Page Not Found (404) Sorry, what you're looking for can't be found! The page might have been removed, had its name changed, or is temporarily unavaible. Or it probably just doesn't exist. Sign up or log in to customize your list. Here's how it works: Anybody can ask a question The best answers are voted up and rise to the top I would like to purchase some used lego train tracks off ebay. I am not, however, very familiar with the different choices of track systems are out there that I might come across. So I would like to learn more about the existing types of track systems. What kinds has lego used at various eras in their history? If I'd like train tracks that are compatible with the currently available new lego city train sets, what types of tracks should I consider? If possible, I'd love to see photos of a basic piece of each kind side by side to see the differences. The LEGO train systems are all roughly compatible. They all use a 6 stud gauge, so with a bit of fiddling, you can use all of the systems together.
If you want to be most compatible with the current track offerings, you're better off with 9V and RC/PF track. This question discusses the specific compatibility issues in more detail. The different types of train track can be divided into a few main eras. Blue Era (1966 - 1980) A track section consisted of 2 rails connected by regular 2x8 plates. The rails themselves were blue. Trains could be either pushed by hand along the track, powered via 3 batteries (4.5V system), or powered via a third conducting rail added to the center of the track (12V system). Here are what the conducting rails for the 12V system look like: Some people still prefer the 12V system because it included more remote controlled components than the later 9V or RC/PF systems. With later systems, the only thing that is easily remote controlled is the train itself, whereas the 12V system included remote controlled points, light, and decouplers. Each era included straight track, curved track, switches, and cross track.
Gray Era (1980 - 1991) These rails are generally the same as the blue rails aside from the new gray color. The sleepers were moved closer together (3 per section rather than 2), and they were changed to a specialized part to improve the strength of the connection. Here's what the sleepers look like: The trains of this era were still either powered by 4.5V batteries or the 12V conducting rails. 9V Era (1991 - 2006) The 9V era completely changed the track components, and did away with the old 4.5V and 12V voltages. Rails sections were a single piece, and they were all conducting. RC / Power Functions Era In 2006, LEGO switched back to non-conducting rails with roughly the same mold as the 9V track. Trains are now all battery powered under either the RC or currently the Power Functions systems. This era included the first and only crossover switch (7996) : It also introduced flexible track: Sign up or log in Sign up using Google Sign up using Email and Password
Post as a guest By posting your answer, you agree to the privacy policy and terms of service. Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged trains or ask your own question.When most people think of Legos, they picture the yellow minifigures or towering plastic structures that made the brand iconic. However, Lego train sets are extremely well-liked among model train enthusiasts, and for the past 50 years, collectors have snatched up new Lego sets as quickly as possible. Lego train sets have changed over the years. The train tracks switched from metal to plastic several years ago, but they've always been fully compatible with standard Lego bricks and base plates. While Lego bricks typically come in sets, builders can purchase specific types of pieces to complete their collections.Track switches allow multiple tracks to merge into one, and curved pieces allow builders to construct complete circuits. Although Legos have been around since 1949, Lego trains have only been sold since 1966.
Set number 080 came out that year and featured a blue track. The original cars didn't use an electric motor, so users had to push them around the track manually. Set 115 was nearly identical to all of the previous Lego train sets except for one key difference: the main locomotive used a 4.5-volt motor with a battery to chug around the track. While early models required users to hold the battery pack in one hand and follow the train, later models integrated the battery pack onto a train car. By the time Lego set 720 rolled around in 1969, Legos had become a well-known toy in the United States. Set 720 featured track pieces with metal rails that conducted 12 volts of electricity, which allowed users to play with more powerful electric motors. Because they used the same wheel design, train cars manufactured after 1969 were compatible with sets 080 to 719. Beginning in 1980, Lego train sets used a gray track instead of a blue one, and the 12-volt transformer was capable of controlling multiple devices at the same time.
Train cars no longer looked like toys; instead, they closely resembled real life train cars, which started a collecting revolution among enthusiasts. Cars featured functional windows and intricate details typically reserved for plastic models, and new decorations such as street lamps and train signals allowed builders to construct complex dioramas for the first time. Even though Lego trains were selling well, the company decided to completely revamp its entire product line for 9-volt motors in 1991. Users could power their cars directly from the track's metal rails or from a 9-volt battery. Instead of a separate metal rail for power, these tracks featured metal strips fused onto the two main rails for a more realistic appearance, but because these sets used 9-volt motors, they weren't compatible with previous models. However, users could purchase upgrade kits to convert their 12-volt motors to 9 volts with minimal hassle. Several years ago, Lego introduced remote controls for its train lineup, and all cars featured battery-powered motors.
Because there was no need for metal rails, Lego constructed these track pieces entirely from plastic to save on manufacturing costs. Infrared remotes allowed builders to control each car independently, but their range was limited to approximately 10 feet. Lego promptly discontinued the use of remote controls just one year later but introduced a completely new design at the same time. Using Lego Technic's power function equipment, users could suddenly program their trains to perform different tasks, and Lego reintroduced remote controls for all power function equipment in 2009. While most Lego train sets are based on generic locations or train models, some sets are based on movies. The Hogwarts Express train set featured the iconic train and famous characters from the "Harry Potter" book and movie franchise, and the Lone Ranger train set featured the train from the 2013 Disney film. Duplo trains are designed for young children. Larger blocks prevent accidental swallowing, and they come in bright colors such as red, blue, yellow, and green.