By using this site you agree to the use of cookies.“I didn’t know LEGO made trains!” That’s something I’ve heard a lot at shows. The LEGO train product line has been around for 40 years, yet so many people have never seen them, as the big box and toy stores (in the US at least) generally didn’t stock the train lines – you had to buy them direct from LEGO. Here’s a brief overview of the different types of trains LEGO has made: Introduced in 1966, the first LEGO trains were powered by three C cells carried in a special battery box, and ran on plastic tracks. The tracks consisted of individual blue rails that you would snap onto white 2×8 plates. If you ever come across blue 1×16 plates with a sort of ridged rail top, that’s where they came from. The ridges provided extra traction for the motor, which had rubber tires on the wheels. The best example of this is the original trains set, #113 “Motorized Train Set”. The 4.5V sets continued to be produced and sold through the 1970s and 80s.
The next evolution of trains came 3 years later in 1969 with the 12-volt product line, which were powered from the tracks for the first time. However instead of powered rails like most model railroad gauges, there was a pair of metal conductors in the center of the track. The rails were the same as the 4.5V ones, at first in blue, and switching to grey in 1980. A special 2×8 plate was used in later sets to build the tracks for a sturdier connection – it looks like a 2×8 plate but the studs under the rails are replaced with a sort of clip that snaps onto the rail. Trains were controlled by a trackside connector that took power from the AC mains and connected to the metal contacts on the tracks, providing 0-12V DC power. This system also included a bunch of great accessories, such as level crossing gates, motorized switches, and signage. The 12V line was only sold in Europe, so very few Americans got their hands on them. Examples of this line are #720 “Train with 12V Electric Motor” from 1969 and #7740 “Inter-City Passenger Train Set” from 1980.
Beginning in 1991, LEGO switched standards yet again. The 4.5V and 12V systems were discontinued, and the new 9V system was released. The new tracks featured powered rails for the first time, and the rails and ties (sleepers) were a single track component with end-to-end connections that held them together well and provided electric continuity between track sections. This is the system that my Track Layout Geometry page refers to. Tracks were released in dark grey; the color was changed to the new dark stone grey when LEGO discontinued the old greys, but the 9V line was discontinued soon after that. The train motor drew power from the rails using metal flanges, but the weight was carried on rubber tires so that the noise was kept to a minimum and traction is pretty good. The motor has four studs with metal contacts on them, so you can connect a wire to power a lamp or other accessories (but at slow speeds, the lamp is dim of course). The trains were controlled by a trackside dial that took power from the AC mains and delivered from 0-9V to the rails via special clips that connected to a piece of track.
One of the first, and most beloved, sets in this line was the classic #4558 “Metroliner”, which was inspired by Amtrak trains – perhaps the first LEGO set based on an American train. Another beloved train from this era was the #10020 “Santa Fe Super Chief” which represented another great American locomotive. Around 2006, LEGO discontinued the 9V train system. This caused a great deal of consternation among the adult fan of LEGO (AFOL) community, especially since they had just discontinued the classic grey and brown shades in favor of the newer stone (“bluish” some people call it) greys and reddish brown. The tracks lost their metal conductors, but were otherwise the same as the 9V tracks. Trains carried 6 AA batteries onboard for 9V power, and were controlled by new infrared (IR) remote controllers. These were very unpopular with AFOLs because of their poor pulling power and lack of customizability – the battery pack and IR receiver was built into a train chassis so it was hard to build anything realistic that didn’t look like that chassis.
The motor for this era was very similar to the 9V train motor, but with plastic wheels and a wire coming off it with a 9V 2×2 plate connector that would attach to the battery pack chassis. The #7898 “Cargo Train Deluxe” set is a good example of this. Fortunately, this was a short-lived phase in the LEGO train story. Around the same time that the battery train came out, LEGO introduced the Power Functions line for TECHNIC sets, and a few years later in 2009 they released trains using the same system. Power Functions is also 9 volt, but features a new 2×2 plate connector with 4 contacts and a new IR remote control system. The tracks are the same as the previous battery powered system. When LEGO came out with the #10194 “Emerald Night” set, the AFOL community was thrilled. In all the years of producing LEGO trains, this was the first realistic steam locomotive they had ever made, featuring new large diameter wheels. To power it, you had to build a power train using the Power Functions XL motor and gears to the wheel axles.
