Brickset forum
Howdy, Stranger!
It looks like you're new here. If you want to get involved, click one of these buttons!
Categories
You must be 16 or over to participate in the Brickset forum. Please read the announcements and rules before you join.
First train - which one?
I've never had a train, and I'd like to get a running, motorized train. I like the Red Passenger Train, and I like that it comes with everything you need to get a running train without modifications. All of the other trains that I've looked at aren't running trains, just models unless they're modified. Just wondering if this is the best one to get, or if there's another motorized train that anyone would recommend more.
Comments
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •Red Cargo train will be out for at least a year, you have time to get it later.
Red Passenger Train is also fine, if you want to spend less.
Depends on what you want and what you're doing. Marsek Train does require that you add the motor and other parts, but it is an adult train, while Yellow and Red Cargo train are kids trains. Nothing wrong with that, but they are pretty basic builds compared to Marsek Train.
Also, if you REALLY want a train, go buy Emerald Night at Target for $89 while you still can, that set is now discontinued and is $140+ on eBay and Amazon now.
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •While it does not have the necessary parts or track to run I would say better off getting one now than trying to get one later.. the Red Passenger train and Red cargo train should be out for a while (not sure about the Yellow one though)
I would say in order of what to get first (and if money is not an object)
Emerald Night
Yellow cargo train
Red Passenger train
Red Cargo train (as it was the last to come out)
The Yellow cargo train and red passenger train both came out at the same time, BUT I would say that of the two the Yellow cargo train will be gone soon since the Red Cargo train is out, and it is unlikely for LEGO to keep two cargo train lines running (although anything is possible I guess)
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •Am I right? Back me up, people!
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •Emerald Night
Red Passenger
Red Cargo
Yellow Cargo
Maersk
Hogwarts Express
Toystory Express
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •While I've always enjoyed trains, I had stayed away from the LEGO trains up until this year. I had been thinking about getting one of them for a long time, but always put it off because of the price. Earlier this year TRU had some sort of BOGO sale and I had some gift cards so I took the plunge with the Yellow Cargo and Red Passenger trains. Before I knew it I bought the Red Cargo train, and then just a few weeks ago, the Emerald Night and some power functions parts to get it running.
If you can get just one at the moment, and you want a complete functioning set, I'd say go with the Yellow Cargo train. It's a good start with lots of playability. If you can afford more, do get the Emerald Night before it's gone... however if it is being retired, I wonder if maybe a replacement is already waiting that we just don't know about?
The trains are addictive, but I guess what you do all depends on if you're a completist or not. But it is hard to stop at just one.
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •I was hoping for a new steam loco...
The Maersk is nice, but I've decided not to get it. :o(
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •I like the Emerald Night, but really want a running train with remote, tracks, and all.
I'm not planning to collect all the trains, just one to play with, with my kids. I think a train will need lots of room, so I'd like to just choose the best one that we will enjoy the most. I really wanted my next big purchase to be either Fire Brigade or Pet Shop. Hmmm - what to do now???
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •Buy Emerald Night now from Target for $90, or you can buy it from me in a year for $250, take your pick. ;)
Buy it, stick it in the closet, and move on... Yes, start with Yellow Cargo train, don't ask any more questions, don't argue, just do it. We have all the trains and a ton of track, the Yellow Cargo Train (buy it from S@H, unless you can BOGO at TRU with Red Cargo Train) is by FAR the best starter set.
And if you have kids, you WILL need more trains.
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •So, I believe Legochief said he'd like to get a running, motorized train. Yellow caro for sure.
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •POlus Cargo trains seem to have more than can be 'played with' than a Passenger train, and you get A LOT more track (which is why I am guessing it is one of the factors of the Red Cargo train being cheaper)
It is 179.99 at LEGO but watch TRU for a BOGO or other sales/coupons to take advantage of those prices...
Unfortunately flippin TRU has the Cargo train at 200 online.. it may be cheaper in a store, not sure though...
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •It is a shame it is so hard to find, but if you go to Lego.com's page for both sets, they do list the lego parts you need to power both sets.
You'll end up spending about twice what the trains cost buying all that stuff, expensive but worth it if you want them to run.
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •In my opinion the Yellow Cargo is the best for kids and playability.
