RAILBRICKS

Update from ME Models

Sat, 11 May 2013 18:21:00 UTC

An update on the production of ME Models' new metal rails:

“The first set of fixtures to bend the rails is done, however, the second set which is used to hold the rails is still being worked on. The second set also can be used for straight product which is why neither is currently available"

We will let you know as more information is released.

-Colin

Error fixing [Updated as of 5/8/13]

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 14:00:00 UTC

Dear Readers,

We are aware of and are working on the errors on the homepage and profile pages. *Fixed

Also, we have fixed the User Registration problem. If your User has yet to be created, please contact us via the “Contact” tab.

If you find any other errors, please report them in the Bug Reporting section of the forums.

UPDATE: we have fixed the calandar and homepage glitches. We are aware of the "Tracks" issue, and are working on fixing it.

There also will be some things added to the site in the coming weeks, so keep in touch and keep checking back!

-Colin

New Modular Track System(MTS) by Big Ben Bricks!

Tue, 16 Oct 2012 07:51:00 UTC

It looks like MeModels is going to have some competition!

Big Ben Bricks has announced a new track system!

The Modular Track System (MTS) by Big Ben Bricks is a modular system of parts
allowing builders to make track sections in endless varieties and allow endless
possibilities for layouts. The MTS is designed around modular plastic ties that
accept either plastic or metal code 250 rail. Builders can either build their
own custom track sections of any length and a variety of radius curves, or
purchase kits with precut lengths of rail and all the right tie pieces to build
the track. Once assembled, each piece of track forms a rigid assembly suitable
for quick assembly and disassembly of larger layouts.

Available January 2013.

http://bigbenbricks.com/track/track.html

Thank you to Sergio Monai for bringing it to our attention.

Announcing 10233 Horizon Express

Sun, 30 Sep 2012 07:10:00 UTC

From Brothers Brick:

Next year promises to be a very good year for LEGO train fans with the release
of the ‘EXPERT’ set “10233 Horizon Express”. This is a very good looking
high speed train kit, most certainly based heavily on certain verions of the
French TGV. What is especially cool is that the set is designed so that buying
two (the kids will love it!) means you end up with a full two-ended set.

http://www.brothers-brick.com/2012/09/29/announcing-10233-horizon-express/

Thank you to Gambort (Tim Gould) for the article.

Issue 12 Released!

Thu, 27 Sep 2012 21:52:00 UTC

Issue #12, The Layout Issue, has been released!

This issue has some great articles features some amazing builders.

Download your free copy today!

Custom connecting rods and side rods for steam engines

Thu, 23 Aug 2012 22:01:00 UTC

Shortly after discovering Big Ben's Bricks, I found myself dissatisfied with any of the alternatives for driver rods (connecting and side rods) on brick built steam engines. Out of determination, I have produced driver rods that are compatible with BBB and Lego's steam engine wheels for my own use.

After some tinkering, I'm now offering these rods for sale to the AFOL community as well. These parts are designed to be driver rods, they are a little thicker than a plate and a little thinner than a 1/2 Technic beam. This odd thickness is deliberate, the rods are designed so that they should not rub against the rim of the wheels. The rods float on the pin cuff- compatible with 3/4 pins or full Technic pins. So now you can paint the rims of your driver wheels if you are so inclined.

Given the wide array of possible configurations and the limits of my pocketbook, I have opted to fabricate these custom driver rods using rapid prototyping technology. As a result, the possibilities are literally endless, e.g., half stud offsets for BBB small drivers should be feasible.

My store only contains those driver rods for which I have completed designs and fabricated at least one copy. Other configurations are feasible, contact me via Bricklink messages and we can discuss (I can't guarantee that I can make everything, and in any event, expect a longer lead time on new parts since I will have to design it).

The surface of the driver rods is a little rough because the fabrication technique, but it is hardly noticeable except when you are extremely close up. There are only a few fabrication colors to choose from- gray, black and red and I cannot adjust the colors. Fortunately, the gray is pretty close to light-blay. I have not yet tried the other colors for a match to lego colors. As such, black and red are only available upon request (again, contact me via Bricklink messages).

Visit my Bricklink store to order the rods or find more information about production. These are a labor of love.

http://www.bricklink.com/store.asp?p=zephyr

The Palestine Wye

Wed, 18 Jul 2012 01:55:00 UTC

Just before Brick Fiesta this year, I was finally able to complete my LEGO version of the Texas State Railroad's wye at Palestine, Texas. I attempted to set the whole thing up at a local park and get some photos, though I will admit they didn't turn out as well as I'd hoped. Still, they turned out decently.

