Phil B

This makes me want to build 10W. Love it.

I am really on the fence on the train. It is basically set 79111 rehashed on steroids. I already have several copies of 79111, and don't see a need to grab another look-alike. Then again, this will be a one-time opportunity, and FOMO is rearing its ugly head. Since pre-orders no longer qualify for double points or GWPs, I might just let this one go.

They are also $60 a piece...

Wild theory: What if LEGO didn't manage to get the Polar Express license, but seeing how many Polar Express submissions have been made on IDEAS, decided to just create an "Arctic Express" that can easily do duty as the Polar Express (e.g. if you buy 2 to make a proper engine)? It wouldn't be the first time - look at the Horizon Express or the Emerald Night ... neither of those have anything of a license, but are easily recognizable as what they are supposed to be. Granted, this is in the City line based on the set number, so perhaps it is very simplified - but who knows?

Someone on Reddit noticed that several key PoweredUp train components are marked as Retired on the Australian LEGO site. This includes the hub (88009), the train motor (88011) and the color sensor (88007). I have checked the same on the US site and these components are either backordered until the end of March, or "Sold Out" (and not "Temporarily Out of Stock"). Does anyone have any idea of what LEGO is cooking up? PoweredUp was introduced 6 years ago (2018), and after initially being meh on it, it has really grown on me, especially with PyBricks. I placed a few orders to get more stock of the key components, but curious to understand what is happening.

It is only "Temporarily Out of Stock", which means that they cannot guarantee delivery within 60 days and hence they call it OoS. This is different than "Out of Stock" which typically means a set won't be made again. The more likely conclusion is that at 20% off, the demand has been there and this set sold out beyond its current supply and the next production batch (which was within 60 days when it was Backordered).

Love it, especially the clackity-clack of the old 12V system. Looking forward to seeing the 9V section getting completed, though that might require you do a garage extension :)

I am always mesmerized by your videos and the evolution of your monorail. This is the closest to true monorail I have seen so far. The system you have built is amazing.

You don't need the digital file to get a parts list. The parts list is documented in my post below: Basically, you need a full complete copy of 10022 (with all the bricks for all 3 models), plus the 57 pieces outlined in that bottom parts list. (all parts are trans-clear except for the door and the 3x3 round corner plate, those are in Light Gray.

Thanks! Very helpful reference. Much to learn ...

What I am more intrigued by is that the original picture seems to show a modular autotrain concept - in the distance you can see car-length modules containing multiple layers of cars. I wonder when that was introduced and why that concept didn't last ....

As long as they stop calling themselves AFOLs and start using the term AFOBs, I have no issues with people losing their affinity with the LEGO brand ...

You are right, @Toastie, and I was wrong. I looked at mine and they don't have the logos. There goes my argument ....

if you look at other websites, like CircuitCubes ... even though they supply authentic LEGO bricks with their sets, and their Bluetooth cube is compatible with LEGO, they don't commercialize this publicly. That sounds like the way to go to stay clear of the, unfortunately necessary, trademark and copyright protection C&Ds coming from TLG.

The problem I have with some of the responses/opinions here is that they frame TLG as actively trying to stop AFOLs from enjoying their hobby. I have outlined before that this is not the case, TLG is forced to pursue violations to keep their trademarks. And they are likely pursuing the "easy" cases first, because going after the "hard" cases (all those large brick manufacturers in China for example) is .... hard (and expensive and least likely to get results).