It has the power functions, the same amount of track as Red Cargo, but has two switches which would probably cost more to buy than the 20 dollar price difference with the red cargo. The BrickSet page for this set shows the switches used separately, the box has a picture of layout that joins them all together, but if you put them in both the same way your kids can run the train round backing into them and dropping off and picking up wagons. Great fun since while one can be running the train the other kids (don't know how many you've got to entertain) can use the crane to load cargo/cars etc.
The red passenger is a small loop, curves and rattly flexible track only. The train when built is IMO the most boring of those being discussed, and running it around the loop forwards then backwards palls after about 15 minutes. Its one to buy when you've been drawn into trains and need a passenger train for your City layout.
The controller you get will control upto 8 trains, in reality only 2 easily, so buying a motor, IR receiver and battery box you can get one of the non-motor trains on your track as well.
The Maersk and the Emerald Night are beautiful and detailed but i think aimed at adults, but as others have said i'd also buy an Emerald Night and stick it in the cupboard for next year - once you've got them the yellow they're going to want more track and more trains.
There's an interesting Bricklist on the main site (sorry haven't worked out how to put links in yet, but try this http://www.brickset.com/brickLists/?4855 ) by @Si_Dorking_Surrey_UK about powerfunctions trains, might be overkill for your stated purpose of "one powered train for the kids to play with" but like all lego it's a slippery slope.
Have fun with whichever train you buy.
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •http://www.brickset.com/brickLists/?4855
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •I tried to order the Emerald Night from Target, but it is out of stock online. I did find a bargain on a Toy Story Western Train yesterday locally for $34. It's not what I was looking for in a train, since it's not motorized, so it doesn't count as my "one train," but I couldn't pass up a good bargain. We put it together last night, and it is really cute. I have it in the living room, as a Christmas decoration right now, that is if my 5 year old daughter will let me.
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •Yellow Cargo train is going soon, wait for a sale and you'll be paying $300 for one.
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •I'd recommend two things if you are not already signed up for them....
1) become a LEGO VIP member
2) join the TRU Rewards Program and make sure to sign up for email alerts (coupons)
Waiting for the best deals can be risky, especially with some uncertainty how long the Yellow Cargo train will be around. Finding the trains at my local TRU was always a hit or miss. When I bought mine I had to drive 25 miles to a TRU that had both the Yellow Cargo & Red Passenger during a BOGO sale.
If you buy from LEGO S@H I think they have free shipping right now... and you'll get VIP points if you become a VIP member. :o)
Good luck!
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •Damn this thread! Its turned my mild interest in possibly getting a train one day to 'get the Yellow Cargo NOW before it runs out!' And with no sign of any trains in 2012, it could be a few years before another is released.
The Yellow Cargo does stand out to me as a starter set, its got the best features and accessories, and as others have said, the Red Passenger seems a little boring.
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •Not sure how legit it is (as LEGOs online store can be a bit wonky when it comes ot sets being sold out) but that is something to consider
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •Picked up a cheap passenger train to use the PF and tracks for the holiday train. So that gives me 2 powered trains at a time now. Which is enough I think.... Kind of ;)
Also splash out on the light for the EN - looks nice
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •Although I do already have an old 9V train. As well as an assortment of track from when they were clearing out all the 9V stock. However, wasn't in a rush to get another train until this.
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •I understand in order to motorize the EN and Maersk I need to pick up some power functions. Any recommendations on where to pick these up at a good price?
I've been keeping my eye on TRU during the BOGO but they don't seem to have any of the motors/lights in stock. I can pick up two of the Rechargeable battery pack at TRU, but are these worth having or would you just stick with the AAA battery boxes?
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •Kidding, she is really extremely tolerant.
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •The difference between yellow and red is that yellow has 2 extra switching tracks. Yellow is also more playable because it has a container loading apparatus.
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •"Steer the Red Cargo Train with the LEGO® Power Functions Remote Control #8879!"
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •Like others have said, the Yellow is more playable on it's own though.
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •these were 169,99 (20€ more than S@h) to start with at the only chain selling them and i got mine just before xmas for 99,99 euro - whopping discount before xmas usually means they arent planning on restocking.
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •I, on the other hand, maintain my nostalgic attachment to 12V trains, arguably the most hassle out of any of the Lego train systems to put together!
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •But it is the best of the train theme also.
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •So as I'm reading this I open up target and find the train, only its listed as $99 so I hesitated and read a couple more comments, now I click back, and its sold out!!!
Any other suggestions on where to find this set?
- Spam
- Abuse
0 • Like •