Just before I attempted to get some video of the locomotive traversing the wye, I decided to practice a bit. What followed was a comedy of errors that I won't soon forget. Upon successfully sending #500 through the wye once, I began sending it through the other way. Unfortunately I started her out on the wrong side of the table, and soon she had escaped my PF remote's line of sight. She backed into #300, which then in turn backed into #400, which I should have removed both in hind sight.

The two PF motors in #500 tender powered by a fresh set of batteries swiftly pushed #400 off the table onto the concrete floor of the pavilion. I quickly scrambled around the table while my 5 year old son desperately tried to catch the #400. Soon after #300 met a similar fate, landing directly upon the mangled corpse of #400. I arrived only in time to grab #500, as her tender plunged over the edge landing upon the growing mass of bricks below.

I was angry. My son inconsolable. After I cooled off a bit we picked up the pieces, packed up the display and tables and went home. No video, and no great photos.

I was able to undo all of the damage to the locomotives in time for Brick Fiesta, and was able to set up my Palestine Wye once again. This time it was a little different, our layout had to be changed at the last minute. Be that as it may I think it turned out rather well. My locomotives performed admirably, and believe it or not, not a single locomotive crashed or otherwise spectacularly derailed once during the entire four day show. I must have paid my dues from the time before.

I was even fortunate enough to win 'Best Train' at the convention. I feel bad, though - after all I did kind of cheat, entering three or four MOCs as one big one. Still I am very pleased with my gorgeous new trophy.

I am also pleased to say that I was finally able to get a video of my wye in action. Sure, it's not the greatest of videos, and I should have reshot it a few times... but it's still pretty decent I'd say. Enjoy:

Interview with Peter Norman

Wed, 23 May 2012 20:07:00 UTC

Last week, A Look at Lego podcast interviewed train builder Peter Norman.

Known as Swoofty on Flickr, you can listen to Peter's interiview starting at about 7:10 into Episode 22, or read the summary online. Also covered in the podcasst are LEGO Cuusoo, and a preview of BrickMagic.

My Nerd Sense is Tingling, Part Two

Thu, 17 May 2012 01:57:00 UTC

I'm not a huge math nut, but I do dabble in the numerical arts from time to time.

The Maersk train set, #10219, contains shipping containers larger than any official LEGO containers to date. I remember it caused quite a stir among the 6-wide crowd at the time.

Well in my new job I have a lot of exposure to shipping containers, so I've learned alot about them.

The #10219 containers are 6x16 and are 5 and 2/3 bricks tall, with an extra plate on top and bottom for connecting them to other containers.

A typical 20 foot container is 8'x20'x8.5'.

8 wide Trains, as I build them, are about 1:48 scale, and I use a rule of thumb of 8 studs to 10 feet.

Multiplying it out, 8' wide becomes 6.4 studs. Close enough to 6 studs for me. 20' long becomes 16 studs exactly. 8.5' becomes 6.8 studs tall, and when converted to brick height, knowing that bricks have a 5 bricks to 6 studs height ratio, becomes 5.66 bricks tall, or 5 and 2/3 bricks.

Meaning that LEGO has made their new shipping containers almost exactly 8-wide scale (as far as I build, anyway). That isn't to say that those who have decided to go other routes are doing it wrong. I just find this to be incredibly fascinating (if not completely nerdy).

For the curious, here's a handy conversion table:

	Feet			Studs		Bricks
Size/Type	Length	Width	Height	Length	Width	Height
20' Dry Van	19' 10 1/2"	8'	8' 6"	16	6	5 2/3
40' Dry Van	40'	8'	8' 6"	32	6	5 2/3
40' High Cube	40'	8'	9' 6"	32	6	6 1/3
45 ' High Cube	45'	8'	9' 6"	36	6	6 1/3
20' Refrigerated	19'10 1/2"	8'	8' 6"	16	6	5 2/3
40' Refrigerated	40'	8'	8' 6"	32	6	5 2/3
40' HC Refrigerated	40'	8'	9' 6"	32	6	6 1/3

NASA Railroad

Wed, 09 May 2012 17:09:00 UTC

Check out this video of the awesome NASA shortline railroad.

