Model Train Talk South Africa
Scale or Brand Specific Model Train Talk => All Other Scales => Topic started by: renegade on February 12, 2015, 02:28:56 PM
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Ok, so the forum is a little quiet... either because nobody has anything to say, or because people are very hard at work doing train stuff...
So I will add a little something...
L scale you might say? well, yes... L scale is the acronym for Lego Scale. It is perhaps not very commonly know, but Lego has been producing trains and train related items since the late 1970's!
L scale trains can be roughly seen as similar size as O scale. However, there is also a micro scale in Lego that can be equated to N scale. The micro scale is non operational, and very vew Lego fans use this scale.
Typical L scale trains are build in Lego, using a 6 stud wide base, but to compensate for gauge, some build 7, or 8 stud wide models. However, 6 stud is wide is the official Lego size.
Over the years the Lego trains has evolved quite a bit.
~ Initially it was battery powered, using a 4.5V system, with no speed control.
~ Later, the 4.5V system was replaced with a 9V system. This mimicked model trains, in that the track was metal, and power was transferred via the wheels to the motor.
~ The next evolution was RC. This is also a 9V system, but using either a rechargeable or regular battery pack carried on board the train. Train control was achieved by an infrared controller on one of 4 channels. Basic speed control (4 steps) and forward/backward was available, using a remote control with single throttle
~ The current incarnation is called PowerFunctions. It provides for 2x4 channels (ie 8 in total) each of these having direction and 8 speed steps. The PowerFunctions throttle also works with IR, but each throttle has 2 speed controls, so 2 trains can be controlled simultaneously from one 1 throttle.
The selection of models has also improved over the years. the very first offerings were very rudimentary, basically just resembling something that looks like a train. Currently there are some very nicely detailed models available. These range from a TGV lookalike high speed train, an ICE high speed train look alike, an American GP38-2 in BNSF colours, a GP40-2 in Maersk colours, and a few others. There has also been a Santa Fe F7 with some 'stainless steel' coaches, and a slew of freight wagons. On the steam end of the spectrum, a very nice Hogwarts express was released, as well as a beautiful British steam loco called Emerald Night
Some of the Lego trains are fairly expensive... ok , rephrase.. Lego is very expensive, and the Lego trains even more so... and thus, there are more Adult Fans of Lego in the Lego train community. The Lego trains community even has their own free online eMag, called RailBricks (http://railbricks.com/magazine/ (http://railbricks.com/magazine/)) there are some nice images of some of the trains in the various scales...
Currently my own Collection consists of the following:
Express set (TGV lookalike)
Inter City set (ICE lookalike)
I have a UP diesel
a black 4-4-0 steam loco
a european box car
2 log cars
2 passenger coaches
quite a bit of track and some points
photos of some of my own trains will follow later... but for now, here are some others...
Microscale (4 wide) Crocodile
(http://railbricks.com/files/cache/655cee58247e8d293c8f54cfe5b6791c.jpg)
10 wide models
(http://railbricks.com/files/cache/1cfda1314075398d3e7d9997943ab35b.png)
(http://railbricks.com/files/cache/152148b0e86a5846348e00530b73dd16.png)
6 wide
(http://railbricks.com/files/cache/50e7ebf31b9947c82082ff4d4b2fc3a5.jpg)
(http://railbricks.com/files/cache/fb1a95320570e9574c61cc929be92b83.jpg)
(http://railbricks.com/files/cache/7bcf60501aaeabfc5e0a5e6ea94aa19d.jpg)
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Wow, Lego has certainly evolved since I had Lego trains as a kid.
I had the blue plastic track with the 4.5 volts battery box and the 2 axle motor.
The rest of the train was up to your own imagination to build something that resembled some real train.
Hand operated semaphore signal and points.
Hours and hours of wonderful fun was had.
Toys where very creative back then, you had use your imagination and build something.
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My oldest son has a big box full of them. He loves it to pieces!!!
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Wow..... How things have changed.
I just had a look on Google it is awesome.
This is my Lego Train. Just a Locomotive. No motor, no track ability and I have no idea what scale. The widest part is about a 8 stud plate (roof) wheels is 6 stud wide. I think I got it for a birthday when I was 3 or 4.... Loooooong time ago ;D
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Lovely ten-wheeler that one. :thumb:
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Hi, there are several artists and technical genius who 'plays' with Legos... Something very special I found in the net:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X32cdtIyn0Q
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SXC_3TCspdE
Enjoy
Hans
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Nice videos.
Yeah the Lego trains have come a long way! and considering that there is 2 new sets every year or 2 specifically in the trains theme, shows that Lego trains is still quite important to Lego Company...
They have 2 stations as add on sets released in the last 2 years, plus 2 train sets, one passenger, one freight. there are also a couple of 'related' models, in the City line, mostly like utility vehicles, cargo or freight, etc that can be used with the trains or the airport themes.
Of course, as with the tradition of Lego, you are still welcome to build models of your own design! There are MANY building plans on the internet, where other A.F.O.L. have build and published various models. these cover far greater variety than what is available 'commercially'. another spin off from this, is that there is a huge amount of trade in loose lego parts, both on eBay, and on a dedicated space (BrickLink) that services this market. Traders from all over the world sell new and used parts in single or bulk quantities at very reasonable prices! this makes it so much easier to get the parts you need in the colour you want, to complete that specific model!
It is actually quite a huge thing... and just some further motivation as to why Lego IS the toy of the century!!!