3797 Posted January 4, 2015 Posted January 4, 2015 Considering the fact that next year is the 50th anniversary, they must have something big planned. Don't expect too much. All we got for their last 50th anniversary was a boring box of bricks and this: Also, they can't expect trains to be a popular sub-theme, if they can't be arsed to offer a proper line up. I still think that this year's station is one of their worst train stations ever and there's not much else available. They could do much better.
James Mathis Posted January 4, 2015 Posted January 4, 2015 I would LOVE to see DB E103 offered for sale via LEGO® IDEAS set. This incarnation as a reimagined 7740 is so iconic and, in my humble opinion, quite appropriate. James
eliminator Posted January 4, 2015 Posted January 4, 2015 But what if Lego creator trains are just a very niche hobby for a very specific bunch of nerds? Most adults I know who buy Lego would never buy trains, they buy Star Wars and Creator sets of vehicles like the Mini and the Batman Tumbler. The foamers (train fans) I knew once upon a time would never have considered Lego trains, far too unrealistic, no matter how much greeble is added. And that's two pretty niche groups already. Several months ago I sold off about 95% of my Lego collection in order to free up some cash for a series of major life changes (new house, baby, vehicle, etc). Of all the Lego I sold off, I kept some of my train stuff. Specifically 1x EN, 1x Maersk, and 1x HE. For me, the Creator trains are my #1 Lego passion. I really wish they did a new one every 1-2 years (like the modular buildings) or at least offered car "expansion packs" again. I'm now kicking myself for selling off 3 of my 4 ENs. I should have at least kept the passenger cars. .....
Younge Posted January 5, 2015 Posted January 5, 2015 Several months ago I sold off about 95% of my Lego collection in order to free up some cash for a series of major life changes (new house, baby, vehicle, etc). Of all the Lego I sold off, I kept some of my train stuff. Specifically 1x EN, 1x Maersk, and 1x HE. For me, the Creator trains are my #1 Lego passion. I really wish they did a new one every 1-2 years (like the modular buildings) or at least offered car "expansion packs" again. I'm now kicking myself for selling off 3 of my 4 ENs. I should have at least kept the passenger cars. ..... I am literally going for the same process for the same reasons at the moment as you eliminator. The only things I am keeping from my Lego collection are train related.
ritzcrackerman Posted January 5, 2015 Posted January 5, 2015 I am literally going for the same process for the same reasons at the moment as you eliminator. The only things I am keeping from my Lego collection are train related. Nice to know I'm not the only one! LOL The difference for me is I'm selling the majority of my collection to make way for more trains, tho.
eliminator Posted January 6, 2015 Posted January 6, 2015 (edited) I am literally going for the same process for the same reasons at the moment as you eliminator. The only things I am keeping from my Lego collection are train related. What are your thoughts on sets like 7938 and 7939 (and the new passenger and cargo "starter sets")? I did sell off 7938 and 7939 during my great Lego liquidation, but am now in a position to re-acquire these sealed sets from a local toy shop at MSRP before they get too valuable...as they are now discontinued sets. Edited January 6, 2015 by eliminator
MusicaRibelle Posted January 6, 2015 Posted January 6, 2015 (edited) Imho, most of the value in those and the newer sets is in the rails, couplers, train bases, wheels and pf components. The trains themselves are mostly built with 'simple' pieces and techniques -- no 'train' windows or doors like much older sets -- and the passenger trains have not been very populars among afols. I'd rather 'invest' in an extra HE, if you can find one at the original price. But that's just one opinion. Edited January 6, 2015 by MusicaRibelle
Younge Posted January 6, 2015 Posted January 6, 2015 What are your thoughts on sets like 7938 and 7939 (and the new passenger and cargo "starter sets")? I did sell off 7938 and 7939 during my great Lego liquidation, but am now in a position to re-acquire these sealed sets from a local toy shop at MSRP before they get too valuable...as they are now discontinued sets. I never owned the sets that you mentioned. My collection is limited to classic sets (early 1980's) and the "expert" sets of recent years. The way I figure it is that one day, once things settle down again, I will start up my Lego collection again in the hope of concentrating on a single train layout (or as much as the missus will let me get away with!!!).
