Trains

Any tips on how to start collecting Lego train pieces now that I've missed out on quite a few sets. Hoping there are some tips in finding deals.

Can anyone explain a Box picture difference or other method to distinguish the original dark gray train rail cross track from the newer bluish gray train rail cross track? Is there a simple way to find this information? Thanks

I didn't understand the problem with flexible tracks and de-railings. I didn't,t have this problem ... Until I rebuilt my track. I noticed that the individual pieces have small half circular joints in the middle. I texted and found that when these were all facing the same way, I had no issues. When I mixed them up again, I had problems again. These tracks work great !

Just want to start a discussion about this train . . . Looks like it may be a good "Base" to modify into something close to a "Stock" buildout. I dont MOC trains very well, so i generally take a stock or base set and modify. What have you done so far, or how does it look against the others?

The original Santa Fe train has a high value for the moment. But what about those Moc's around the www that in santa fe-style. for example the B-car engine (xtra engine care behind the loc). Any opinion on what you should pay for it. since they are not lego originals they are worth less, but since they are as rare as the originals (using parts of them) they are worth more ? is there a balance between these statements, then are they valued like the originals? please share your opinion about them here. if you come accros similar wagons for sale please share the info so i can make an estimed on how much i should spend on this one.

I'm getting ready to turn my son's wooden push train table (like Thomas) into a smaller sized lego train table. Just wondering if many of you use baseplates under your track? His trains will be the Ghost Train, Potter's Hogwarts Express with 2 cars and a caboose, and the Toy Story Western one. I have both 9v and PF track. I will most lilely use the PF track (save the 9v for Christmas time) around the tree. Trains speeds will be kept slow in the table. I will also remove the motor from time to time to allow him "push the train" time.

3677, 7938 or 7939?

is it a good price? for investment

I would appreciate some advice or pointers on elevating. Either an elevated circuit or inclined/elevated. I've thought of using the studs (behind cardboard and insulation) to build up with a wood shelf type deal, then use bricks throughout the city. Secondly, those that have supports or girders, what is the cheapest most aesthetic route to go with on bricklink? Dark Bluish Gray or Black. 2×2x10 or something to the same effect?

I am the proud owner of a full Santa FE train, this includes 5 carriages and two engine carriages for each end, neither with boxes or instructions unfortunately :/ .I also own a smaller vintage train with a electronic engine and alot of track! I have been wondering for a while now what this would be worth and how rare these sets are! Any help would be great!!

What about the 12 Volt train motor, to a modern one that Lego uses today? Power functions motor without all the battery boxes or sensors in other cars. Like a motor with a small battery and sensor already on the train motor itself. It would be like running a 12V train(Example 7730) without the battery in another car. It would be compact as 1 part, but still retaining the motor shape and size used for the last 35 years. And the middle wheels would be included too, and the driving rods as well to keep that retro realistic look.

I came across this on a slashdot article this morning: http://texasbrickrr.com/ It's an interesting read.