Subject:
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Re: newbie question
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Newsgroups:
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lugnet.trains
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Date:
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Wed, 31 Mar 1999 14:16:58 GMT
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Reply-To:
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CMASI@saynotospamCMASI.CHEM.TULANE.EDU
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Viewed:
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1719 times
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Matthew Bates wrote:
>
> > I would speculate that TLG is not likely to change any time soon,
> > because 9V works reliably and looks good. The reason for the change away
> > from 12V was that it did not work very well, and the center conductors
> > looked ungainly.
> >
> > There has been no change in gauge so far. 4.5, 12, and 9 have all used
> > the same gauge and I expect that not to change either.
>
> As Larry says, the 12V system was not terribly reliable and was really an
> afterthought to the original 4.5V battery trains. Also it was not compatible
> with the new 9V stuff that came out in the late 80's with the very cool
> conducting studs. By converting trains over to this system they made all their
> electrical elements interchangeable [1]. And while they were at it they made
> the train motors very reliable by using spring-loaded conducting flanges on
> the wheels, very clever because it doesn't have to rely on gravity to make a
> good contact.
I remember seeing springs pushing down on the 12V pickups when I took my 12V
motor appart. By the way, I do NOT recommend taking the 12V motor appart. I had
to glue mine back together.
>
>
> I doubt they will change this system anytime soon although I see 3 possible
> changes that could happen.
>
> 1. A command control system like DCC that allows trains to be controlled
> electronically rather than by varying the track voltage. (Unlikely)
> 2. Using radio control to control the trains (and a switch to plastic track).
> (more likely than 1, already done by Playmobil, and Lego has set a precedent
> of using RC control with Cybermaster)
> 3. A switch to a narrower gauge track (4 stud wide trains). This might look
> ugly but would be much cheaper to make (I really doubt and hope this doesn't
> happen)
>
> Matt
>
> [1] Which brings me to comment I have, I'm rather disappointed to see the
> recent introduction of single-use electric parts as in the new Space Port
> stuff even if it does make cool noises. I guess it was done for the relentless
> pursuit of more features/lower price.
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Message is in Reply To:
 | | Re: newbie question
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| (...) As Larry says, the 12V system was not terribly reliable and was really an afterthought to the original 4.5V battery trains. Also it was not compatible with the new 9V stuff that came out in the late 80's with the very cool conducting studs. (...) (26 years ago, 30-Mar-99, to lugnet.trains)
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