9V or Power Functions? Which is Better for Long Term Track Expansion?

[Phil Slender]

Hey everyone,

I'm new to the Train sub-theme of LEGO, but I would really like to start building an elaborate train layout for my apartment next year. My question is: if I want to eventually collect a lot of track to make large and expansive layouts, is it better to start collecting old 9V track from second-hand sources like eBay since I already own the 9V-based 4561 Railway Express from when I was younger, or should I start fresh by getting a new Power Functions train and buy new track directly from LEGO?

Thanks!

[Athos]

Some people I've seen are using copper adhesive they buy from craft shops (for stained glass crafts, I think) and sticking that to the new tracks. They say it works; it didn't look terrible and saves a ton of money.

Steve

[peterab]

Hey everyone,

I'm new to the Train sub-theme of LEGO, but I would really like to start building an elaborate train layout for my apartment next year. My question is: if I want to eventually collect a lot of track to make large and expansive layouts, is it better to start collecting old 9V track from second-hand sources like eBay since I already own the 9V-based 4561 Railway Express from when I was younger, or should I start fresh by getting a new Power Functions train and buy new track directly from LEGO?

Thanks!

When faced with this decision about the time the RC trains first came out, I decided to concentrate on PF track. 9V straight track is even more expensive now than then so it would be an even easier decision for me.

The metal tape on PF track does work but not for very long, the tape needs to be replaced fairly regularly by some reports.

[Phil Slender]

Thanks guys! I think my best option probably is just to start fresh with the RC/PF system. I think I would prefer getting most of my parts from LEGO directly, and it probably will be cheaper in the long run.

[Lazarus]

pro of 9v are no PF gear needed so extra space in locos and less weight so you can run longer locos. Down side is cost of tract but PF track is close in price. I am a 9v guys and wont change also you can run pf and 9v on the same track so for the odd train you can go PF.

[Phil Slender]

Does the 9V system ever seem to show deterioration in quality over time? Because I know some people have complained that dirty/dusty tracks do not carry electric current very well, or is cleaning 9V tracks a fairly easy process?

[Hrw-Amen]

I can only talk about normal model railways in respect to cleaning metal rails. I used to find it a huge issue to be honest, tried several different methods with varying degrees of success or failure. The best I found for cleaning was actually some trains that had little buffers fitted under them that scrubbed the line as they went. They were usually fitted to small shunter locos. They did need to be run almost every time the track was used though as they were no good if it got really dirty. I guess it depends how big your circuit is. I had a few hard to reach bits and it was quite hard to clean any other way. I tried all kinds of things from sandpaper to some thing that was actually wired into the circuit that was supposed to keep dirt off. None of it was a 100% at keeping it clean though. I suppose sandpaper was good as it did clean it, but then that was really what the little engine fitted with the buffers did, just without me. It still got dirty real quick though.

With LEGO I have gone with PF as the thought of keeping track clean seemed just way to much, coupled with the cost of starting with 9V just as it died out in the shops seemed way to expensive compared to PF. True you can use the PF trains on 9V track, but if you need a lot of track it will be quite expensive especially as has been pointed out for straights..

[Konrad]

Im going to contact some tooling and die companies, i have an idea for PF track...

[zephyr1934]

Does the 9V system ever seem to show deterioration in quality over time? Because I know some people have complained that dirty/dusty tracks do not carry electric current very well, or is cleaning 9V tracks a fairly easy process?

I haven't found any problems with corrosion on my 9v tracks. I have some second hand track that must have had something spilled on it, since there are black patches on the rail.

In normal use you probably do not need to clean 9v track. I will often pull heavy trains, so I do occasionally clean the rails with a pencil eraser (make sure to clean the inside top corner, since that is where the electrical pickups touch).

Im going to contact some tooling and die companies, i have an idea for PF track...

And what may this idea be? You know this world needs larger radius curves.

[Lazarus]

Most of my 9v track is from when i was about 7 y/o i am now 28 and i still have not had to give it a clean and for a good 10 years it was stored at my mum and dads farm what is not the cleanest place around. train still run fine.

I also have model train both HO and N scale and that is a very diffrent story if the track is durty the locos wont run well but some how i think its more the weel desigen on the lego 9v motor they dont have this issue.

I would say cost wise for 20% more cost for getting 9v i would get it as you can use both PF and 9v, if you go PF you only have that option what will limit the things you can do with custom locos.

[Konrad]

I haven't found any problems with corrosion on my 9v tracks. I have some second hand track that must have had something spilled on it, since there are black patches on the rail.

In normal use you probably do not need to clean 9v track. I will often pull heavy trains, so I do occasionally clean the rails with a pencil eraser (make sure to clean the inside top corner, since that is where the electrical pickups touch).

And what may this idea be? You know this world needs larger radius curves.

Well... lets just say "conducting" I think i might make a crazy dent in the 9v world of pricing....

[zephyr1934]

Well... lets just say "conducting" I think i might make a crazy dent in the 9v world of pricing....

Ah, that could be neat, though keep in mind both ME Models (here and here) and Big Ben's Bricks have said that they are working to produce 9v compatible track too. I believe both have suffered from connectivity problems at the rail joints. I would think BBB's solution might be easier, using off the shelf rail and custom ties. Somewhere in railbricks is an article about home built tracks like that.

[oddjob]

Go with 9v.

As Lazarus said it gives you more options in the long run.

[Phil Slender]

I just invested in some 9V track on eBay tonight. I somehow (very luckily) managed to get NIB track for less than the original price. I have a good feeling about this, and do see the potential for more options with the 9V track. May invest at some point in a PF train to compliment my 9V since its also compatible.