Lego Trains (stylized as LEGO Trains) is a product range and theme of the construction toy Lego, which incorporates buildable train sets. The Lego Trains theme became a sub-theme of Lego City in 2006. Products in the range have included locomotives, tracks, rolling stock, stations, signal boxes, and other track-side buildings and accessories. The theme is popular among adult fans, as well as children, and has spawned international associations and conventions. The train system is sometimes referred to as 'L-gauge' among Lego fans, in reference to traditional model railway scales. Lego trains use a nominal gauge of 37.5mm (1+15⁄32in), based on 5-stud track centerlines gauge, corresponding with a circa 1:38 scale.
The design of Lego trains has developed substantially, with several different systems introduced, with varying degrees of cross-compatibility.
The Blue Era (1966-1980)
Lego trains were first introduced in 1966 with Lego set number 080.[1] The train sets used blue rails, and the first train sets were simply push-along. Set number 115 introduced 4.5 volt battery-operated trains (initially the battery box was handheld, but train sets soon contained a railcar that carried the battery box), and train sets numbered 720 (1969) and up operated on 12-volt electrified rails, introduced in 1969. In 1972, 4.5-volt trains gained a monolithic railcar that carried the batteries and contained both a bottom-mounted stop button to be actuated by signals, as well as a side-mounted lever for manual go/stop/back control and tripping by a track-side pivot. All three kinds (push trains, 4.5-volt battery-operated trains and 12-volt electric trains) existed alongside each other and even allowed for upgrades. The motors were the same size, the push trains used a motor-shaped dummy block of bricks, and all used the same wheel style. These wheels had the same press-fit metal axles as used in the two larger sizes of rubber-tire Lego wheels, which also meant that both 4.5-volt and 12-volt motors were not restricted to use in trains. A push train could be updated to a battery-operated train, and a battery-operated train could be updated to an electric train. Since 1969 the motor housings for 4.5-volt and 12-volt are equal and can be equipped with either a 4.5-volt or 12-volt Bühler motor unit. These motor units were sold separately as a replacement part until around 1990. In or before 1976, the 4.5-volt motor gained a hole for driving the then white cross-axles of the size that would later be known as Technic. Railcars began as spartan constructions of train-specific wheels and couplers attached to car bases made from universal plates and bricks, but these were quickly replaced by black single-piece bases in two lengths that included captive wheels and couplings.
The Gray Era (1980-1991)
In 1980, the Trains theme was completely renewed, with sets in the 77xx and 78xx numbering series. The builds were adapted to the minifigure, which had been introduced in 1978, with buildings that were intended to integrate with the new Town theme. The colour of the tracks was changed from blue to grey, and the 12-volt transformer changed to support utility functions in a more streamlined style with control switches that docked alongside the transformer, following the design style of increasingly streamlined model train controls of the time. The utility functions now included remotely controlled points, signals, wagon de-couplers and level crossings. The models gained a much more realistic appearance, including some with much longer carriage/wagon bodies and swivel bogies, and there were special windows which simulated having a pull-down glass section. Stickers were included allowing the owner to bedeck their trains with symbols of several European railway companies, such as DB, ÖBB, NS, SBB, DSB, NSB and British Rail. The railcar bases were now again assembled from train-specific wheels and coupler and a greatly increased number of universal pieces. As with the previous generation, the electrical parts such as the train motor (7865) and the mains transformer unit (7864) were manufactured by Bühler on behalf of Lego. The transformer unit was also compatible with Technic motors.
Battery-operated trains were still available. The motor was kept unchanged. Upgrading a battery-operated train to a 12-volt electric train required changes to the train to fit the smaller, redesigned 12-volt motor underneath. The fixed wheels of the new 12-volt motor were black, finalizing the color scheme that had developed in the blue-track era, where 12-volt locomotives started to be distinguished by black wheels.
The 1980 train catalog and ideas book (7777) enticed Lego fans with nighttime dioramas featuring lampposts and lights inside the trains. Even though light bricks of the same size were available in both 12-volt and 4.5-volt guise, the train headlight/taillight (using unique prisms and holder bricks) and lamppost sets were normally only available with the expensive 12-volt light bricks included. Making these theoretically universal features available only as 12-volt items served to further elevate the 12-volt system away from the more limited 4.5-volt system.
Notable train sets include the Electric Intercity (7740) and Steam Locomotive (7750), particularly for its large wheel pieces which were not found in any other set. 7750 and the 7727 Goods Train also featured a red version of the 12V motor module that also has become a very rare and sought after component. Owners with a worn out red motor had no option but to replace it with a standard black one (7865) or break open the sealed unit and transplant the components.
