Review: 40370 Steam Engine
Posted by Huw,
Next month's gift with purchase at LEGO.com is 40370 Steam Engine, a replica of 7810 Push-Along Steam Engine that was released 40 years ago in 1980, the year that 12v trains were launched globally.
Let's take a look and see how it compares to the original...
7810 Push-Along Steam Engine was one of a large number of train sets released in 1980. Although a few 12v trains had been released in the 1970s it is my understanding that they were not available everywhere: in many countries, including the UK, only 4.5v battery powered trains were sold. I remember seeing them in toy shops when on holiday in France in the 1970s and wishing I could get them at home.
1980, then, marks the point at which the 4.5v/12v 'blue-track' era was superceded by the 12v 'grey- track' era and the system became available everywhere.
As you'd expect, the majority of locomotives in that initial range came with electric motors, but, as its name suggests, 7810 Push-Along Steam Engine didn't, so would have been priced accordingly. I suspect it could be converted to accept a motor but there's no indication of that in the instructions, which you'll find below.
The box is sturdier than usual and has tape seals so doesn't need to be destroyed on opening. The front has a 40 years motif and an early LEGO logo, but one that was superceded long before 1980.
The back shows the original model and its box.
The sticker sheet is printed on silver metallic foil.
The minifigure is an exact replica of that which came in 7810 which BrickLink calls "Shirt with 6 Buttons - Blue, Blue Legs, Red Hat"
Unlike the original, this set comes with a substantial base which enhances its appearance on display considerably. It has bumped up the piece count of the set quite a lot, though, so it's perhaps surprising that it's been provided in a GWP.
7810 was built upon a specialised train chassis piece and wheels/bearings that of are no longer in production, so in this new version the chassis has been built using multiple parts and the wheels are the modern axle-hole variety. Also, there are no coupling magnets provided.
Above the chassis, however, it's a very close match to the original. The most noticeable changes are:
- The sticker on the side is affixed to a single 1x2x2 brick and the DB (German railways) logo has been replaced with the standard LEGO one
- The loco number stickers on the front and back are attached to 1x2 plates
- The 1x2x2 windows are the newer version, without sill.
- Strangely, the valve on top of the boiler closest to the cab is square on the original, but round here.
When the loco is mounted on its stand it makes a very attractive display piece.
40370 Steam Engine, then, is a very faithful reproduction of the original loco, but with a redesigned chassis and a few changes to avoid stickers across multiple parts.
It's interesting to reflect that the original instruction manual had 13 steps. This one has 46. I know the chassis is more complicated, and there's a base, but even so...
If you have feelings of nostalgia for the 12v era you will want to add this to your collection.
It will be available from 1st-15th March with purchases over £99 / $99 / €99, coinciding with the release of Dots and other interesting sets.
Thanks to LEGO for providing the set for review. All opinions expressed are my own.
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94 comments on this article
Looks good, will have to get one
Got to have one of these.. will go well with my 4002016 "50 Years on Track" just no idea yet what i'll be spending £99 plus on.
That’s super nice!
My first steam loc back in 1981. I still have it and cherish it with a lot of nostalgia.
Well done Lego! More of this please :)
Great review, thanks! But the biggest change is probably the four windows, changed from part 7026 to 60592. Black 7026s are EUR 6 and up on Bricklink, as they are only in 4 sets, one of which is the famous 7750 Steam Engine! Nevertheless, a very nice set I will absolutely have to get!
I like that the conductor's trying to be hip with the times with his backwards cap :)
^^ Ah yes, I did notice the windows but didn't mention them. Thanks.
^ Doh! I hadn't noticed that, though! I'll replace the image.
@Huw, I also think that instructions are so ‘dumbed’ down nowadays. Surely they could reduce paper and weight and improve their green footprint by reducing the number of steps?
perhaps it’s a question to ask Lego directly at your next visit/forum?
A MUST HAVE!!! Lovable.
Will get at least one for sure :)
^^LEGO could include more challenging instructions on their website. Perhaps several versions based on how difficult you may like the build to be. Personally when I build easy sets I'll skip over pages that have steps where only one or two parts are added.