eliminator Posted January 6, 2015 Posted January 6, 2015 Thanks for the thoughts, i might just pick up the 7939 (yellow cargo train) since it comes with a nice selection of track (including two switch tracks), PFs, and some decent rolling stock and the crane. The 7938 red passenger train is abit too junior for my likings at the moment. If the HE becomes available again, I'm going to snap up two more.
andythenorth Posted January 6, 2015 Posted January 6, 2015 The current blue cargo train is awesome imo. For context, I have a 5 year old and a 3 year old, and they got one each for christmas (on discount for £105 each instead of £140). You may have other needs. The blue engine is well built with some nice touches, and the colour scheme is striking. The wagons are super-simple, but effective. The office and crane work well. There's nothing that feels like it was tossed into the box with no thought, or just to push up the retail price. The play value is high. Creator trains are what they are, high-end collectables for collectors, but the trade-off is they have almost zero play value. You can't crash them. Emerald Night barely functions without modding, Maersk looks great, but the porches and steps fall off, and the containers fit with nothing else. Horizon Express loses the front fairing constantly. Different horse for different course, but I like Lego trains that you can be crashed. Otherwise might as well get proper toy trains with DCC, kadees, sound chips, smoke generators etc.
Redimus Posted January 6, 2015 Posted January 6, 2015 Really? Apart from spectacular table dives after derailments, I can't say I've had any issues at all with the strength of the construction of HE (not helped by my modifying it to have all 4 of the coaches I have articulated, plus there being a cable running through the whole train to save on excessive battery packs). As for the Maersk, not had a single issue with construction, and as I preferred the container size (and design) used for that set over the city ones, I modified my existing rolling stock and containers to suit. (The built two custom coloured extra mearsk wagons and build some more containers with better looking doors, but that's another story.)
Sven F Posted January 6, 2015 Posted January 6, 2015 This might be out of your interest group. But I really think the Creator line needs a good tram. -That is to go with all the modulars. I love the trains, but just have nowhere to put them, which means eventually you have to take it all apart. A nice old "Lisbon / San Francisco" style tram that goes "ding" "ding" would make my dreams come true.
nesquik Posted January 6, 2015 Posted January 6, 2015 This might be out of your interest group. But I really think the Creator line needs a good tram. -That is to go with all the modulars. It's a very interesting concept, and I certainly think they're of great interest to train hobbyists/fans. Would they have the same broad appeal of regular trains? Unfortunately I doubt trams would appeal to younger builders, and if such was the case then a product would be too much of a risk for TLG. But for those mature enough to appreciate tram systems and their history, I would welcome a Creator version with open arms! Especially as you would only need to purchase multiples of the same product to expand it.
Aaron Posted January 6, 2015 Posted January 6, 2015 I just hope that whatever train set they come up with has 1 x 4 x 2 panels as windows in transparent light blue. They'd look much better than using two 1 x 2 x 2 panels side-by-side.
Inzane Posted January 6, 2015 Posted January 6, 2015 What are your thoughts on sets like 7938 and 7939 (and the new passenger and cargo "starter sets")? The 7938 never interested me at all, but I did recently pick up the new passenger train 60051 and I like it a lot. It is only my 2nd lego train (the first being the Christmas Train set), and the first complete "kit" and first power functions train setup for me. 7939 on the other hand does interest me. I procrastinated on buying it during its production run, mostly because I never really found any good deals on it (in Canada). But recently I've been looking for one. But I'm also interested in the new cargo train set 60052. Since I don't have either in hand yet I can't say which I like better yet. There are features I like in both so I will probaby end up getting both. Unfortunately the train bug awoke in me really late, and I just missed Horizon Express.