The 12-volt line was promoted in a 1983 UK television advert featuring a group of adults planning a 'mail train robbery'.[2]
No new sets for the 12-volt system were introduced after 1986, although the full range remained on sale leading up to its eventual replacement in 1991. Lego continued to supply accessories (but not complete sets) for the 12V system via its mail order service until 1993.
1991 saw again a major overhaul in the train line, in line with the ongoing transition to the new generation 9-volt system that had first appeared in 1986 with the 'Light & Sound' line of sets, with Technic having made the transition to 9-volt the year before. Tracks gained a new appearance with power being transmitted directly through metal strips on the two running rails. The new line abandoned the 12-volt power in favor of the 9-volt system. One of the key weaknesses of the old 4.5V/12V system was the unreliability of the pinned connector plugs, which were notorious for becoming loose or for the wires to fracture over time, whilst the 9-volt system used more positive fitting contacts integrated into the brick studs. The remote-controlled accessories from the 12-volt system however were also abandoned, with only manual point control available and no signaling capabilities. At the same time, the 9-volt train motor was made train-specific by its fixed wheels, while the similarly sized 9-volt universal motor changed from individual metal axles wheel holes to axle holes for Technic axles, for which there were no train wheels available. Previous 12-volt locomotives were not compatible with the new system without modification, due to the change in voltage and means of powering the motor, although it was possible to retrofit them with 9-volt motors. The gauge did not change, therefore older rolling stock could still be used.
The continuing availability of the train system was thrown into doubt in 2006, with the release of the first 'remote control' train sets, which used battery-powered motors and did not have metal conducting strips in the tracks. For about a year, both systems were available, with the 9-volt system being marketed under a "Hobby Train" brand, available direct from Lego. By the end of 2007, the 9-volt system had been discontinued.
RC Trains (2006-2007)
In 2006, Lego introduced a new line of remote control trains. In an effort to reduce the cost of the track, Lego returned to making track entirely made out of plastic (foregoing the metal rails), and introduced a new train motor powered by batteries and controlled via an infrared remote control. To enable the models to be battery-powered, the powered vehicles had a specific train base, which was 6 studs wide to accommodate a snap-fitting battery pack.
The new battery-powered system had some advantages over the 9-volt trains; it allowed more than one train to be controlled independently at once, and track layouts did not have to worry about matching up the polarity of the rails. However, the infrared remote control introduced problems of range, and the use of batteries required them to be replaced or recharged at regular intervals.
The lower production costs of the plastic track allowed Lego to introduce a new double crossover track piece (first produced in 2007, now discontinued), and the track itself was available at a cheaper price than the 9-volt track.
The Power Functions Era (2007-2017)
On 1 October 2007 Lego announced that they would discontinue both the 9-volt and the RC train formats in favour of a new system. The announcement cited a lack of sufficient demand for the 9-volt product line to be profitable, caused partly by the need to replace key machinery and place minimum orders for motors and power regulators. The new range was announced as launching in 2009, and would use the new 'Power Functions' system also used in the Technic line, which would allow the company to "amortize the development and on going cost across multiple themes".[3]
A new train was introduced in the summer of 2009 called the "Emerald Night", modelled on a steam locomotive. This train was sold without a motor as set number 10194. Necessary part numbers were listed on the rear of the box to convert the Emerald Night to a Power Functions compatible train. These parts were available separately, but mainly online. There was an additional 'collection' pack available with all the necessary parts to power the Emerald Night. These included a rechargeable battery box, a new infrared remote controller, plus a Power Functions motor and infrared receiver. Although this is a "Power Functions" setup, this particular setup existed only for the Emerald Night, as a new motor was in development.[4]
The track was unchanged from the RC Trains sets, and in 2009 flexible track was introduced.
Following the Emerald Night, the new 88002 Power Functions-compatible train motor and controller were introduced in two 2010 sets, the 7938 Passenger Train and 7939 Cargo Train. This new motor utilized the universal Power Functions connections, used by all components. The standardization of the Power Functions system meant that any of the motors in the Power Functions line could be used and builders were not limited to using a single type of motor as they had been with previous Lego train systems.
Powered Up (2018-present)
In 2018, Lego introduced a new Power Functions system, known as Powered Up, or Power Functions 2.0. This system was brought to replace the old Power Functions brought about in 2007. This system was introduced with the Passenger Train (set number: 60197) and the Cargo Train (set number: 60198). In 2019, the Disney Train was released, with the motorised elements in the tender. In 2020, the Lego Crocodile Locomotive was released, designed to be motorised with Powered Up Large Motor, not the usual train motor. In June 2022 LEGO introduced the Express Passenger Train (set number: 60337) and Cargo Train (set number: 60336), also powered by Powered Up, which features the ability of the train to be controlled via Bluetooth and a smartphone app.
