any 2011 lego train news?

[Itrain]

From the product catalogue pictures for 2010/2011 (from that PDF that has been linked elsewhere) it looks like the new set 4799 will have 32 flex pieces and 8 curved pieces. Are these the standard curves?

This could be terrible if they have released the flex track with the standard curve - 'the worst of both worlds'. Better would be 8 new radius curve or 8 stright pieces. The best would be separate packs for each or individual on pick-a-brick.

Regards,

iTrain.

[Carefree_Dude]

From the product catalogue pictures for 2010/2011 (from that PDF that has been linked elsewhere) it looks like the new set 4799 will have 32 flex pieces and 8 curved pieces. Are these the standard curves?

This could be terrible if they have released the flex track with the standard curve - 'the worst of both worlds'. Better would be 8 new radius curve or 8 stright pieces. The best would be separate packs for each or individual on pick-a-brick.

Regards,

iTrain.

supposidly, there may be a straight track pack as well.

Both the AAA battery box and the PF train motor are released individually next year too.

[ZueriHB]

supposidly, there may be a straight track pack as well.

Both the AAA battery box and the PF train motor are released individually next year too.

a pack with only straight track? HUZZAH!!

[Duq]

The problem with the larger radius curve pieces is the limited audience. Most children won't buy it so it'll be down to the adult community. Just imagine the cost of developing a new part and creating a mold for it. Then think how many of those curved track pieces they could sell. They would probably end up being seriously expensive.

[fred67]

The problem with the larger radius curve pieces is the limited audience. Most children won't buy it so it'll be down to the adult community. Just imagine the cost of developing a new part and creating a mold for it. Then think how many of those curved track pieces they could sell. They would probably end up being seriously expensive.

I realize it would be a limited audience... the part itself, though, would be very similar to the existing part - just not curved as much. You'd need more to build your curve, as opposed to the same number of much bigger pieces; that in itself gives the user a lot more flexibility.

I'm not holding my breath about it... but I don't like the flex track. I'm not sure what I'm going to do when I finally have the space to build a large permanent layout, but if nothing changes w.r.t. track by then, I will probably use "Ken's Flex Track for LEGO Trains."

[Brickthus]

I realize it would be a limited audience... the part itself, though, would be very similar to the existing part - just not curved as much. You'd need more to build your curve, as opposed to the same number of much bigger pieces; that in itself gives the user a lot more flexibility.

I'm not holding my breath about it... but I don't like the flex track. I'm not sure what I'm going to do when I finally have the space to build a large permanent layout, but if nothing changes w.r.t. track by then, I will probably use "Ken's Flex Track for LEGO Trains."

Flexi-track with a minimum radius of 56M would enable the bumpiness to be reduced. It would continue to satisfy the diverse requirements of AFOLs, who need curves at 56M, 72M, 88M and 104M radii. However, one good use for the existing flexi-track pieces is in making a double bend equivalent to the curved road of a point and its reverse curve, for use in stations. It would not perform this role without the tighter turn capability.

"Just go back to the prototype, but with the production hinge standard" would be my solution. The prototype was much less bumpy, had no check rails and was easier to ballast, though the rod-sized holes in the middle of the production standard hinges make it easier still.

The best solution would be a single piece: a 1x8 plate with studs 2 and 7 replaced with tile areas. Then we would stick on O-gauge track clips, get O-gauge rails and slide the sleepers onto them, cutting the rails to length. Those sleepers could be cut up to make bespoke switching tracks and crossings, with the clips attached at an angle to the part sleepers where required.

I wonder if, replacing the 2 and 7 tile areas with clips, the clips could be used to hold rails? 1x1 tiles with clip could be used on their own, but it might be better to hold the rails together with a 1x8 piece in order to maintain the track gauge. A new standard track feed connector, smaller than the 9V one, would be useful. The feed part should be capable of blending into a trackbed so that it's barely noticeable.

Mark

[Teddy]

However, one good use for the existing flexi-track pieces is in making a double bend equivalent to the curved road of a point and its reverse curve, for use in stations.

Hi Mark, I do not understand this sentence. Especially the latter part after "equivalent". Would you care to elaborate.

Kind regards,

Johan

[Toastie]

Hi Mark, I do not understand this sentence. Especially the latter part after "equivalent". Would you care to elaborate.

