone else happy. This includes my Fire and Rescue Train series. Additional models will appear here shortly. Oval of track with two switches (left and right), controller and 9V motor - A Oval of track with two switches (left and right), controller and 9V motor - B Oval of track with two switches (left and right), controller and 9V motor - C Lego 4560 / 4561 Express Train with track, controller, two 9V motors (front and end locmotive) and second restaurant wagon Lego 4560 / 4561 Extra Long Express Train with custom locomotive, controller and 9V motor Lego Fire and Rescue Train (DE) with custom locomotive and 9V motor (no track) Lego Fire and Rescue Train (CH) with custom locomotive and 9V motor (no track) Lego 7939 Locomotive in Green

Multiverse - i was drawing an analogy between the zombies which appears to be EOL and toy shop which appeared to be discontinued but reappeared the following year en masse (including super markets).

I wonder if like the toy shop it comes back in 2013 otherwise this will become one really saught after set!

Congratulations - you will not regret it. Welcome to the TrainHead club.

Emerald Night is a great build; looks good on its own without track, and will only go up in price. Unless Lego produce a new steam locomotive within the next 1-2 years (unlikely as Horizon Express / TGV is next) it is definitely worth getting it now; and slowing building up additional carriages over time. Of course you can also build EN in different colours using Bricklink - but the official model is faster. If you really want realism and are happy to build - then there are many excellent MOC's out there which can be excellent engines - just look for the BR series often found in this sub-forum. If you want cheaper price and more 'Lego like' experience then the older style 12V / 4.5V steam locomotives (updated to PF using PF motor instead of 12V / 4.5V, and a custom tender with integrated PF battery etc) can provide a great experience. In the end only you know what your heart says.

Actually it is highly unlikely that pantographs and cables would be anywhere near overhead loading - either the electric engine would not go through the overhead loading point; or it would use a local diesel shunter (switcher) to load the trucks / wagons before they are hauled off the branch line and onto the mainline with electrics. Actually the Cargo train really looks like a UK diesel and the overhead pantographs seem a bit out of place. Although to be fair this electric loco looks right - and could also be a form of Cargo train version Class 185 European Bulls

Red and yellow make christmas look so fine. And this loco too! It looks just like those near our local station (of my daily commute)

Add a gangnam dancer (1 billion views - really - sigh) and it will really be the end if the world. Great concept but sonic screwdriver is where?

Imagine how this might occur in 2012... a great experience and I look forward to the next installment!

Most people; like me; probably read the thread out of curiosity as to why it was locked by Rick. We are an inquisitive bunch. The site guidelines and general forum etiquette is to introduce yourself in the first one or two threads so that people get to understand your viewpoints. Launching with rumor and not even bothering to search out if other similar topics exist is just very unusual. This is an adult community (mainly) and rumors do circulate; often linking to the sources of where this might have been heard. Other people proposing pure speculation (even long standing members) may get their threads locked, usually without having to create a new one to call fowl. Bad form - sorry. And just to be clear... it was a pointless topic - like this one.

Im closing this thread down and will use the more general BSTF from now on - the Bazaar does not work for me.

This 9v repair thread might help http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=51366#entry1463356

If they were really creative they could just make special plates (similar to ME and BBB) and a slight change to the standard straight - rather than one large pre fab piece smaller build your own. But doubt it will happen unless there is a disney film about dwarves and mines and rescuing annimated "trucks" and finding old broken down units with oodles of wisdom who were once someone. Even Gringots only got something in passing. And ramps add more play factor than pure straights!

In this thread of new technic parts there appears to be an interesting lift arm (link to the image) which could be useful for some connecting rod designs me-thinks.

Cool - some great ideas in here. It will be interesting to follow this in a bit more depth now that we have EB back. Whoooo hoo.