Subject:
|
Re: How do LEGO trains work?
|
Newsgroups:
|
lugnet.trains
|
Date:
|
Sat, 21 Oct 2000 09:01:25 GMT
|
Viewed:
|
634 times
|
| |
|
|
In lugnet.trains, Christopher Lindsey writes:
> This is probably going to seem really silly to all of you,
> but how do LEGO trains work? Based on the references to
> 9V vs. 12V, etc. I suspect that they're actually motorized,
> working trains, but maybe that's only for lights and things?
>
> Or do you stick a battery in the engine, or does it transmit
> current across the track? Or does it depend on the set?
>
> This is something that I'd like to get into, but I really
> have no idea where to start. I was thinking of buying
> #4565 (Freight & Crane Railway) along with a #4548 (speed
> regulator). Is that enough to get me going?
The trains are motorized, and some are lit (the engine in 4565 has a light for
one end - I've wired mine for lighting at both ends). You may want to ask
around for a regulator (MA13 has two with no bids right now for $9.99 for
example). 4565 is definitely the best of the reasonably available train sets.
With the new train doors and windows now available, 4561 is considerably less
interesting as a passenger train.
There are 4 methods of power for trains:
push: Hand of God
4.5v: battery in battery car behind engine, runs on the same track as the push
trains, a direction/stop control stand is available, lights exist
12v: runs on essentially the same track as the 4.5v (turnouts have the same
geometry as 4.5v, but the 4.5v turnouts can not be converted to 12v) but adds a
center piece with two conducting rails powered by a speed controller (european
only), lights, remote controlled turnouts, and other electric accessories
9v: brand new track, new turnout geometry, curves and straights are the same
geometry as the earlier track, rails have a metal shell for conduction (so no
unsightly center rail like 12v), controller is available for both US and
Europe, electrical connections compatible with 9v Technic and Mindstorms. The
only real electric accessories are lamps (but people have made their own
accessories with technic parts and Mindstorms).
Monorail is a separate beast, but is powered by 9v battery, with connections
compatible with all 9v equipment.
The 4.5v and 12v track was originally blue with while ties (sleepers), but
eventually became grey with dark grey ties.
Frank
|
|
Message has 1 Reply:
Message is in Reply To:
 | | How do LEGO trains work?
|
| This is probably going to seem really silly to all of you, but how do LEGO trains work? Based on the references to 9V vs. 12V, etc. I suspect that they're actually motorized, working trains, but maybe that's only for lights and things? Or do you (...) (24 years ago, 21-Oct-00, to lugnet.trains)
|
6 Messages in This Thread:
 
 
- Entire Thread on One Page:
- Nested:
All | Brief | Compact | Dots
Linear:
All | Brief | Compact
This Message and its Replies on One Page:
- Nested:
All | Brief | Compact | Dots
Linear:
All | Brief | Compact
|
|
|
|
