LEGO 9V Train Communication

                                                                Billund, Oct. 1st ’07

Dear all,

Many of you are aware of the on-going discussions on the 9V train system. We would like to thank you all for the input you provided to us directly and through different channels. Based on critical business decisions and the consultations and discussions with various AFOLs we have decided to focus on one single solution in order to avoid the complexity of maintaining two systems in parallel and in order to solve the issues we have with the actual 9V system and the remote control City train system. We envision one upgradeable train system for all ages in the future.

The LEGO Group has considered the future of the 9v at length, and has come to the conclusion that there is not sufficient demand for the product line to be profitable and competitive. The existing machines need to be replaced and minimum order quantities at external suppliers for motors and speed regulators are so high that the investment The LEGO Group would have to put in, would not be rational or reasonable compared to sales figures of the existing 9V system.

The implication of this is that the 9v elements sold now are the last of the remaining stock and subsequent production of elements for the 9V platform has ceased. 

The LEGO Group will launch elements for a new train system based on the new electric LEGO Power Functions system in 2009. Using the LEGO Power Functions system the new train system will benefit from a set of electric elements that are cross theme, widely available and not completely train specific which allows us to amortize the development and on going cost across multiple themes. We are at an early development stage of the new train system and several AFOLs are already involved in the development process, to ensure that the new system will accommodate the types of features and functions requested by the AFOL community. This collaboration with AFOLs is very important to The LEGO Group and we strive to involve the Adult Fan Community as much as possible.

Holger Matthes, Germany, currently member of the AFOL team which is involved in the process of developing the new system explains the situation in this way:

“The LEGO train system has to fulfill different needs for different target groups in a very special way. On the one hand it’s a toy for kids because it is easy to set up and because of the playability in the kid’s room, and on the other hand it is also for AFOLs who build huge LEGO train layouts with realistic looking train models and functionality. The LEGO Group is aware of this and the company tries to support both needs within the given restrictions (e.g. costs for a niche product like the LEGO trains).”

Using the universal LEGO Power Functions system for trains will give The LEGO Group the ability to match the demands and wishes of the AFOL Train community in the future.

Steve Barile, USA – President of ILTCO (International LEGO Train Club Organization) and one of the involved AFOLs says about the new train system:

“I am excited that the new universal Power Functions system can make track side accessories viable and potentially automated and interactive.”

He continues:

“With the track being exclusively plastic the LEGO Power Functions Train system has the potential for new and innovative track geometries and continued innovation by both The LEGO Group and the AFOLs.”

These AFOL quotes give you an impression of what will be possible with the future system and we will keep you up to date on the development of the new LEGO Power Functions train system. We expect to have more information and details to share with you before the end of the year.

Richard Stollery, Head of LEGO Community Development

10183 Hobby Train Review

By

Eric Kingsley

Introduction

My name is Eric Kingsley, I have been an adult LEGO enthusiast since early in 1999 and a LEGO Train Enthusiast since late in 1999 (LEGO makes Trains?!). I am a member of NELUG (New England LEGO Users Group), was a LEGO Ambassador during cycles 1, 2, and 3, and started the Save 9v Trains web site. I have built several trains with LDD 1.6 as well as the more conventional way, with actual bricks.

My Strategy

Reviewing this set posed many challenges. First there are so many models and I only had about a week to do the review. I decided to pick 5 models and see if I could build all of them in a week and write the review. The Crocodile Engine would be the last built because I want to show it at a NELUG train show on March 24th-25th.

First I did a rough sort of the parts and got all the software installed and models downloaded. This included doing some obvious preassembling of things like windows, doors, wheel sets, and buffers with magnets. Then it was a process of building as quickly as possible, snapping a few pictures, disassembling the models, resorting, and building again. No model spent more than about 15 minutes fully assembled unless I passed out from lack of sleep. This was much to the dismay of my children who were banned from using the parts or playing with the models until dad was done (But Daaad….).

