Train Questions

[turtle1173]

I hope this is in the right category.

My son is showing some interest in getting one of the trains. He really likes the Maersk Train. My question is, how much more money will it take to get the power functions accessories, tracks, and whatever else he will need to have a functioning train with tracks. Are we talking another $50, $100 or ...? I've been reading some on this but I know little about lego trains. Would he be better off getting a set that comes with the power functions already, like the new red cargo train coming out?

Just looking for some experienced insight.

Thanks!

[drtabo]

A quick breakdown:

IR Speed Controller: 12.99
AAA Battery Box: 12.99
IR Receiver: 14.99
Train Motor: 13.99

That's 54.96 without even any track..
I'm not sure how many tracks you would need, 24 pieces are 19.99, would assume you would get at least 2. That's another 40$.

I would get one of the kits, and then if he exerts more interest, look at others. The yellow cargo train comes with the most track.

I would wait for another Buy One, Get One 50% off, and pick up 2, if money weren't an issue.
The Maersk train is cool, but very expensive when it comes to functionality as it's 119, and doesn't come with any of the components needed.

[ncbarrett]

I actually think if he really likes the Maersk train get that with the minimum other items to make it powered and a little bit of track.
If you go with drtabo calculations then a Maersk train with 2 packs of track = $214.93 which is only $34.94 than
Cargo train 7939 = $179.99
And for a set he really wants, that seems most logical.
If he decides he really want more track, you could slowly add some over time.

The only reason I would say get one of the cargo trains, is that you cannot (currently) buy curved track pieces, only straight and flexible. But I'm certain you could find some off ebay or bricklink. And no doubt LEGO will sell them again.

That's my 2 cents.

[slacker]

I just got my EN motorized. Are other trains faster? I'm looking at a few videos on Youtube and the 9v versions seem to go twice the speed. Somebody school me on Lego Trains. Also why did Lego stop selling the straight tracks for the flexible ones?

[Brick & Blue]

They have straight tracks with the flexible track...

http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Flexible-and ... racks-7499" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Why they stopped cruves, I don't know.

LEGO got rid of 9v trains years ago for several reasons, they claim the new system (RC) would be cheaper, it wasn't, and it was a failure. They really did it because putting the metal strip on the tracks costs so much.

So you need to use the current system, which I forgot the name of, because finding 9v Trains cost too much, but you can try it you like.

[dr_spock]

If you are starting out with trains, getting one of complete sets like cargo train is a better value.

I easily spent over $60 on just new tracks for my old 7710 push train this summer. There is a straight & flex track set if you want to do a simple oval.

[Neo]

119.99 The Maersk Train (10219)

89.95 Additional Accessories for the Maersk Train
=========================
12.99 8879 PF IR Speed Controller(uses 3 AAA batteries)
14.99 8884 PF IR Reciever
13.99 88002 PF Train Motor
12.99 88000 PF AAA Battery Box(uses 6 AAA batteries)(*)
10.00 estimated cost for 10 AAA alkline batteries
24.99 8867 Flexible track (8867, 64 flexible track pieces) - this is enough for a complete circle,
this track system needs to be laid/anchored over a hard surface

==================================================

209.94 Total cost for a Maresk Train with a circular track

==================================================

(*)
74.98 Rechargeable battery option
===============================
49.99 8878 Rechargable Li-Ion Battery box
24.99 8887 10V Transformer to recharge 8878

It takes 4 flexible tracks to equal one curved track piece. The curved and straight track are more rigid than the flexible track system making them better suited for carpets. Lego only packages 16 curved tracks with one of their Lego trains ( 3677 Red Cargo, 7939 Cargo, 7938 Passenger). The Lego switching Track (7895, 15.99 ) has four curved tracks. If you're adventerous - you might want to add head lights too which would be another 6.49. Wrt to other track accessories, there's 8straight&16flexible set(7499), a railroad level track crossing kit(7936), and a train station(7936). Next year, a more substantial Creator/Modular Building train station (??) is being planned.

[greanie2011]

I personally Own 5 lego train sets: Toy Story Western Chase Train, Maersk Train, Red passenger, Yellow Cargo, Red Cargo.
Of all the sets i am most pleased with the two cargo trains, they come with great cars and accessories.
And the cargo trains are completely accessorized, motorized, and ready to go (minus batteries).
I would definitely, as mentioned in previous posts, add a maersk or Emerald Night to a kit. Adding these to a kit gives the option of moving the motor over to another engine if wanted.

2 cents...