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 Dear LEGO / 1418
1417  |  1419
Subject: 
Re: Proposed New Train Components
Newsgroups: 
lugnet.dear-lego
Date: 
Sat, 22 Jan 2000 17:45:41 GMT
Reply-To: 
JOHNNEAL@USWEST.NETihatespam
Viewed: 
1367 times
  
Mike Poindexter wrote:

Although most people in the train genre of Lego complain, including myself,
about lack of support and a need for better service packs, we have been
lucky in the number and kind of train packs already.  I would like to see
more, however.

I wholeheartedly agree that DCC would be awesome!  If TLC doesn't want to do
it, allow some other company to make them.  A non-magnetic coupler would be
nice as well, as it would allow for remote decoupling when combined with
DCC.

I also would like to see sets of wheels with electrical pick-ups so that we
can electrify the train cars.  Basically, they would be just like the
current wheel sets, except that they would have metal wheels like on the
motors.  The tops would be an electrical plate that would supply power from
the track.

Well, speaking of wheels, please discontinue your current wheel design and
create trucks they way exist in reality-- the design is actually simpler and
would require fewer bricks! <wink,wink>   What is really needed is one size
wheel for rolling stock, one size for locomotives, and one size for steamer
drivers.  Could also use a smaller wheel for steamers as well.  These are
critical needs because one just can't model wheels.  If it's good enough for
Legoland, why not us?

The current track radius is 13.5" on the curve.  I would like to see the
addition of a 16" radius curve and an 18.5" radius curve.  This would help
greatly in layouts, especially larger scale trains (8 studs wide).

8wides can handle the current track configs (not well, mind you), but what
can't handle the sharp curves are 3 axle trucks and 3+ driver wheels of
steamers.

Another great help would be a pack of off size track pieces.  You could have
a pack with two tracks 3 stud segments long, three 2 studs long and one 4
studs long.  That would help match up track in many more complex layout
combinations.

Finally, fix the points to allow right to left track passes and add the
option for remote controlled points.  At the least, cut down on the
difficulty of switching point positions so that they may be motorized much
more easily.

Many of the track needs can be seen in what is available to standard model
railroading enthusiasts.  Just go into a model train shop and get some
pieces for ideas.  Just remember that some of these pieces may not sell a
tremendous amount, but their existence will sell more of other pieces.
Having a 2nd and a 3rd curve radius will allow extra track loops, which will
sell more straight track as well.

Great idea.  In fact, take your top Train design guy and lock him (assuming
he's a male) in a model train shop for a month.  All of the answers are
therein.

-John



Thanks,
Mike Poindexter

Bay Area Lego Train Club



Message is in Reply To:
  Proposed New Train Components
 
Although most people in the train genre of Lego complain, including myself, about lack of support and a need for better service packs, we have been lucky in the number and kind of train packs already. I would like to see more, however. I (...) (25 years ago, 21-Jan-00, to lugnet.dear-lego)

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