Thoughts about the Box and set overall

First the box is absolutely packed with parts, no excess packaging here. This happens to be how I prefer to get sets, it is such a disappointment to open a box and it is 2/3rds empty. The part selection is also very good with enough wheel sets, buffers, boggie plates, and magnets for 3 pieces of rolling stock.

I understand that part selection was probably the most tedious part of the project so I won’t harp on that to long. I think the part selection was fantastic for someone just getting into LEGO trains, there is a lot of variety and 30 sets of building instructions! For the established hobbyist the color selection may seem unexciting but remember the team had to use what was available and Red and Black have a lot more parts available then Dark Green or Dark Red do. If this set is successful and a Hobby Train II is done then my hope would be for some more interesting colors.

With that said I would have preferred the following:

For those that have used LEGO Digital Designer for any kind of decent sized models will know that getting the instructions to generate in a way that makes sense is very difficult to do. Fortunately LEGO has made it simple to save a LDD creation to LDraw format simply by adding ".ldr" to the name of the file. This has been documented along with other helpful hints elsewhere, I find this LUGNET post particularly helpful.

It took me some time to try this but I finally took the time to go through the process using my original caboose as a starting point. This was a model that I actually ordered and built using the LDD directions and I found many faults in the way the directions worked. Things like inserting a plate between 2 other bricks and other things that just don't work in the real world.

Using MLCad I went line by line inserting steps and moving parts. I also realigned one of the wheel sets which just would not pop into place as it was supposed to using LDD. This process was tedious but generally worth it. One problem however is that LDD does not recognize rotation steps so at points in the building process the builder will have to rotate the model to see where parts are being placed.

While I think LDD is fine for viewing instructions for this model for an experienced user some might like to see what I would consider more user friendly instructions that include rotation steps. These directions are generated using MLCad and can be seen by clicking the ML Cad image to the right.

Some of this article may seem like I am bashing on LDD a little. I am not, I think LEGO Factory and LDD are the best thing to come from LEGO in a very long time. Yes it needs some help. A few parts don't work as they should and the back end instruction generation needs lots of work. I believe these areas will be improved and that LDD and Factory will get even better.

Who would have ever thought that anyone would one day be able to design their own LEGO Caboose and be able to order it for just over $33 plus shipping! This part of LDD is fantastic and why it is so good for trains. Personally, I find I get into certain building styles and then get stuck. This leads to lots of repetition in building style. Now I can affordably buy a creation by another fan and learn different techniques and add variety to my rolling stock all at the same time.

Now I probably won't take the time to go through this process with all of my models but I may take the time with those that I particularly like. If you have questions please feel free to post in the comments area for this article.

It appears that a few parts have run their course and are no longer available in LDD. The only part I can confrim currently is that the 1x1 plate with tooth in Dark Stone Gray is no longer available. This may make some models in the database no longer available as well.

As a result we will have to periodically scan the database for models that are now "out of date". These models will then have to be moved to some archive area and/or redesigned by their builders and resubmitted.

If you notice models that are no longer available please add a comment to that model in the DB.

On the bright side we can hopefully look towards some new parts being added in 2007 to make for some new options when building.

There's a lot going on at save.9vtrains.com!

Many fans have asked for a place where they can post reviews for LEGO Factory models and find models rated highly by other builders. In response, we are rolling out our LEGO Digital Designer Model Database You can still upload your LEGO Factory models, but now you can also review models that you build.

Check out http://save.9vtrains.com/index.php?topic=LDD to learn how!


If you build a creation from LEGO Factory, take a picture of it so that other LEGO fans can see what it looks like in real life.

You can post pictures in the LDD Model Photo Album here: http://save.9vtrains.com/mediagallery/album.php?aid=39&page=1


And, we are pleased to announce a new contest! Put your creativity to work in the Save 9V Trains poster contest and you could win a white LED headlight kit for your LEGO train.

