The very first train set, 323 Train, was released in 1965, without any track. It had ordinary road wheels. It was released only during that year, because in 1966 the LEGO Group introduced the first sets with track and battery powered motors. LEGO 4.5V Trains were first introduced in 1966. They had blue rails and white sleepers (standard 8 x 2 plates), and the locomotives used the standard 4-wheel drive LEGO 4.5V motor unit. The wheels were flanged train wheels with rubber rims for traction, that were pushed into the motors. The batteries were carried behind the engine in a tender, or in a battery box built into the engine in the earlier sets. Since 1969, there was also a 12V train program, which used additional conductor rails mounted between the standard 4.5V rails, and 12V motors contained in the same housings as the 4.5V motors, but with additional metal contacts attached to the bottom of the housings. This first period of the 4.5V and 12V trains, sometimes called the Blue Era because of the rails colour, lasted from 1966 till 1979.
The second era (1980 - 1990), also called Grey Era, is characterized by dark Grey ties (sleepers) and light grey rails. Wheels were red or black. Both 4.5V (battery powered) and 12V (DC powered using add-on centre conductor rails) sets were available during this era, too. By real model train fans, this time is considered as the greatest era of LEGO Trains because of the rich availability of many automated accessories like Remote Controlled Switch Tracks (7858, 7859), Remote Controlled Signals (7860), Remote Controlled Road Crossing (7866) or Remote Controlled Decoupling (7862) - those remote controls could be combined with the Transformer / Speed Controller to a large extendible keyboard for controlling all functions from one central position. In addition to this the world around the trains could be illuminated by some electric lights (7867) - for a bright flair even beyond the rails. The introduction of 9V-trains in 1991 marked the end of the earlier two voltages. This third era is characterized by integral moulded dark Grey rail/tie assemblies with metal conducting rails.
Later the former outstanding standard Trains theme was integrated in the LEGO World City theme line. The 9V era was finished with a special experts model of the Factory line called Hobby Trains in 2006. In the same year LEGO Company introduced the new completely different RC system. These trains get their energy from batteries on board and are controlled via a Infrared remote control. For these trains, new non-electricity tracks (7896, 7895) were introduced. From now the Trains theme became part of the LEGO City theme line. In 2009 the special edition engine Emerald Night was released which had lovely designed details like new steam train type wheels. With the set came many new Train Accessories based on Power Functions including Power Functions Rechargeable Battery Box, Power Functions IR Receiver, Power Functions IR Speed Remote Control and Transformer 10VDC. In 2010 the change from the unpopular first RC system to the more efficient PF system was be completed with the introduction of the very first completely Power Functions based train sets.
Not mentioned here are DUPLO Trains and the Monorail-system. This article lists notable events and releases in the history of the Lego Group.Chicago: Norwood House, 2011. 7938 Passenger Train is a City Trains set released in June 2010. It was sold in the US as a Special Edition set at the LEGO Store and Toys "R" Us. Motorization is based on latest Train Motor and Power Functions containing Power Functions Rechargeable Battery Box, Power Functions IR Receiver and Power Functions IR Speed Remote Control. Included track elements sixteen pieces of Curved Rails and sixteen pieces of the new Flexible Train Track. The train is primarily red in colour, with a white stripe on the bottom, some black sections and it consists of three seperate parts. There are two end carriages, one of which houses the motor, the other just carrying passengers. Those two carriages have sloped ends. The middle carriage is just for passengers. All aboard the new high-speed passenger train!
The new high-speed passenger train is faster than a speeding bullet and it's on-track to super-speed passengers to their destinations! This train can handle up to eight cars at a time through the tight curves of the new flexible tracks using the new 8-channel, 7-speed infrared remote control. Train features an engine with opening cockpit and 2 passenger cars with removable roofs and space for 10 passengers. Includes 3 minifigures: train driver and 2 passengers; plus 1 traffic light, train station, 16 curved track pieces and 16 flexible track pieces that can make a curve or straightway. Includes 3 minifigures: 1 train driver and 2 passengers Features LEGO Power Functions battery box, medium motor, infrared receiver and 8-channel, 7-speed, infrared remote control that can run up to 8 different trains at once Train measures 27" (69cm) long Requires 9 AAA batteries Note: Tracks not compatible with LEGO 9V Trains; Train is compatible with LEGO 9V tracks.7937 Train Station is a City Trains set released in 2010.
It contains 361 pieces to construct a train station, taxi and 4 Minifigures; a Train Conductor, Taxi Driver, and two Passengers. It also includes four train track elements Straight Rails. The train station features a small shop; with drinks, a sliding door and a computer, a footbridge, a ticket machine, 2 seats, a timetable and some street lamps. Get on the inside track with the new LEGO® City train station! The railroad station's open, service has begun and it's teeming with activity as passengers check train timetables, buy tickets and board their trains. To cross to the other side the passengers take the pedestrian bridge. The taxi waits to take passengers to their final destination. Includes 4 minifigures: 1 train driver, 1 taxi driver, and 2 travelers. Includes 4 minifigures: 1 train driver, 1 taxi driver and 2 travelers Station has sheltered waiting area, kiosk, ticket machine and timetables Features 4 straight tracks Taxi has plenty of room for the driver and passenger