This is my idea for the 7777 Redux Contest here on Flickr.

There is a Hand Car right on the cover and it is actually the first set of instructions (on Page 3) in the book. I figured it could use a little update.

I have actually been thinking of doing a Hand Car for a while but was busy with the task of building my Train Collection from scratch over the past 6 months in between selling of my LEGO Star Wars Collection (I have less than 20 sets left of over 200), maintaining my career and moving a family with 3 kids. Now that I've set-up tables in the new basement and have a lot of track laid out with trains running I figure it's time to revisit old ideas.

Then the 7777 Redux Contest comes along and right on the cover of the Idea Book I find my little Hand Car! How could I not do it?

Feedback & suggestions are appreciated.

Edited September 13, 201113 yr by kyphur

Looks good.

On these smaller models a picture of a brick-build version with a minifig would make it shine more ;)

Very nice!

Actually, this highlights something important about 7777 - in order to truly capture its spirit, the online version needs to tell a story, like the original. So this cart and its minifig driver need to be on nearly every page, and in other people's MOCs. If everyone does their own version, it won't tie together so well as a book...

The brick-built version is coming soon... Just need to wait for a BL order to arrive.

I have a couple of ideas for a funny little comic involving the Hand Car and one of my Locos.

Thanks for the feedback.

Very nice modernization

I like the small wheels and the new levers ...well done!

Very nice modernization

I like the small wheels and the new levers ...well done!

Thanks,

I am a little worried that it should be 4 wide, not 6 wide and lower to the tracks as these things are small.

If it goes lower that I would have to lose the angles underneath but I think they give it a mechanically driven look and if I reduce it to 4 wide then I think it will look way too tall...

Most of the parts are here! All I'm missing is for the undercarriage.

Here it is complete!

I'll get instructions done this week, then do some better Pics (that tell a short story) and make my official entry into the 7777 Redux contest.

I would like to know what everyone thinks of the "Scale", should if be smaller?

I like it, but have the same nagging doubt that it should probably be smaller. I think it'll look oversized near 6 wide trains, but I'm not sure you can make it smaller without losing some of the nice features.

I like it, but have the same nagging doubt that it should probably be smaller. I think it'll look oversized near 6 wide trains, but I'm not sure you can make it smaller without losing some of the nice features.

I agree with everything you've said, it'll remain as is...

BTW, here is the link to the Set on Flickr which now has instructions: 7777 Redux Hand car by Kyphur

More pics will be uploaded tonight, I'll be sure to get it next to a few of my locomotives & some rolling stock.

Here is my Official Entry in the 7777 Redux Contest on Flickr:

Hand Car

I've been thinking about building a Hand Car since I got into trains in April of this year (2011) but never got around to it. Thanks to the 777 Redux Contest I've completed it.

There is a Hand Car right on the cover and it is actually the first set of instructions (on Page 3) in the book. As you flip through the book you'll notice that the hand car keeps on making appearances amoungst the other models, it sure gets around the yard! It may be the smallest model in the original book but I think it may also be the most iconic...

I wanted to update the look to the more modern sleek look (not too blocky) but still keep the build simple and sturdy. In addition to showing less studs I've noticed that Technic parts have worked their way into system scale sets more and more so I figured using a couple for the pump handle would be a good idea.

Since the original Hand Car seemed to get around I figured I'd follow our dynamic duo, Moe and Joe, as they do a general once-over of the Train Yard. For most of the tour they stayed off the main lines but towards the end of the workday they decided to take a short-cut using one of the long distance main lines.

Unfortunately they neglected to check the schedule or they would have known to stay off that line for at least another 30 minutes becuase the Santa Fe Super Chief was running a little ahead of schedule!

Luckily Joe has a good throwing arm and even better aim! I doubt he'll ever let Moe talk him into hopping on to the main line with the Hand Car again.

You can view all of the images and Building Instructions in this Set.

Edited September 28, 201113 yr by kyphur