Dav1d

Has anybody fitted a 9V motor to the 60423 tram?

Here is the 4553 Train Wash in action at Cupar Model Railway Show. I have been working my way through my collection, this time displaying trains from 1997-2002 which included the Train Wash. I had bought it, built it and ignored it, but by moving the brushes one stud back from the track it works well. I had never seen one in action before. Sorry I have never shared a video before.

I've been displayed my 9V trains for many years at shows and never had any motors burn out. I try to keep my trains short and only have one motor per train. I find it better to have several short loops of track rather than one long loop. Occasionally a motor will cut out, so I put it in a siding for a rest and it works later (there must be a heat cut-out). I do try to keep my track clean.

Could you put the motor between the carriages as in a Jacobs bogie ?

I've been waiting for a Friends train - we just need LEGO to produce one - they have done everything else with Friends.

It was a joy to work with Holger on this project. I had been disappointed that no English version was available, so thought about translating it for my own use. On contacting Holger we decided to work together to create this translation. I thought I was an "expert" on 12V trains but I learnt so much on this adventure. the book is not just about sets but as the translation says "LEGO Railway Wold - The 80's: Models, Landscapes, Set" - it also includes details of specific LEGO train parts/features. There was a review of the German version here New book on 1980s trains now available | Brickset

I still use Track Designer. I wonder if Matt Bates is still around? It is no longer supported but here is a link The LEGO® Train Depot (diesel-dave.com)

R32 & R40 would be too close. You normally need space between them depending on the overhang of your tram. I only have standard R40 track. To get different radius I add the odd straight between curves (the more straights the bigger the radius). You could add four straights to a circle, one in each of the the N/E/S/W positions to give a larger 'radius'. You really need to try it with your tram(s).

I can only see two - Brick Cross Train Station and Logging Railway. was the other in a previous series?

Excellent story and video.

Nice model of the station, but Kings Cross is a terminus, it would be better if the train shed were turned through 90 degrees.

Working on the 9V train cables I found it was best to remove the last 1mm of insulation of the 2x2 end of the cable to test that the track connections work. Once they are tested, trim the cable again. I have fixed two, one now runs the motor backwards, the other forwards. I thought I had got it the same way round as a working cable - the video doesn't mention that I think a magnifying glass to see the metal prongs on the 2x2 connectors are pointing up would be useful. I may need a spot of glue on the track connectors as the clips are bent and may not hold tight

It arrived a few weeks ago, probably didn't come from the US as there there was no customs duty. I have been busy so didn't have time to work on it. Got the short cable working. Didn't work first time as one of the connectors was damaged. A simple cable tester was necessary. Will try the 9V train cables next.

I have just bought a second hand 10874 Duplo steam train and accessories. When I place in it 4 AAA (1.2V) rechargeable batteries and press the green button underneath the light lights up and when you push it it goes, it doesn't manage to get up the bridge. Also the stop, reverse and fuel (stop for a short time), light sensors all work but the sound one doesn't. I replaced the batteries with new ALDI 1.5V non rechargeable batteries. When I press the green button it lights up but then when you try to push it nothing happens, also pressing the button again the light will not go on. Any ideas what the problem is?

I think that is the link I used (or similar) - it says 'dispatches from Amazon US' - so I assume it ships from the US.