Geeklog Site

Official LEGO Press Release

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 15:30:00 +0000

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

Mon, 12 Mar 2007 13:47:00 +0000

10183 Hobby Train Review

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:

Instead of the set including 12 1x1 slopes in 3 colors each I would have preferred 18 1x1 slopes in 2 colors each. In my experience 16 of these are needed to do many details.
I thought the white passenger windows looked out of place. I assume this is what was available. I just would have preferred another color.
I would have liked to have seen some 1x3 rounded slopes, these are great for over the cabs of engines or the roof of passenger cars. While getting enough to do a passenger car would have been difficult I would have liked to have seen 16 of these in the set. Of course then you have to cut other parts and I would have had a hard time picking parts to cut.

So overall I really liked the part selection and probably could not have done better. I just hope the color scheme does not turn too many hard core fans off. This set is well worth the price for what you get.

Thoughts about LDD 2.0

This was not a focus of the review but it is an integral part of this set so I felt that I at least needed to mention it. I very briefly tried to build with it and from that small sample it seems to be a lot better than 1.6. In terms of the directions for this set I had the following thoughts.

Good:

Sub Steps. LDD 2.0 allows for sub models. This was very nice to see.
Parts in the �Parts� window are oriented to help with placement.

Bad:

Still no rotation steps. If you are viewing the model from one angle you may have to rotate the model and rerun the step to see where some parts ended up.
During animation parts frequently seem to come from under the model. For Black to Black connections this often made seeing the new part placement difficult.
Parts in the new step should be highlighted more than just the �fly-in�.

Overall LDD 2.0 looks to be a huge improvement over LDD 1.6 although there are still a few improvements I would like to see.

Overall Thoughts on Models

This was interesting. You could really tell these models were designed by fans and not model designers. The use of SNOT (Studs Not On Top) building techniques were prevalent. It was also very interesting to see what different builders used for �filler�. At times I was saying �No not Dark Red as Filler!�. Then I realized that DK Red didn�t fit the color scheme and the bricks were available to use so why not.

I purposefully did not research who designed what models. If I happened to know who built a model I did not pick it to review. I didn�t want any knowledge of the person to cloud my judgment in doing the review. I will only look this up after the review has been posted.

Model Reviews

On the following pages I review 5 models and detail a small experiment with a 6th. In order to help with identification I have included a photo and the LDD file name. I will eventually post more images.

High Nosed Diesel Engine:

File Name: 08_loco.lxf

Good

Bulge on Left side. Really like this SNOT application
Use of SNOT for Black �Cap� on the Short hood.
Railings on front and back (Loved these!).
It is a high nose Diesel which has never been done for a LEGO set before. This happens to be one of my favorite engines to model.
Easy access to the cab for placing figs.

Bad

No way to attach a motor. This model uses turntables as pivots on the trucks.
No instructions for cutting tubing. I also worry about cutting tubing as other models may need it as well at varying lengths.
Cab is only 4 studs long. I prefer cabs to be 6 studs long although then you lose the forward and rear facing �windows�.
Just a tad short for my taste but not much. About 4 studs, 2 on the cab and 2 on the long hood would have put it right where I like.
A little more detailing over the central exhaust vents would have been nice.

Overall I really liked the model. The cab length is just a personal preference and if the model is used as a �B� unit, which is how they are primarily used today, then the lack of a way to attach a motor shouldn�t be an issue.

Gondola with Truck:

File Name: 03_gondola.lxf

Good

Fantastic Truck � LEGO should take a close look at this for ideas for future town vehicles.
Gondola is simple but elegant. I love how the side walls connect to the car.
The focus of the car is the Load not the car itself.
The small underbody detail is great.

Bad

Model is a bit �Explosive� when following the directions literally. The Truck should be a sub assembly and not built on the car. As it is the Truck is attached by 4 studs and when attaching bricks to the front or back the Truck literally exploded in my hands. I had much better luck once I detached the truck and built it separately.
No road wheels for the Truck. This is a very minor nit, most fans have more wheels then they know what to do with. See picture with road wheels added on the next page.

Overall I think this is my favorite of all the models I built. Is it worth $100 on its own? No. This model did not take a heavy toll on parts however so there is plenty more to build with the leftovers. This is one model that I will be reassembling and running with my other trains. Fantastic model!

Bonus Experiment

I loved the Gondola with Truck so much that I wanted to see if I could quickly take another of the 30 models and build it using the left over parts while substituting parts from the kit if they were not available.

Because time was short I picked a small model for this experiment.

Model: Gondola

File: 28_gondola.lxf

In order to do this I had to substitute the following:

1x2-2x2 angle brackets with connected 1x2 grill tiles in red with 1x2x2 angle ladders in black.
8 headlight bricks in red with 8 1x1 technic bricks in red with pin.
8 1x1 red slopes with black
Red tiles around the top were replaced with a hodgepodge of black tiles, jumper plates and 1x1 plates.

The model in the set is superior to my modified version. While the parts needed were easily found in my collection I wanted to do this with parts left over from making the other gondola. This was just an experiment. With more time maybe I could have done better. As for the model in the kit, it is simple and well done.

Passenger Car:

File Name: 10_car.lxf

Good

Very nice and clean looking car.
Nice mix of old world elegance and modern details.

Bad

Starts with the undercarriage details. This creates a challenge when building the rest of the model.
It seems like the interior details were started but never finished.