Track gauge
Lego trains use a nominal gauge of 37.5mm (1+15⁄32in), based on 5-stud track centerlines gauge. This is circa 5.5mm wider than O gauge (30mm [1.181in]–33mm [1.3in]).[5][6][7]
The 37.5mm length is not derived by a certain scale ratio. While HO scale is a 1:87 scale (3.5mm to 1foot), resulting in a 16.5mm (0.65in) gauge from real life prototype 1,435mm (4ft8+1⁄2in) standard gauge. Conversely, modeling standard gauge into Lego trains would require a scaling of (37.5:1435=) circa 1:38. With this scale, a minifigure (height 4 centimetres (1.6in)) in real life size would be 1.52 metres (5ft 0in).
Community
Lego trains are popular among adult fans of Lego, and Lego Train clubs around the world.
A number of these Lego train clubs exhibit large model train layouts at various community functions, train shows, and Lego conventions, such as BrickFest. Some of the largest layouts in the United States have been the result of ILTCO's (International Lego Train Club Organization) lead combined efforts by several train clubs at the 2005, 2006, and 2007 National Model Railroad Association national conventions. Lego has also introduced train sets designed by members of the Lego community, for example, Santa Fe set by James Mathis, and the Train Factory set in March 2007.
The community was also supported by a magazine about Lego trains called Railbricks, created by Jeramy Spurgeon and written by Lego train fans from around the world. Railbricks is no longer active.
A computer program called Track designer was created by Matt Bates to help fans plan track layouts. This program is no longer supported, but was the inspiration for similar programs such as TrackDraw by Cary Clark (no longer supported), and BlueBrick by Alban Nanty which is still supported at the time of writing.
In late December 2016, prominent train builder Cale Leiphart along with several others created Brick Model Railroader (BMR), which was created to replace Railbricks as a hub of the train building community. Brick Model Railroader is a news and blog site with the intention of spreading insightful ideas and techniques to all fans of Lego trains. They also now offer 'Premium Instruction Kits', which are instructions for train models, from their store.
Railway modelling or model railroading is a hobby in which rail transport systems are modelled at a reduced scale.
Lego Mindstorms is a discontinued line of educational kits for building programmable robots based on Lego bricks.
Lego Technic is a line of Lego interconnecting plastic rods and parts. The purpose of this series is to create advanced models of working vehicles and machines, compared to the simpler brick-building properties of normal Lego.
A jump start, also called a boost, is a procedure of starting a motor vehicle that has a discharged battery. A temporary connection is made to the battery of another vehicle, or to some other external power source. The external supply of electricity recharges the disabled vehicle's battery and provides some of the power needed to crank the engine. Once the vehicle has been started, its normal charging system will recharge, so the auxiliary source can be removed. If the vehicle charging system is functional, leaving the engine running will restore the charge of the battery.
TT scale is a model railroading scale at 1:120 scale with a Track gauge of 12mm between the rails. It is placed between HO scale (1:87) and N scale (1:160). Its original purpose, as the name suggests, was to make a train set small enough to assemble and operate on a tabletop.
Hybrid Synergy Drive (HSD), also known as Toyota Hybrid System II, is the brand name of Toyota Motor Corporation for the hybrid car drive train technology used in vehicles with the Toyota and Lexus marques. First introduced on the Prius, the technology is an option on several other Toyota and Lexus vehicles and has been adapted for the electric drive system of the hydrogen-powered Mirai, and for a plug-in hybrid version of the Prius. Previously, Toyota also licensed its HSD technology to Nissan for use in its Nissan Altima Hybrid. Its parts supplier Aisin offers similar hybrid transmissions to other car companies.
This article lists notable events and releases in the history of the Lego Group.
The history of Lego began in 1932 in the carpentry workshop of Ole Kirk Christiansen, a Danish carpenter who initially produced furniture but later started making wooden toys. The company was named "Lego" in 1934, a contraction from the Danish phrase "leg godt", meaning "play well".
The CitiCar is a car produced from 1974 to 1977 by Sebring, Florida–based Sebring-Vanguard, Inc. After being bought out by Commuter Vehicles, Inc, Sebring-Vanguard produced the similar Comuta-Car and Comuta-Van from 1979 to 1982. Similarities to its exterior design can be spotted in the Danish Kewet and the later Norwegian Buddy electric car. Accounting for all CitiCar variants, a total of 4,444 units were produced up to 1979, the most since 1945 for an electric car assembled in North America until surpassed in 2011 by the Tesla.
