4 Wide Trains + 4 Wide Track + PF = ?

[soundwave_sw]

Hi All,

I am going to attempt to build a 4-5 stud wide micro scale train that will be compatible with the narrow gauge 4 wide track. To complicate matters I am also going to try to add in Power Functions motor and battery box.

I havn't been able to find any evidence of anyone else doing this. Have any of you attempted this or seen it done?

I have a basic idea in my mind how it may look and turn out but i am open to any suggestions or tips.

I'll post some pics and keep this thread updated once i start the project.

[1974]

4-5 stud is not 'microscale', imho. 2-stud is (and I have seen no powered versions of that)

If you're going to use the current 4 wide tracks, you're limited to curves and ups'n'downs, no straights (you'll have to hack ordinary train tracks for that).

You might be able to use PF batterypacks and RC controllers, but then you're limited to PF medium motors. How will you implement that?

The reason that you cannot find similar project is, imho, that it's quite futile

Good luck anyway

[AussieJimbo]

Hi soundwave_sw,

Far from being futile, 4 wide trains + 4 wide track + PF = Fun.

I've been toying with the idea for about 6 months.

From a shaky start where I thought it might be impossible:

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=60351

Through to my first running train:

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=61158

I've now got a solid working solution:

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=67895

(Sorry the promised video hasn't emerged yet, I've been busy with a real-world construction project)

Check out the threads for a look at some ideas that didn't work out and how I ultimately got it running. Happy to help with any questions you might have.

Good luck with your project. I'm really interested in seeing what you come up with.

:classic:

Edited April 24, 2012 by AussieJimbo

[soundwave_sw]

Hi soundwave_sw,

Far from being futile, 4 wide trains + 4 wide track + PF = Fun.

I've been toying with the idea for about 6 months.

From a shaky start where I thought it might be impossible:

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=60351

Through to my first running train:

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=61158

I've now got a solid working solution:

http://www.eurobricks.com/forum/index.php?showtopic=67895

(Sorry the promised video hasn't emerged yet, I've been busy with a real-world construction project)

Check out the threads for a look at some ideas that didn't work out and how I ultimately got it running. Happy to help with any questions you might have.

Good luck with your project. I'm really interested in seeing what you come up with.

:classic:

Thanks AussieJimbo, That is exactly what i was hopeing for. I was aiming for a similar sized train. Are both engines necessary or can a single engine do the job?

[fred67]

4-5 stud is not 'microscale', imho. 2-stud is (and I have seen no powered versions of that)

If you're going to use the current 4 wide tracks, you're limited to curves and ups'n'downs, no straights (you'll have to hack ordinary train tracks for that).

You might be able to use PF batterypacks and RC controllers, but then you're limited to PF medium motors. How will you implement that?

The reason that you cannot find similar project is, imho, that it's quite futile

Good luck anyway

Scales in LEGO are hard to nail down; I would certainly agree that 2 wide is definitely microscale, but I wouldn't argue that 4 wide isn't. The figures in LEGO games are often called "microfigures," and are perfect scale for 4 wide trains, IMO. Brick built microfigures (before the advent of LEGO's "official" microfigures) are about the same size.

(microfigures outside the castle)

inspired by this thread ("tinyfigs" by tanotrooper) and the "micro castle building techniques" guide on Class Castle's How-To page.

[AussieJimbo]

Thanks AussieJimbo, That is exactly what i was hopeing for. I was aiming for a similar sized train. Are both engines necessary or can a single engine do the job?

I would recommend dual motors. The original steam loco only had the one motor and couldn't pull much more than the demonstration train in the video.

The mini rail wheels have quite a lot of friction and you also have to haul the battery box rather than having it's weight helping you when it's mounted in the loco (as with normal scale locos). The dual motors give you the extra traction and power that you need. Also, the more weight you can build into the loco the better.

:classic:

Edited April 26, 2012 by AussieJimbo

[rriggs]

The reason that you cannot find similar project is, imho, that it's quite futile

I think it's a fair question and to call it futile is a bit strong. Difficult, challenging, fun, maybe even impossible depending on what elements he has or hasn't got available to him but to call someone's idea futile is just plain wrong.

Cheers

Rog

Edited April 26, 2012 by rriggs