I really like this car and would like several like it to run with my trains. The lack of interior details could be seen as a positive, allowing the builder to add their own details. This is the only passenger �car� of all the models and it used no Train Doors or Windows. This was ironic but it is done very well with thin wall windows and brick built doors.

Switcher:

File Name: 29_switcher.lxf

Good

Very nice small switcher.
Nice details like the forward and rear �railings� and the hood.

Bad

Instructions were chaotic. The model had to be spun repeatedly as the instructions switched from the undercarriage to the forward hood to the cab and back and forth. This was very frustrating.
Inserting parts like a 1x2 grill tile behind a part that was in the way or a 2x2 tile inside the cab after it had been built shut.
The instructions are definitely for the advanced builder when they didn�t have to be.
There were a few points where there were way too many �floating� parts. This can be very hard to manage.

While the end result was very nice I had real problems with the instructions for this model. Some of these problems could be because of the shortcomings of LDD but not all. I definitely had more problems with the instructions for this model than any of the other models I built. Again I really liked the model in the end but getting there was a challenge.

Crocodile:

File Name: 01_loco.lxf (Also in printed form in the box)

Good

Excellent use of parts on hand. Used a very high percentage of available plate.
Very interesting going around the track, articulation is very cool.
Nice looking model that is quite recognizable.

Bad

Not much�
I thought the doors were added to the model too early. These parts are not sturdy until attached at the top and bottom. Therefore they should be added at the last possible point.
The parts for the seats in the cabs were added way too late. I had to open the doors and use a couple of fingertips to place them. These parts could have and should have been added earlier in the build.
A few things could have been sub assemblies but were not.

This model is really neat, unfortunately it uses up so much plate that building cars to go with it from the left over parts would be challenging. This will stay assembled for some time as a display piece on club layouts.

Conclusion

I found this set very enjoyable. In many ways the possibilities seem endless. All of the models I had time to review are worthy of any LEGO layout. While the number of parts left over after each build can seem alarming when compared to traditional sets it encourages the owner of the set to build something to go with the model they have built. In every case there are more than enough parts to build something of quality.

I found LDD 2.0 much more enjoyable than previous releases. With that said, all I can say is *rotation steps*. This is highly needed if online instructions are going to become prevalent.

In regards to the electronic instructions I think it is a great idea. It saves LEGO money, it is good for the environment, and it allows for sets like this to have infinite numbers of alternate models that the owner can pick from. There is still much improvement needed before this can become the norm. The best thing about it is that it is an environmentally sound thing to do. I know most instruction books hit the recycler fairly quickly in my home.

The other negative I had with many sets of instructions were �floating parts�. In general this is OK if it is in the first couple steps and the parts can be placed on a flat surface. In many cases parts were placed floating under a model or had to be lifted in small sections onto another part. I don�t know why this seemed to happen as often as it did but I would hope that could be avoided in the future.

I would encourage folks to buy this set. I would especially encourage those that have considered LEGO trains either as an extension of their LEGO hobby or as a hobby in and of itself. The set has just about everything you need (except for track, motors, and a regulator) and it has lots of great ideas to go through until you feel confident building your own cars.

If this set does well I would hope for some exciting colors in round 2 as well as a few more passenger cars and a stand alone boxcar or two. I also think this idea would be neat to try with other themes including Town, Castle, Space and others.

Creating Models and Optimizing instructions using LDD and LDraw

Sat, 23 Dec 2006 02:08:39 +0000

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.

Some Parts have been removed from the LDD pallet.

Thu, 21 Dec 2006 16:03:00 +0000

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.

LDD Database, Contest, and More!

Thu, 14 Dec 2006 21:08:27 +0000

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!

Contest Winners

Thu, 31 Aug 2006 20:17:00 +0000

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 Update

Fri, 11 Aug 2006 18:49:37 +0000

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

Container Sticker Progress Report.

Wed, 12 Jul 2006 18:59:31 +0000

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

A 9V Version of the new Cargo Train

Tue, 11 Jul 2006 16:43:06 +0000

The new 7898 Lego Cargo Train set is out, and it has lots offunctionality and neat elements. Do you find yourself saying, "I'd buythat set, except I have no use for the plastic rails and batterymotor?" You are not alone. Join the efffort to get LEGO to produce a9V version of the 7898 Cargo Train. This set would include a 9V motorbut no rails, speed controller, or battery motor. It would be targetedto the AFOL audience with existing layouts on which to run this train.

Iam compiling the names, ages, and locations of LEGO fans who wouldpurchase a 9V version of the set if LEGO produced it. I would like toamass at least 20 names before sending a letter to LEGO requesting thisspecial set and including the names of those who would purchase it. Ifyou would like to have your name added to the list, send me a privatemessage or send email 9vtrains ** at ** gmail ** dot ** com. I willalso 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

SNVT Build-a-Train Contest

Mon, 22 May 2006 02:28:00 +0000

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 builda quality database of models that can be purchased by long time AFOLs andNewbies. Our intention, once the contest concludes, is to put together some�Starter Train Sets� using the entries with instructions on how to geteverything 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 thehobby as cheaply as possible. For example the 9v LEGO Train motor costs $35 USthrough LF but just $20 from S@H. While we think LEGO Factory is potentially oneof 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 folksentering either of the �Locomotive� categories to build without the motors andwe will provide instructions on how to add a motor (or 2) to your S@H order atthe same time you place your LEGO Factory order.

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

You will notice that we have a �Fantasy� category so we hope all you non-trainheads will participate as well.

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

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