It carried its battery box in the tender, and was controlled by the Power Functions IR controller. They have also produced diesel trains in this line, such as the #10219 “Maersk Train”, another fan favorite. To power the diesel trains, you would use a motor block similar to the ones from the previous battery powered line, but this time with a Power Functions connector on the cable. The trains sold by LEGO today are all Power Functions with plastic tracks. You can find a lot of LEGO train sets on Amazon. For more information see the “A History of LEGO Trains” page on Brickset. Shop for LEGO on AmazonLatest Toy Tech StoryLEGO Polybag Set Collecting Clearly we are living in the "golden age" of LEGO. The family-owned company, officially known as THE LEGO GROUP (TLG), has risen phoenix-like to become today's most profitable toy company after nearly facing bankruptcy in the early 2000's. If a store sells children's toys, chances are there are LEGO sets on the shelves.
In addition, there are animated cartoons, numerous video games, theme parks, family-oriented LEGO "festivals" and internationally distributed magazines for both kids and adults. Plus, 3 new LEGO films are in production as a result of the...I want to read more! »Latest LEGO Set ReviewsEnrico on LEGO 6558 Shark Cage CoveQuite a good set, but not exceptional. The boat is nice, but it lacks places to store the divers outfits in..... Morealex petran dorel on LEGO 7235-2 Police Motorcycle - Blue Sticker Versionthis is a very cool set and it is so funEnrico on LEGO 6555 Sea HunterGood set for its size. The dinghy is perfect to be pulled by the boat of set 6441 through the black rope, that.... MoreEnrico on LEGO 6559 Deep Sea BountyDoubtlessly one of the most detailed sets within the Divers sub-theme. The best part is the seabed: I really.... MoreEnrico on LEGO 6442 Sting Ray ExplorerThe set itself is nice, but personally I would recommend it only if you desire to enlarge the playability.... MoreDelahaye on LEGO 261-4 Complete Kitchen SetOld fashioned beautiful setReview your classic LEGO sets today on the ToysPeriod LEGO Reference Database.Latest Additions to the ToysPeriod Shop (View All)BRIO 33351 Viaduct Bridge Wooden Railway Overpass Track Used - $23.00 LEGO 4475 Jabba's Message Star Wars Set from 2003 New Sealed$52.00LEGO 4476 Jabba's Prize Scarce 2003 Classic Star Wars Sealed$63.00More Vintage
, Classic, and Rare ToysLEGO 7127 Imperial AT-ST Rare Star Wars from 2001 New Sealed$64.00LEGO 1381 Vampire's Crypt Rare Studios Monster Set New MISB$145.00LEGO 5771 Hillside House Limited Edition Creator Set Sealed$137.00LEGO 9449 Ultra Sonic Raider Retired 2012 Ninjago New Sealed$129.00LEGO 7964 Republic Frigate Hard to Find Clone Wars Sealed$230.00LEGO 8099 Midi-scale Imperial Star Destroyer Star Wars New$79.00LEGO 6056 Dragon Wagon Vintage 1993 Dragon Knights Sealed$110.00LEGO 6420 Mail Carrier Classic Town Set from 1998 Sealed New$47.00LEGO 6595 Surf Shack Classic 1993 Seaside Town Set MISB New$57.00LEGO 7327 Scorpion Pyramid Retired 2011 Pharaoh's Quest New$220.00LEGO 5770 Lighthouse Island Classic 2011 Creator Set Sealed$99.99LEGO 7947 Prison Tower Rescue Retired 2010 Castle Sealed New$120.00Plus, 3 new LEGO films are in production as a result of the global phenomenon of "The LEGO Movie". LEGO is also reported to be the most recognized "brand" on earth. Interestingly, AFOLs (adult fans of LEGO) are playing an increasing role in this success, beyond just buying sets for their kids.
Adult-oriented LUGs (LEGO user groups) have formed in many countries. Some of these groups are officially "certified" by the company. LEGO brick creations made by AFOLs are featured in art galleries and museums all over the world. (Using a "medium" both youngsters and adults can personally relate to is an astonishingly clever way to engage them in art and history!) A LEGO investor website tracks set value fluctuations, as its members try to profit from buying and selling LEGO sets like commodity traders. Vintage sets are also becoming more "treasured", as AFOLs seek to rediscover the simpler times and toys of their youth. Perhaps more adults are discovering the enjoyment of building something in the physical world as a temporary escape from the stresses and cyber-world focus of modern life. But somewhere out on the fringes of this LEGO juggernaut is the rather obscure world of the polybag. TLG manufactures boxed sets in enormous numbers in an effort to satisfy the planet's seemingly insatiable appetite for their building sets.