Kind regards,

Johan

Hi Johan,

sorry for bumping in, I am just reading this and I am finalizing my video and some pictures of a motorized "Ben Beneke BR23" (and showing it's performance on wildly curved track, including switch points and flex track):

As far as my knowledge goes there is no way build or copy or mirror the doubly bent "curved road of a point" (wikipedia defines this as the diverging track , just checked - I had no idea) with individual curved pieces of tracks. This has been giving a bloody hard time in the past; Mark is absolutely right, this is a great benefit of the flex track.

I also like very much that you can offset these annoying mismatches when building a rather "non-linear" layout (I have mine built into my office - no other space available - track running under my desk, through book shelves, now with flex track this has become a fun thing to expand!)

Best regards,

Thorsten

[broomhandle]

From the product catalogue pictures for 2010/2011 (from that PDF that has been linked elsewhere) it looks like the new set 4799 will have 32 flex pieces and 8 curved pieces. Are these the standard curves?

This could be terrible if they have released the flex track with the standard curve - 'the worst of both worlds'. Better would be 8 new radius curve or 8 stright pieces. The best would be separate packs for each or individual on pick-a-brick.

Regards,

iTrain.

where did you see a 10/11 pdf?

i hope a straight pack comes out.

im not knocking the flex. its just not my favorite, and i do not want to see it replace the standard track...

found the '11 PDF.

the only train anything:

shows straights in the pic, but only 8 curves 8 flex!

its a straight conspiracy!!!!!!!

Edited October 22, 2010 by broomhandle

[Brickviller]

where did you see a 10/11 pdf?

i hope a straight pack comes out.

im not knocking the flex. its just not my favorite, and i do not want to see it replace the standard track...

found the '11 PDF.

the only train anything:

shows straights in the pic, but only 8 curves 8 flex!

its a straight conspiracy!!!!!!!

And the add underneath it says the biggest problem of making a good layout is make both ends reach each other isn't our greatest problem the lack of straight track?

Edited October 22, 2010 by Brickviller

[Carefree_Dude]

anyone else see 8 pieces of straight track in that photo?

[locoworks]

yep

[Carefree_Dude]

yep

packing together flex and curved rails is pointless.

In that picture, it shows 32x flex rails boxed, and 8x curved rails boxed.

32 flex rails can make 8 curved rails; as in, its the equivilant of 8 curved rails.

There are 8 straight rails in the background

The current pack has 8 straight and 8 curved.

My conclusion? That picture is showing that flex rails can be used as curved, and is really a flex/straight rail pack.

[broomhandle]

packing together flex and curved rails is pointless.

In that picture, it shows 32x flex rails boxed, and 8x curved rails boxed.

32 flex rails can make 8 curved rails; as in, its the equivilant of 8 curved rails.

There are 8 straight rails in the background

The current pack has 8 straight and 8 curved.

My conclusion? That picture is showing that flex rails can be used as curved, and is really a flex/straight rail pack.

or maybe its a big trick! for all the people who just want straights!

I say, collect all the '10 train sets now, or pay later!

[freeedrik]

where did you see a 10/11 pdf?

i hope a straight pack comes out.

im not knocking the flex. its just not my favorite, and i do not want to see it replace the standard track...

found the '11 PDF.

the only train anything:

shows straights in the pic, but only 8 curves 8 flex!

its a straight conspiracy!!!!!!!

I dont think that we shoud trust that pics, it shows only 24 flex track too.

[lightningtiger]

Er, folks.....pictures marked 'CONFIDENTIAL' should not be posted directly here....'The Brickster' would get a little upset.

I suggest wait and see the final catalogue images when they become available to say what are straight track or curved track.

Keep on track everyone !

[drdavewatford]

I'm not a huge fan of the flex track either BUT it could be argued that a new pack of straights + flex segments is directy responding to consumer demand. How many times have you seen people complaining that they just want to buy straights ? Many times ! But we also know that LEGO like to package straights and curves together. So doesn't the straight + flex pack address both LEGO and consumer needs ? Everyone is focusing on the flex segments as a way of recreating curves, but you can of course also use them just to create straight sections.... Not ideal, but better than wasting your money on straights + curves when you only want straights.

Also, regarding Emerald Night, does anyone have any idea regarding the sales of this set ? My impression is that it has been extremely popular, in which case it could potentially encourage LEGO to provide us with more additional train-related sets outside the 4-year cycle. Except that I have no idea whether the outstanding reaction from the AFOL community has actually translated into sales, and it'll be sales rather than critical acclaim which will drive LEGO to make more trains for us....

Dr. D.