The video outlines how the railroad has been used to move items for the space program at the Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral, Florida. Items to note in the video include not only the unusual cargo, but also the specialized cars used by the line.

Now, who's going to build one to go with their Shuttle Expedition set?

Thanks to Larry P. for bringing this one to my attention.

T1 Duplex Instructions

Tue, 01 May 2012 22:40:00 UTC

Sava Railways has unlocked the company vault, releasing the blueprints of one of its signature locomotives! Instructions for the mighty T1 Duplex can now be purchased at SRW Locomotive Works.

Additionally, two new diesel instructions can also be found - the GE 45 ton and GE 70 ton switchers/shunters. They are available a la carte, or as a single collection with the two other SRW diesels at a discount.

As always 10% of all SRW Locomotive Works sales are donated to RAILBRICKS.

Visit SRW Locomotive Works today!

[Trainspotting] CN GE C40-8W

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 05:15:00 UTC

Here's a wonderful redition of a Canadian Northern C40-8W. Although maybe not for the unltra-purists (it has some stickers), I love it. Brickshelf user DuffAndrew has added so many details, its wonderful. http://www.brickshelf.com/cgi-bin/gallery.cgi?f=501430

-Colin

RAILBRICKS Issue 11 Available Now!

Sat, 17 Mar 2012 11:45:00 UTC

Issue #11 of RAILBRICKS is now availalbe for download! Print copies of the magazine may also be ordered at MagCloud.

Enjoy!

Flying Scotsman's US tour

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 00:02:00 UTC

Not being up on my 1971 history, I stumbled into a neat discovery while browsing a wonderful train photo archive. Apparently the Flying Scotsman toured the US in 1971, complete with an entire train. The main photo shows a BN (former SP&S) Alco pulling the train. Who knew that even those of us who model American trains could put the Emerald Night on our layout in context.

For more on these shots, click here and here, and two more shots here and here. These images are from the wonderful collection of Ron V. Nixon, where you can trace the evolution of the NP from about 1910 to the BN merger (as well as several other US railroads of the Pacific Northwest).

NELUG Breaks Monorail World Record

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 07:47:00 UTC

On February 11 & 12, 2012, members of the New England LEGO Users Group (NELUG), attempted to break the world record for the Longest Continuous LEGO Monorail Track. The previous record is believed to have been held by the Ontario Brick Builders who, in December of 2009, displayed a layout of approximately 250 linear feet of track. NELUG's display, shown at the Wenham Museum in Wenham, Massachusetts, measured approximately 730 linear feet.

From Mike Ripley of NELUG:

"On 11&12 Feb 2012 the New England LEGO Users Group (NELUG) set a new world record for the longest contiguous LEGO monorail track at 730 feet (222.5 meters). The event, dubbed the MR730 Event, was held at the Wenham Museum in Wenham, MA. The two day show featured a layout divided into 4 themes; space, city, carnival and forest/castle, with monorail track running throughout. Highlights included two amazing structures that held 11 levels of monorail track, working carnival rides, and 5 custom monorail trains. A video of the MR730 Event can be found at http://www.flickr.com/photos/riplego/6862346673/ or search Flickr for "MR730 Event"."

For full disclosure, while I am a member of NELUG, I didn't take part in this particular display. I can say, however, that the participants put in a huge amount of time, dreaming, planning, building, and ultimately displaying this amazing layout. The original seed for this layout was planted in March of 2010, with discussions taking place, off and on, until the summer of 2011 when serious planning began.

Congratulations to the New England LEGO Users Group!

Vote for this Modular Western Town project on LEGO Cuusoo. Help make this awesome idea a reality.

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 18:03:00 UTC

Please join us in the campaign to make this Cuusoo submission, by Eurobricks member marshal_banana a reality.

In case you haven't already heard of Cuusoo, it's a new project from LEGO aimed at sourcing ideas from us LEGO fans. Fans submit projects to the Cuusoo site that they want to see LEGO explore. Then other fans vote on weather they would support that idea. If an idea receives 10,000 votes it gets an official review from LEGO and the chance to become a reality. If it passes and becomes a real set the project's creator receives a 1% royalty from the net profits.

This Modular Western Town from mb_bricks is one such project and one well worthy of support. I'm sure all you Wild West train enthusiasts out there would love to have a few of these buildings sitting in your train layout. Heck, I model the late seam era (1930's to 50's) and even I could use these buildings in my train layout. That's how good these are. So please lend your support to this project.