Lego Space is a Lego theme, which includes astronauts, space colonization, spaceships, extraterrestrial life, and more. Introduced in 1978 it stands as one of the oldest and most extensive themes in Lego history, consisting of over 200 individual sets.
Lego pneumatics is a variety of Lego bricks which use air pressure and specialised components to perform various actions using the principles of pneumatics.
Lego Creator is a Lego theme for generic models. Creator sets have few specialized bricks to create buildings, creatures, vehicles, and robots. Some sets featured instructions for three different possible builds from the bricks included and most sets in recent years have used the 3-in-1 label. Creator is also a parent theme to Lego Icons, a Lego subtheme for adolescents and adults featuring advanced building techniques and large piece counts, mostly known for Modular Buildings and detailed vehicles. Creator also has had several other subthemes such as X-Pods and mosaics.
The Ford Airstream is a concept car built by Ford that made its debut at the 2007 North American International Auto Show in Detroit, Michigan. The Ford Airstream is a retro-futuristic crossover utility vehicle that was inspired by the classic Airstream recreational vehicle trailers built since the 1930s. The modern Ford Airstream concept includes a plug-in hybrid hydrogen fuel cell drive system, called HySeries Drive, that operates exclusively on electrical power. Ford calls the Ford Airstream Concept "a futuristic look at crossovers" as "modern touring vehicle(s)" for recreational travelers. The concept vehicle was designed in cooperation with Airstream, a division of Thor Industries. The design and name of the Airstream were possibly influenced by the Ford Aerostar.
An automobile auxiliary power outlet in an automobile was initially designed to power an electrically heated cigarette lighter, but became a de facto standard DC connector to supply electrical power for portable accessories used in or near an automobile directly from the vehicle's electrical system. Such include mobile phone chargers, cooling fans, portable fridges, electric air pumps, and power inverters.
Lego Indiana Jones is a Lego theme based on the Indiana Jones film franchise created by George Lucas, licensed from Lucasfilm. The exclusive franchise was first announced in June 2007, and followed the successful Lego Star Wars franchise, also with Lucasfilm. The first set of products were launched in 2008, based upon two of the three earlier films. Sets featuring scenes from the fourth film, Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull, were released alongside the film, later in 2008. The Temple of Doom film was not featured until 2009, in a large set which re-created the mine-cart chase using new narrow-gauge Lego train track.
TETRIX Robotics consists of two robotic kits by Pitsco Education. The two sets are the TETRIX MAX building system and the TETRIX PRIME building system. They are intended to be used as educational robotics and for competitions such as the FIRST Tech Challenge.
The Porsche Taycan is a battery electric luxury sports sedan and shooting brake car produced by German automobile manufacturer Porsche. The concept version of the Taycan, named the Porsche Mission E, debuted at the 2015 Frankfurt Motor Show; the production Taycan was revealed at the 2019 Frankfurt Motor Show. As Porsche's first series production electric car, it is sold in several variants at different performance levels, and may spawn further derivatives in future models. More than 20,000 Taycans were delivered in 2020, its debut sale year, representing 7.4% of the total Porsche volume. A modified Taycan Turbo S is the current Formula E Safety car.
Lego Icons is a series of Lego construction toys aimed at a demographic of adolescents and adults. Beginning in 2000 without an established logo or icon, Icons features models such as aircraft, sculptures, and world buildings, selling as exclusives with numerous specialized elements and complex building techniques. Icons is considered a challenge to both the target audience and Lego designers. All Icons sets are classified into specified sub-themes; however, the entirety of Icons is classified as a sub-theme of Lego Creator.
Lego The Lone Ranger was a Lego theme based on the film of the same name. It is licensed from Walt Disney Pictures and Jerry Bruckheimer Films. The theme was first introduced in April 2013 and was discontinued by the end of 2014 in conjunction with the theatrical release of the film.
Getting Started with Lego Trains. Authored by Jacob H. McKee. Published by No Starch Press, 2004. ISBN1-59327-006-2.
Lego Train Adventure Rhyming StoryBook: Riding a Lego Train. Authored by Kyle K. Published by Createspace Independent Publishing Platform, 2016. ISBN1-53319-444-0
The LEGO Trains Book. Authored by Holger Matthes. Published by No Starch Press, 2017. ISBN978-1-59327-819-9.
High-Tech LEGO. Authored by Grady Koch. Published by No Starch Press, 2020. ISBN1-71850-025-4
LEGO Train Projects. Authored by Charles Pritchett. Published by No Starch Press, 2020. ISBN978-1-71850-048-8.
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