[Itrain]

I'm not a huge fan of the flex track either BUT it could be argued that a new pack of straights + flex segments is directy responding to consumer demand. How many times have you seen people complaining that they just want to buy straights ? Many times ! But we also know that LEGO like to package straights and curves together. So doesn't the straight + flex pack address both LEGO and consumer needs ? Everyone is focusing on the flex segments as a way of recreating curves, but you can of course also use them just to create straight sections.... Not ideal, but better than wasting your money on straights + curves when you only want straights.

Agreed, a good compromise if this is what is happening, anything to avoid more standard curves.

I have two of the full packs of flex-track as I ordered the Emerald Night Power Functions set (included one pack) and got a second flex-track pack free because of late delivery. Add to that the flex-track from the current sets and I have a lot of it. I don’t have space for a permanent layout so I need to build each time usually with help (or not) from my children. It enables them connect up the ends that would not otherwise meet. I use it for wider radius curves when I have to or straight sidings, which is my preference as it frees up the proper straight for the main track.

Regards,

iTrain

[peterab]

Also, regarding Emerald Night, does anyone have any idea regarding the sales of this set ? My impression is that it has been extremely popular, in which case it could potentially encourage LEGO to provide us with more additional train-related sets outside the 4-year cycle. Except that I have no idea whether the outstanding reaction from the AFOL community has actually translated into sales, and it'll be sales rather than critical acclaim which will drive LEGO to make more trains for us....

Well it's hard to judge from an Australian perspective but it has sold out anytime it has been in retail shops here. That's common for exclusives though because they tend to be discounted, and you avoid paying shipping from Europe. I guess the real way to get a feel for it is knowing what sales are like in the two big markets, the US and Germany. I'd even be happy if we got an exclusive AFOL aimed train every four years. We have had a lot of trains lately though, given the Hogwart's Express and the Toy Story 3 train.

[andythenorth]

I would be happy to see a pack of straight + flex tracks. Might even increase the bricklink value of curves

Flex tracks are good and bad.

Good: geometry is easy, anything can be connected anywhere.

Bad: both RC and PF trains can get stuck on flex track. This is not so bad with the recent wheels that have thicker traction bands.

[broomhandle]

Er, folks.....pictures marked 'CONFIDENTIAL' should not be posted directly here....'The Brickster' would get a little upset.

I suggest wait and see the final catalogue images when they become available to say what are straight track or curved track.

Keep on track everyone !

agreed, i forgot about that....

well, its nothing new anyways... :)

[______]

I would love to see single small steam trains or locomotives for £20 or under, also things like box cars and signal packs would be good. Although this looks very unlikely, on the other hand I heard they are selling the PF rain wheels next year on a thread so what is the problem of buying some of the PF wheels and making a load of custom trains? Can't wait

Edited November 2, 2010 by halfpenguinhalflego

[Dan-147]

on the other hand I heard they are selling the PF rain wheels next year on a thread so what is the problem of buying some of the PF wheels and making a load of custom trains? Can't wait

Actually, the PF train wheels have been available for quite some time on Pick-a-Brick (Lego Shop-at-Home):

Train Wheel W/O-Ring, Element ID: 4289864, Price: 0.52 USD

You can also get the regular train wheels :

Train Wheel Ø8.2/14.6, Element ID: 4295370, Price: 0.21 USD

Train Wheel Ø16.6/Ø23, Element ID: 4496343, Price: 0.24 USD

Which will need :

Prepack Flat With 2 Axles, Element ID: 4580964, Price: 1.73 USD

(1 pack for every 4 wheels)

It is kind of pricy but it's pretty much the same (or more) on Bricklink.

Dan-147

Edited November 2, 2010 by Dan-147

[Duq]

I would love to see single small steam trains or locomotives for £20 or under...

Wake up!

Stop dreaming!

[______]

Actually, the PF train wheels have been available for quite some time on Pick-a-Brick (Lego Shop-at-Home):

Train Wheel W/O-Ring, Element ID: 4289864, Price: 0.52 USD

You can also get the regular train wheels :

Train Wheel Ø8.2/14.6, Element ID: 4295370, Price: 0.21 USD

Train Wheel Ø16.6/Ø23, Element ID: 4496343, Price: 0.24 USD

Which will need :

Prepack Flat With 2 Axles, Element ID: 4580964, Price: 1.73 USD

(1 pack for every 4 wheels)

It is kind of pricy but it's pretty much the same (or more) on Bricklink.

Dan-147

Sorry I meant the brick that motorized them.