Modular Western Town Cuusoo Project

Elmore 1972, Capturing a moment in time.

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 10:01:00 UTC

So what happens when you take all the elements that make up a good LEGO® train layout, trains, buildings, landscape, apply a laser like focus on them to depict one specific era in time at one specific location and then turn it all up to 11? You get Elmore 1972 from Tim Gould and Mike Pianta.

Elmore 1972

I believe at it's highest level model railroading is an art form and the model railroader an artist. It's an art that aims to capture a moment in time. To freeze an era and a place and tell the story of the daily life that revolves around a small stretch of train tracks some where in the world. This layout from Mike Pianta and Tim Gould proves that LEGO trains can not only play in the same league as more traditional model railroads but that LEGO trains can be art.

This layout is a fantastic piece model railroading artistry. But this isn't the first from this team. Mike and Tim also collaborated last year to create the inspiring Ararat 1972 layout. So be sure to check out all the photos from these two wonderful layouts. This is the magic that can come from the wonderful hobby of LEGO trains.

Elmore 1972

Ararat 1972

It's a little slow lately so here's some inspiration to get you building.

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 23:30:00 UTC

It's been a little slow in the LEGO train world lately. While I'm sure there are some great MOC just around the corner, here is a little inspiration in the meantime to get the creative juices flowing.

God Father Rails

This is one of my favorite lesser known sites to visit from time to time. John Dziobko, Jr. is a well known photographer in the rail fan community an God Father Rails is his website through which he shares his fantastic photos. While he primarily covers the North Eastern US he does have a few photos from west of the Mississippi. One of my favorite photos is this one of Pennsylvania RR Class D16sb #1225. Here she is in excursion servise for the Stasburg RR in December of 1966 making a trip down the middle of Water St. to kick off the Holiday season in Lancaster Pennsylvania. The tracks through the streets of Lancaster are long gone now but #1225 is still around now residing close by at the Railroad Museum of Pennsylvania.

http://www.godfatherrails.com/home/home.asp

First Generation EMDs, The diesels that revolutionized railroading

Mon, 09 Jan 2012 12:02:00 UTC

Maybe I'm a bit biased to older, historic RR subjects but I feel the fist generation EMD Geeps (GP7 and GP9) and and SDs (SD7 and SD9) are a little underrepresented in LEGO MOCs given their historic nature. Fortunately a two builders out there have decided to model these history making locomotives and they've done fantastic job.

Aberdeen & Rockfish RR GP7

On the Geep side we have an Aberdeen & Rockfish GP7 from Bricknerd.

A&R GP7

The Aberdeen & Rockfish Railroad colors on this MOC work wonderfully together. I also love the brick built truck side frames that Bricknerd has come up with to to cover the standard LEGO ones. It really helps add a nice touch to the model. And I love that he's built a Geep with out the Dynamic Brake option. These were a less common sight especially since many early Geeps originally built without them were upgraded later in life to dynamic brakes.

Be sure to check out Bricknerd's Flickr Gallery. He has some other great Train MOCs as well.

Union Pacific SD7

And championing the SDs we have Swoofty's magnificent Union Pacific SD7

Swoofty's SD7 Flickr Gallery

Swoofty builds some of the most detailed 6 wide diesels and this SD7 continues that fine tradition. The vents, grills and dynamic brake involve some very clever engineering and I like the use of Technic pistons for the air tanks. And the Union Pacific always had some nice color schemes for their diesels.

Down at the Train Station

Sat, 31 Dec 2011 20:24:00 UTC

Let's start the new year off right with two of the prettiest train stations you're likely to see in LEGO. First up we have this great little station by my fellow PennLUG friend Chris Edwards.

Chris isn't normaly a train builder, usualy he's off building jaw dropping sci fi and fantasy creations. So this was a rare treat and us train heads in the group are glad he took some time to play us. This station is awesome. Every where you look you'll spot little details that make you go "why didn't I think of that". The brick work, the roof, the rain spouting, all of it adds up to a perfect little place to catch a train.

You can find more photos of this station here. Train Station Flickr Gallery

Our other train station comes from recently blogged Maciej Drwiega.

Even though Maciej still considers this a work in progress it's absolutely stunning. And this is just one part of an even larger project Maciej has been working on. When this whole layout is completed it will be incredible to see.

You can see more of Maciej's station here. Maciej Drwiega's Train Station Flickr Gallery