Subject:
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Re: The Future of Trains // Wishlist
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.trains
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Date:
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Sun, 7 Oct 2007 02:11:48 GMT
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Viewed:
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15605 times
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In lugnet.trains, Holger Matthes wrote:
> Hi Eric,
> Hi Bryan,
> Hi all,
>
> you are right, we are under NDA and I will not comment on any posting either
> positive or negative about the train announcement.
>
> We AFOL insiders will read all theses posts and we will transport any suggestion
> into our internal forums. And yes, some thoughts and ideas sound familiar and
> others are new for us.
>
> It would be helpful, if we can set up a public "wishlist" for the new train
> system where only uncommented wishes are posted. Later someone could set up a
> poll to find out the most desired components for a new train system.
>
> All, remember we are still talking about a toy train which is abused (in a
> positive way) by LEGO fans to set up huge model-train layouts. This was and will
> be the challenge when AFOLs use LEGO elements and especially LEGO train
> elements.
>
> Please remember, AFOL insiders are consultants and not decision makers. As I
> know it from the Hobby Train Project there is always a bigger number of requests
> then solutions coming to the shelfs in the end.
>
> Holger
Just off the top of my head, I have the following thoughts on a prospective new
train system.
Benn
On the batteries:
-I am concerned that the weight of batteries could limit long trains. So the
battery weight will be just as important as it's lifespan.
-For buildability (especially in 6 wide) Battery size will be important, ideally
2xNx4 so that it could be built inside a 4 wide hood on a locomotive. Failing
that, 4xNx4 so that we could at least fit it in a 6 wide car or locomotive.
-Ease of charging is important, should be able to charge the batteries without
taking the model apart.
On the motors:
-The ability to add as many motors as one likes to a train (provided one also
has sufficient batteries, etc.) and start and start all of the motors as a
single unit.
On control:
-The ability to set stop-and-continue, stop-and-reverse, sound-your-horn, and
other functions triggered by trackside markers.
-The ability to set trackside objects that are triggered by the train (e.g.,
small motors and lights for grade crossings)
-If the line is successful (i.e., not on day 1, but maybe in year 3) the ability
to add real block signals that respond to the trains and actually control
movement (a dynamic "stop-and-continue" controlled by a trackside object that
responds to the train)
-The ability to add remotely controlled functionality on-board the train, e.g.,
a secondary motor powered by the controller to decouple cars.
-Motorized switches with remote control
-RF communication from controller to train (not IR) with at least 40 channels or
motor id's.
On the track:
If 9v is dead, I don't see why it is critical to be backward compatible with the
metalized track. I would think it might be nicer to go back to the multi-piece
track of the 12v system (perhaps with a conversion piece to interface with the
9v and IR train track)
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Message has 2 Replies:
 | | Re: The Future of Trains // Wishlist
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| (...) Why can't it be both? Imagine, if you will, a track system that's designed based around the 12v components, but with the ends of the rails being shaped to couple with the 9v/RC track instead. (17 years ago, 7-Oct-07, to lugnet.trains)
| | | Re: The Future of Trains // Wishlist
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| (...) My point is that TLG should continue with the 9volt system until a new system is developed and available. Showing off our train layouts at train shows and telling visitors that it is discontinued for 2+ years will turn off the buying public (...) (17 years ago, 8-Oct-07, to lugnet.trains)
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Message is in Reply To:
| | Re: The Future of Trains // Wishlist
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| Hi Eric, Hi Bryan, Hi all, you are right, we are under NDA and I will not comment on any posting either positive or negative about the train announcement. We AFOL insiders will read all theses posts and we will transport any suggestion into our (...) (17 years ago, 4-Oct-07, to lugnet.trains)
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