2016 Lego trains

[dr_spock]

Even if an Idea gets to 10K votes, there is no guarantee it'll pass LEGO's indepth review phrase.

The only thing I would really like would be a cross track, I think it's a bit stupid that the most simplest of track designs that you can make, we can't do and it would make it so much easier to run more than train, on a system.

You could 3D print one if you have access to a 3D printer like at your local public library. You can find 3D print files of them on the Internet like this http://www.thingiverse.com/thing:834691

[Hod Carrier]

Thoughts?

I'll be honest and say that when I posted my opinion that maybe it was going to fall to us as a community to mark this anniversary I hadn't really had a chance to give much thought to what we might do or how we might achieve it. However, I don't think that getting behind any LEGO Ideas submission is likely to succeed because I'm not convinced that we'd even get the number of votes necessary for an idea to be considered. Likewise I'm not sold on the idea of a custom hobby set because of the level of organisation required, although it does at least move us away from the need to convince LEGO of the merit of producing a set.

Although I have had only one other (admittedly terrible) idea, I would like to think we could do something that would be accessible to all who want to take part, whether LUGs, clubs, groups or just individuals. I also think that it would be a shame to stifle to huge creativity and technical ability that we have as a community. That said, it would be nice to do something that is different from the usual output of MODs and MOCs otherwise it would be difficult to justify it as some sort of celebration.

Or maybe the desire is not there within the community as a whole to mark the anniversary at all and all I'm doing is talking out of my hat and dragging this thread further and further off-topic.

My terrible idea was to have a voluntary "Golden Jubilee" building standard for train MOCs just for 2016 which would allow freedom for imagination but within restrictions governing dimensions, brick choice, building techniques and power options. These "Golden Jubilee" MOCs would then capture the retro look and feel of the original sets while allowing the builder the freedom to select their own subject matter and execute their build as they see fit within the restrictions of the standard. Access to original LEGO train components would not be necessary as modern wheelsets and train motors (9V or PF) would be permitted. We could then show them in a dedicated thread.

But then, as I said, it's a terrible idea.

Edited December 31, 2015 by Hod Carrier

[bjorkan]

I think the HE was pretty good...

We just unpacked two HE and have a nice new year evening... in fact, is there any better possible? :)

[Vorkosigan]

The only thing I would really like would be a cross track, I think it's a bit stupid that the most simplest of track designs that you can make, we can't do and it would make it so much easier to run more than train, on a system.

You can brick build one that works quite well:

Which is not to say it wouldn't be more durable as a molded part.

[Rail Co]

People were talking about getting a train Ideas passed with 10,000 votes why not this one? It will at least get Lego's attention if nothing else.

Link: https://ideas.lego.com/projects/101885/updates

-RailCo

NOTE: Not my personal idea

[xboxtravis7992]

People were talking about getting a train Ideas passed with 10,000 votes why not this one? It will at least get Lego's attention if nothing else.

Link: https://ideas.lego.com/projects/101885/updates

-RailCo

NOTE: Not my personal idea

^Great project! While I'd rather have a locomotive pass Ideas, I think a station would make a lot of good publicity for Lego Trains.

Besides, once we have a nice station: we'll need trains to go with it :)

[Dread Pirate Rob]

I love all the ideas on here! Could we solve the problem of regional appeal by doing a thread of iconic trains from our home town, state or country?

[paul_delahaye]

So we do get a new Lego train in 2016

Courtesy Brickset.

Edited January 5, 2016 by paul_delahaye

[xboxtravis7992]

^ Not what I was expecting but; okay! Is this going to be a Billund exclusive?

[Paperballpark]

Last night I dreamed that LEGO were re-releasing the Emerald Night...

[legonerd54321]

Last night I dreamed that LEGO were re-releasing the Emerald Night...

A man can dream

[legonerd54321]

So far there's been nothing for the first half of 2016, things don't look so good for the other half..

[Bloodwave]

So far there's been nothing for the first half of 2016, things don't look so good for the other half..

According to my cristal globe, there will be nothing in the second half as well. If we rely on the 4 years cycle release basis since 2006, the next train will be in 2017, and it will be a Creator one.

Year 1 : One passenger train and one freight train (7897-7898 in 2006, 7938-7939 in 2010, 60051-60052 in 2014)

Year 2 : One limited release freight train (3677 in 2011, 60098 in 2015)

Year 3 : nothing

Year 4 : One creator train (EN in 2009, HE in 2013)

Year 5 : New cycle

I know, that theory can be destroyed with two exceptions : no limited release train in 2007 and the Maersk Train in 2011 so my cristal globe may be wrong

[xboxtravis7992]

Last night I dreamed that LEGO were re-releasing the Emerald Night...

Lego Collectors: Re-released Winter Toy Shop, blech!

Lego Train Fans: Almighty Lego Group, please Re-release the Emerald Night: we need more tan train windows!

Edited January 16, 2016 by xboxtravis7992

[legonerd54321]

Lego Collectors: Re-released Winter Toy Shop, blech!

Lego Train Fans: Almighty Lego Group, please Re-release the Emerald Night: we need more tan train windows!

Amen brother.

[Rail Co]

The ideas project that I had mentioned above has reached 10,000 supporters making it the first I believe train related set to get 10,000 supporters.

-RailCo

[Electricsteam]

The ideas project that I had mentioned above has reached 10,000 supporters making it the first I believe train related set to get 10,000 supporters.

-RailCo

That's great! I was eyeballing another Idea for a while but the poster gave up on it I guess.... it was a modular station but the rail went though the building.... they had a pretty spiral staircase crossing for the sidewalk.

[dr_spock]

Lego Collectors: Re-released Winter Toy Shop, blech!

Lego Train Fans: Almighty Lego Group, please Re-release the Emerald Night: we need more tan train windows!

I think I would be fine with any new sets that have tan train windows and they are available on Pick-A-Brick or any other LEGO avenue to ordering many.

[Paperballpark]

The ideas project that I had mentioned above has reached 10,000 supporters making it the first I believe train related set to get 10,000 supporters.

-RailCo

That's great, but I suspect it won't happen. It seems that they don't green-light projects that clash with current IPs or - as in this case - other lines that they have, and this would be far bigger in piece count than anything they've released to date through Ideas.

We'll see, but I haven't expected any of the other modular-size projects to be approved, and they haven't been, so I'm afraid I don't hold out any hope for this one being approved.

[M_slug357]

I agree with PaperballPark;

If you look at the previously successful sets on Ideas that are now products, the largest set has been Wall-E at 675 pieces.

The average amount of elements for Ideas sets is around 450 (not including the 2016 "maze" set).

So that means that a successful train set needs:

1) At least 2-3 alternate builds with the provided parts (a steamer, a diesel, an electric),

2) A generic enough design that can then be modded to fit an individual's regional taste(s),

3) A rare/new color and/or elements in rare/new colors,

4) To be motorize-able,

5) To have an equal amount of play value as well as display value,

6) To be 700 pieces or less with track,

7) A minifig-accessible driver's cab.

Did I miss anything??

[davidmull]

All the news about other theme summer sets coming out in the toy fair but yet again nothing on trains :(

[Rail Co]

Some things weren't displayed at the fair just so you know.

-RailCo

[1974]

All the news about other theme summer sets coming out in the toy fair but yet again nothing on trains :(

No regular City trains this year, sorry

[Paperballpark]

Some things weren't displayed at the fair just so you know.

Especially non-existant sets ;)

[xboxtravis7992]

So our best bet is either hoping for a D2C Train in 2017...

Or passing a project through Lego Ideas...