firstofminifigs Posted January 6, 2015 Posted January 6, 2015 (edited) Hypothetically speaking, if Lego did release a generic creator train (3 in 1 or expert) this year, what color scheme/livery is the most desired to get train (or non-train) parts in rarer colors? What 3 color combo would look the best to you? EN - dark green, tan, black Maersk - Maersk blue, LBG, black HE - orange, black, white Edited January 6, 2015 by firstofminifigs
dr_spock Posted January 6, 2015 Posted January 6, 2015 I wanted to get a 7938 at one time to mod into a Stadler GTW 2/6. I never was able to get it on discount so I missed out on it. I think it has good possibilties to MOD into various German DB regional railcars or Swiss red/white trains.
pirzyk Posted January 6, 2015 Posted January 6, 2015 It's a very interesting concept, and I certainly think they're of great interest to train hobbyists/fans. Would they have the same broad appeal of regular trains? Unfortunately I doubt trams would appeal to younger builders, and if such was the case then a product would be too much of a risk for TLG. But for those mature enough to appreciate tram systems and their history, I would welcome a Creator version with open arms! Especially as you would only need to purchase multiples of the same product to expand it. I like this idea too, though I agree the appeal may be limited. *sigh* Since we are talking a Creator set, it might be able to be tied into the Modular Buildings somehow, maybe the aforementioned station. That may get to large and expensive, unless they do the 16x16 footprint or a companion set. Hypothetically speaking, if Lego did release a generic creator train (3 in 1 or expert) this year, what color scheme/livery is the most desired to get train (or non-train) parts in rarer colors? What 3 color combo would look the best to you? EN - dark green, tan, black Maersk - Maersk blue, LBG, black HE - orange, black, white Hrm, I think this is a tough question. For me it really depends on what project I am working on at the time. So my current answer would be Brown (not Reddish Brown), Orange and Yellow (think 1950s era Illinois Central passenger trains, Panama Limited & City of New Orleans). In general I would like to see other colors for the windshields, train bases, bogie plates, decorative sides, buffers and train wheel holders. No I don't want much! :P PS the HE was a boon to me for the orange base!
detjensrobert Posted January 6, 2015 Posted January 6, 2015 I just hope that whatever train set they come up with has 1 x 4 x 2 panels as windows in transparent light blue. They'd look much better than using two 1 x 2 x 2 panels side-by-side. 4561 had plenty of trans-blue windows.
escortmad79 Posted January 6, 2015 Posted January 6, 2015 If the HE sold below expectations, perhaps it was because the set had few unique parts or rare colors, and those it did have were fairly specialized. I'm sure a large number of EN and Maersk were simply parted out for the rare colors. So like the hobby train that had no rare parts (since all of the parts were simultaneously released on P@B), the HE had much fewer sets parted out. But on the flipside, most previous trains have had 2 "engines" (Front & Back) & a carriage in one set, HE didn't. I like many on here bought 2 sets in order to create a longer train with 2 "engines".
MusicaRibelle Posted January 7, 2015 Posted January 7, 2015 A tram, a steam train, a modern train.. but give us something! My ~$200 are burning a hole in my pocket! :) :)
AlmightyArjen Posted January 7, 2015 Posted January 7, 2015 I seriously think that IF there will be a new train, it will be on the 2nd half of 2015 and we'll hear the upcoming 4 months nothing about it...
3797 Posted January 7, 2015 Posted January 7, 2015 Unlikely. However, it would be nice, if they could just flat out tell us whether or not there are plans for a new train this year. As it is, I'm holding onto my funds instead of buying the Detective's Office. It's not as if there's much competition to be afraid of, anyway.
Aaron Posted January 7, 2015 Posted January 7, 2015 4561 had plenty of trans-blue windows. I have that set. Those are the old type, but 3-high. They now have double-wide variants of the 2-brick high panels with side-supports, which would be perfect for cars like these:
Paperballpark Posted January 7, 2015 Posted January 7, 2015 I'll back up what has been said earlier, that the current blue cargo train is really good. I lengthened mine by 6 studs to match the Maersk, and it looks great. Sure it doesn't have the intricate build of the Maersk, but it's still a great train.
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