Subject:
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Re: The Future of Trains
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.lego
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Date:
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Wed, 3 Oct 2007 03:24:14 GMT
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Viewed:
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21308 times
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In lugnet.lego, Daniel Aubin wrote:
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In lugnet.lego, David Laswell wrote:
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Now, add to this the fact that most current custom part manufacturers are
making parts that are small enough that they can save production costs by
setting up multi-part molds, whereas the only track geometries that I can
see being able to take advantage of that capability are stubbies (center of
one tie to the next, either curved or straight). And of course you have
people who wouldn’t buy them no matter how well they’re made for the simple
reason that they aren’t official LEGO, or because they wouldn’t even be
aware that custom track designs were even being made (essentially, anyone
who isn’t aware of ILTCO). It’s definitely possible, but the costs would be
prohibitively high for most people to even consider, and that’s just for
all-plastic track, not even getting into the application of sheet metal rail
coverings (which require both custom cutting dies and machines to attach
them to the plastic bases). Fans will probably love the idea of being able
to buy new 9v track geometries, but many will balk at the idea of paying
even twice what The LEGO Company would have likely charged for the same
part, and that’s assuming a custom manufacturer could even keep costs that
low (I doubt it’s possible without intentionally taking a loss on the
project).
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Funny how we as AFOLs have a hard time thinking “outside the box”. We
automatically assume that new track geometry necessarily requires large
sectional track pieces. The old 4.5-volt/12-volt system had separate ties
(sleepers in Europe), track and power sections (12-volt). Personally, I
liked this way better, even if it required quite a bit of time to set up.
When the 9-volt system initially came out, I saw the track as a
“juniorization” of the train system.
It would probably be rather easy to make moulded ties with the proper studs
in which we could slip in standard model railway track (just the metal part)
of the appropriate size. This track is sold in bulk. Special tools called
rail benders allow you to curve it to whatever radius you want, bringing
about those large-radius curves everyone has been waiting for for so long.
Where it gets a bit complicated is for the switches and crossovers. These
would probably have to be hand-crafted. However, there are several talented
people that modify LEGO’s standard track that would be up to the challenge.
Heck, they could even make transition pieces to match up this track with
standard 9-volt track.
As for power trucks, check out what’s available for standard model train
hobbyists; http://nwsl.com/Catalog/pg025-cat4-06c-v0605.pdf I’m sure that
they would be more than happy to make a modified version for us if there’s
sufficient interest.
So the future isn’t as bleak as it would seem. If we want, we can continue
with our hobby for a long time. Hell, some people (mostly in Europe) still
continue on with their 12-volt trains almost 20 years after it was
discontinued. It will probably mean cutting a few strings with the LEGO
company but that could help the hobby grow.
DA
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Now that is kind of what I was advocating in my post.
The whole LEGO system is a modular system--why not come up with modular way of
creating tracks and motor housings or whatever using perhaps the system as the
glue and outside parts as part of the solution. Now I am not advocating using
MEGA Blocks--that is a sacrilege--lol. As many of y’all know, I am not really a
builder, but I do try to think out of the box --it is more fun. Most of my ideas
end up in the trash can--but every now and again--even I can come up with a good
feasible one.
This solution to me as an outsider seems like a good one to at least explore.
All the track stuff, transformers, and tools, etc. has been done by the “real”
model railroading people--just need the right interface between LEGO and the
“outside world”.And then the “outside world” becomes the inside world, and
inside world the outside one. Because it is obviously a lot more fun for the
average person to play with LEGO than all that train stuff.
maybe http://www.emachineshop.com/ might be a solution
It is obvious that mastering their software and designing the parts is a “snap”
to many of y’all in the community. Create the part, push the button, pick the
production method, and get an instant quote. It might be too expensive--or it
might not. Who knows until one tries. And no cost to find out.
Now I of course might be missing the whole argument that Daniel was making, but
it seems that you just come up with few standard LEGO type custom parts that
would create the track using existing “outside” off the shelf parts. A tie, a
clip of some kind. As long as make it modular, it seems that future itereations
could then be added on for future needs. Just think it through so that in the
future there are pathways for modifications.
Again, I may be missing something--but I do not think so.
I really think John Neal’s statement is on the money:
“
But now, the canard of purity has finally been dashed for good. Because it’s
either accepting that reality, or leave the hobby (with purity intact)
altogether. Some have already stated their intentions to do just that, and
that’s fine. Personally, I believe it will be liberating. So, I’ll find train
parts, electronics, etc, made by companies who were willing to produce them, and
not ask or rely on TLG to make versions which need to double as a child’s toy,
too.
It sounds heretical, I know, but one day we will all laugh. I’m laughing
already:-)”
What puzzles me is why it was “heretical” in the first place.
lol
Tommy ARmstrong
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Message has 1 Reply:
 | | Re: The Future of Trains
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| (...) I can only speak for myself, but part of the fun, for me at least, is the challenge of staying within the confines of the Lego product. If I wanted to build track, etc. from other items, or do my own molding, I'd work in N or HO scale (...) (17 years ago, 3-Oct-07, to lugnet.lego, FTX)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: The Future of Trains
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| (...) Funny how we as AFOLs have a hard time thinking "outside the box". We automatically assume that new track geometry necessarily requires large sectional track pieces. The old 4.5-volt/12-volt system had separate ties (sleepers in Europe), track (...) (17 years ago, 2-Oct-07, to lugnet.lego, FTX)
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