Train Tunnels

[schermvlieger]

I am also very interested in this topic. As the layout I am planning will have to be very light, I am trying to find a way to create a tunnel that requires the least amount of lego bricks possible. In my case, the tunnel will not go through a mountain, but underneath a stretch of water. The track will have to slope down at least for a few studs, and the water level will be elevated above the rest of the layout for the rest of the height needed to allow the train to pass underneath. The height difference will be covered by a dyke; typical for the landscape where I live.

I have not seen examples of such tunnels made in lego yet, though ...

[codefox421]

I read this thread word for word last night and am curious if in the 2 years following this there have been any great tunnels built?? I have started building a corner tunnel in LDD for my layout and would love to see some more inspiration from all you guys

I'm also trying to figure out what to put on top of my mountain/tunnel.... Suggestions welcome...

I designed a corner tunnel in LDD a few years back and built it, but never posted it anywhere. It's rather simple, but still fairly brick-intensive.

I lack the LXF file currently, but this time lapse build video (featuring my family and me) should give some insight into how it's put together:

I too would enjoy hearing suggestions for what to put on top.

I am also very interested in this topic. As the layout I am planning will have to be very light, I am trying to find a way to create a tunnel that requires the least amount of lego bricks possible.

One way to reduce the weight/part count is to build the slopes with plates turned sideways. Another is to build only the forward facing side, and leave the back mostly open. I used both of these techniques in my tunnel to great success.

Edited October 23, 2013 by codefox421

[UrbanErwin]

@ codefox421 it is interesting to see such a timelapse.

I've had a tunnel on my latest layout:

Legoworld 2013 by UrbanErwin(EPJL), on Flickr

[alainneke]

@ codefox421 it is interesting to see such a timelapse.

I've had a tunnel on my latest layout:

Legoworld 2013 by UrbanErwin(EPJL), on Flickr

I like the arches: you can actually see the train as it moves through the tunnel. I might steal borrow your design for my own layout

[peterab]

Here's an image of some portals which might be useful. They were built by Teunis Davey of the Melbourne L-Guage Train Club ;

[timmyc1983]

Oh wow, there's some great ideas here

I designed a corner tunnel in LDD a few years back and built it, but never posted it anywhere. It's rather simple, but still fairly brick-intensive.

I lack the LXF file currently, but this time lapse build video (featuring my family and me) should give some insight into how it's put together:

I too would enjoy hearing suggestions for what to put on top.

One way to reduce the weight/part count is to build the slopes with plates turned sideways. Another is to build only the forward facing side, and leave the back mostly open. I used both of these techniques in my tunnel to great success.

That's really interesting in the timelapse! Shows how many bricks really go into it...

And plates turned sideways is a great idea too! That would dramatically save bricks. My tunnel is in a corner against a wall so I had already left the back two sides 'hollow'... You've been a lot more decorative than me, mainly because I figured no one would see it, I just chose the cheapest bricks on bricklink and used them

I've had a tunnel on my latest layout:

Oh yeah I've seen your tunnel, and I must admit have been a little in awe about your layout to be able to comment I really love your tunnel and your layout, very inspiring! I'm interested in the mountain above the tunnel too, any 'behind the scenes shot on that one?

Here's an image of some portals which might be useful. They were built by Teunis Davey of the Melbourne L-Guage Train Club ; http://www.flickr.co...N07/8811891354/

And that's a really interesting tunnel design! Firstly I love the affect of the brick bricks and the tiles, that look awesome! And I would never have though of using a baseplate in that manner, very clever!!!

These are certainly inspiring tunnels any more out there??

[UrbanErwin]

@ timmy

the mountain behind it is build by a friend of my, sadly there are no behind the screens pictures on the net yet, but it is a hollow construction with a lot of storage place for bottles of water and such

I like the arches: you can actually see the train as it moves through the tunnel. I might steal borrow your design for my own layout

Go ahead I would love to see your attempt.

PS. pictures of the back can't be taken anymore, the whole layout is in bits and pieces now. Be prepared something new is coming soon ^_turntable.

Edited October 24, 2013 by UrbanErwin

[timmyc1983]

@ timmy

the mountain behind it is build by a friend of my, sadly there are no behind the screens pictures on the net yet, but it is a hollow construction with a lot of storage place for bottles of water and such

Very Clever

PS. pictures of the back can't be taken anymore, the whole layout is in bits and pieces now. Be prepared something new is coming soon ^_turntable.

Ooo sounds interesting!!! I hope there will be a tunnel or two involved

[UrbanErwin]

Just wait, I'm halfway sorting (probably going to finish it tomorrow before lunch, It is now 15 o'clock)

Edited October 24, 2013 by UrbanErwin

[zephyr1934]

Here's an image of some portals which might be useful. They were built by Teunis Davey of the Melbourne L-Guage Train Club ; http://www.flickr.co...N07/8811891354/

Now that is inspirational!

[kc2dc]

Very cool thread, keep it going!

[timmyc1983]

Well I've finished my corner tunnel in LDD and managed to keep it at just over 1000 bricks on a 48 x 48 plate. For now I have made a small ruined house on top of it, it's inaccessible for the minifigs so it's quite over grown I just need to save up for the bricks now