Individual sets can be in production for years. Larger sets can contain thousands of parts and cost several hundred dollars at retail. Happily for LEGO fans, nearly every current set seen in catalogs or on the internet can be immediately plucked from store shelves or bought online. Bargain-hunting, credit card limits or lack of display space at home may be the only impediments to instant LEGO gratification. In contrast, polybags are generally the simplest and lowest priced LEGO building sets ("free" to about $8). They are packaged in color-printed polypropylene bags, and are produced in relatively limited numbers for promotional purposes. They can be used to highlight a special marketing event or made for a specific TLG "corporate partner". Their release can be focused on one store franchise or one event ... or hop from store to store, country to country or continent to continent. However, availability is usually short-lived, and LEGO marketers rarely indicate how extensive a polybag's distribution might be.
Although these little sets are generally inexpensive and easy to build, they can be VERY challenging to collect. Several years ago, I first noticed polybag sets hanging on pegs at the check-out counters of my local "big-box" stores. Occasionally, I would grab an interesting set or two, particularly if the set was a 4-wheel ATV (all-terrain vehicle) or an aircraft. The LEGO ATV's are diminutive reminders of a spectacular ATV tour I took on the island of Kauai. A 30+ year aviation career accounts for my attraction to the aircraft. As my "bag count" continued to rise year after year, I suddenly realized I had inadvertently become a polybag collector. Comments (2) Monday, 7:04 pm | November 2nd, 2015ToysPeriod strives to bring you the world's finest selection of high quality pre-owned classic toys in the best possible condition. Many of our vintage toys are in their original factory sealed boxes.We carry a range of 'new old stock,' retired, and out-of-production releases from famous toy and hobby brands.
ToysPeriod routinely stocks several makers of European toys, such as LEGO and BRIO. We do this because of their long-standing reputation for quality.ToysPeriod makes every effort to stock toys and trains that collectors are looking for. We are always pleased to assist our customers to collect the toys of yesteryear for which many hold fond memories.Collectible toys make ideal gifts for that hard to surprise special person. Traditional toys have a unique appeal that is largely absent in today's commercial toy stores.Please take a moment to browse through our growing selection of rare used and MISB LEGO sets. (MISB: Mint In Sealed Box)As our inventory changes frequently, do check back with us often. If you are searching for something specific, consider sending us a special request. We will do our best to satisfy.ToysPeriod is a business run BY enthusiasts FOR enthusiasts. The owners of ToysPeriod have over fourteen years experience satisfying toy and hobby customers both online and in person.
Please take a moment to review our 100% positive eBay feedback that reflects the high standard of customer service we support: Click Here. (Feel free to use the Contact member feature on that site to verify the feedback. We will gladly confirm.)At ToysPeriod, we go the extra mile to ensure that every item exceeds customer expectations.With our 100% secure online ordering system, you can buy with confidence. Your information will be protected at all times.For pre-owned items, all parts are carefully inspected, inventoried, and subject to our unique biodegradable sanitizing process. It is important to us to provide our customers with a wholesome and safe toy experience.In order to save you shipping charges, ToysPeriod will gladly combine orders, so please check to see if there are several items of interest before finalizing a transaction.Used LEGO sets not in factory sealed boxes are packed completely disassembled for safer shipping. This also ensures the customer will experience the fun of constructing the toy.
For larger LEGO sets, all parts are bundled in a logical manner for efficient assembly.All orders are securely packaged in sturdy shipping boxes to ensure safe arrival.LEGO sets are generally recommended for ages 7 and up unless otherwise noted. For LEGO Technic sets, the minimum suggested age range is 8 to 12 years depending on complexity. The BRIO wooden railway products are suitable for ages 3 and up. HO, N and G scale model railroad scenery supplies, buildings, kits, track, and trains (locomotives, rolling stock) are best suited for 13 years and older.BrickSpeak LEGO Brick Speakers - Audiophile Sound ArtHand built from nearly one thousand LEGO brand bricks, these audiophile grade speakers produce amazingly detailed sound that will bring performances to life in your home or office. Ideal for listening to your favorite recordings in a small room or on your desktop. BrickSpeak excels with chamber music, jazz, oldies, easy listening, traditional, folk, vocals, and more. With a single high-end driver reproducing the entire range up to 20,000 cycles, the listener will experience an unparalleled acoustical image, a superior hologram, if you will, ... read more