Get all the details here: http://save.9vtrains.com/index.php?topic=contest


There's much more in store, so keep posted for more updates from Save.9VTrains.com!

First, thank you to everyone who participated in the contest. We ended up with a fantastic collection of models. The judging was difficult in some cases, especially the Rolling Stock catagory. In general the judges voted similarly although not exactly the same.

Prizes will be distributed as soon as I can put them together. They will consist of a special container with decals denoting your accomplishments I will contact each of you via E-mail for instructions on how to get your prize to you. We will also be working on a graphic that you can display on your web sites if you wish.

But on to the important stuff. First we will list the winners of each catagory. After that you will see the grand prize winner, this model received the highest total score of all the models submitted to the contest.

Steam Engines	Glaskasten by "shaggie"
Rolling Stock	Sodium Chloride Hopper by "danaubin147"
Structures	Rail Trestle by "jordan"
Maintenance	Rail Snowplough by "ber"
Passenger Cars	Old Fashion Passenger Coach by "jmathis"
Fantasy	Futuristic Magnet Train by "freebee"
Diesel/Electric	German DB v200 by "jmathis"

And the Grand prize goes to.... "Old Fashion Passenger Coach"

Once again thank you all for the great models. We will be grouping them into starter sets soon I hope you all will purchase a model if you think it would fit into your collection.

Contest results will be made public no later than September 1st.  We are still waiting on 2 judges scoring sheets and we will not all be around to discuss the results until late in August due to Brickfest and other responsibilities.

Voting is tight and although a few choices are becoming clear we want to wait until we have a full slate of winners before making an announcement.

On July 12th, 2006 we shipped sticker sets 100 + 101.  Hopefully all those stickers will be appearing on Containers!  Also don't forget to upload your container pictures to the Gallery.

Remember, when you order from Shop @ Home, add a container or two.  It can't hurt the cause and its a fun project anyway.

We still have lots of sticker sets available so please order as many as you wish.


-Eric Kingsley

The new 7898 Lego Cargo Train set is out, and it has lots of functionality and neat elements. Do you find yourself saying, "I'd buy that set, except I have no use for the plastic rails and battery motor?" You are not alone. Join the efffort to get LEGO to produce a 9V version of the 7898 Cargo Train. This set would include a 9V motor but no rails, speed controller, or battery motor. It would be targeted to the AFOL audience with existing layouts on which to run this train.

I am compiling the names, ages, and locations of LEGO fans who would purchase a 9V version of the set if LEGO produced it. I would like to amass at least 20 names before sending a letter to LEGO requesting this special set and including the names of those who would purchase it. If you would like to have your name added to the list, send me a private message or send email 9vtrains ** at ** gmail ** dot ** com. I will also send you a PDF of the letter that I send to LEGO.

With your help, perhaps we can show LEGO what interest the AFOL community holds in the 9V train system.

Sincerely,

Jordan

Save 9v Trains would like to announce its first (and hopefully not only) contest.

The contest has been set up to support 9v Trains by using LEGO Factory to build a quality database of models that can be purchased by long time AFOLs and Newbies. Our intention, once the contest concludes, is to put together some “Starter Train Sets” using the entries with instructions on how to get everything you need to run a great Hobby train from S@H.

There are a few rules that we have put in place to help get new fans into the hobby as cheaply as possible. For example the 9v LEGO Train motor costs $35 US through LF but just $20 from S@H. While we think LEGO Factory is potentially one of the best tools available to get folks started in trains asking folks to pay $15 more than they need to seems outrageous. To that end we are asking folks entering either of the “Locomotive” categories to build without the motors and we will provide instructions on how to add a motor (or 2) to your S@H order at the same time you place your LEGO Factory order.

For all the contest details please visit the Save 9v Trains Contest Page.

You will notice that we have a “Fantasy” category so we hope all you non-train heads will participate as well.

If you have already submitted models to LEGO Factory feel free to submit them to the contest as well.


We look forward to seeing some great LEGO Factory trains in the near future.