Cute engine, love the original! But 100 bucks must be false information. While reading, I was wondering what the price would be. About 30 € felt right to me but appeared not to be enough given the ever increasing prices. On the other hand 50 € would have felt pretty overpriced. Now I'm shocked!
I bet those will only be sold in pharmacies.
Cool review, thanks. :-)
I think this will be the moment when I’ll order 80105, which is over the threshold to get this beautiful loco.
I'm really sorry for my comment, but this is very disappointing.
Why the best sets are now GWP? First the Batmobile, now this engine.
As a train enthusiast, my most recent mocs are all train related, I'm not happy at all by seeing this set only available with purchases over 99€ for instance.
But maybe that's the new trend, I'm not really into it.
Will continue to use bricklink more and more, as TLG are more focused in extreme profit.
Sorry dear Brickset members for the negativity.
@desser1 said:
"Cute engine, love the original! But 100 bucks must be false information. While reading, I was wondering what the price would be. About 30 € felt right to me but appeared not to be enough given the ever increasing prices. On the other hand 50 € would have felt pretty overpriced. Now I'm shocked!
I bet those will only be sold in pharmacies."
I believe the set itself is free, only if you purchase $99 of other things on the website.
^ Correct.
An adorable GWP and reasonable price limit - sadly I promised not buy anything outside of necessary food etc. in March :( a bit of consolation is that I have 7715...guess it's time to build it again.
Re: instructions
Instructions are designed to be used all over the world for everybody, even people who have never built with Lego before. They are created not by designers (or AFOLs for that matter) but by model coaches who are experts in making the building experience fun. This comes with a lot of restrictions and can be looked at simplifying for anyone who is good with Lego or has the right mindset to build and create.
"It's interesting to reflect that the original instruction manual had 13 steps. This one has 46. I know the chassis is more complicated, and there's a base, but even so..."
That's older instruction manuals for ya! I built 8040; and it was tough (seriously, harder than sets I've dealt with more than twice its size)--the book was the same size; but had instructions for THREE models. The set was made 12 years before me. My next set was the new Mini Claas Xerion is about the same size, but it felt like a cake walk in comparison. And the fairly thick book only covers the tractor--no B model.
i wait for may 4 and im skipping this
The instruction do not mention the motorization of this set, but the 1980's catalog do it.
On page 12:
https://images.brickset.com/library/Catalogues/c80detr.pdf
Maybe this GWP will show up on Bricklink alone for what a comparable set its size would cost. But; I feel this is a pretty good GWP for a $100 purchase. Heck, may even use this as an excuse to buy my first LEGO train set; and use it on a siding. After all, I've only spent $100 on one LEGO purchase once before in my whole life, so it might as well be something special.
Wondering, can it be motorized; or not using modern parts?
Wonderful! I was holding off most birthday set buying until a Double VIP Point or GWP promotion, and now it looks like I'll only have to wait a week! That's less chance that the money will burn a hole in my pocket and get wasted on things I don't need, like food, gas, bills, the boring stuff :)
Now we're talking!!
Great GWP, great review, miss them ol' days.
In the data base 7715 is also known as "Locomotive Without Motive" lol.
You might not believe I'm saying this, but it's just not the same without STAMPS.
@freestorm said:
"The instruction do not mention the motorization of this set, but the 1980's catalog do it.
On page 12:
https://images.brickset.com/library/Catalogues/c80detr.pdf"
Yep. Pull the wheel assembly off at the 2x10 bricks and the motors slot right in. Those specialised train bases were designed with the hole in the middle to accomodate that. The wheels were located at only the corners with four studs, believe it or not.
Although, when I was a kid I had the 7710 set and I broke the base... twice, after my dad bought a replacement for me! They weren't very strong.
Anyhoo, this GWP is a MUST BUY for me. I have many happy memories of me as a six year old with my one and only ever Lego train set from that era. I didn't buy another one until I bought an Emerald Night second-hand a number of years ago!
@Norikins
"Locomotive Without Motive"???
That’s just loco!
What a lovely GWP, here's hoping for some new train releases too (preferably Creator Expert, it's been 7 years since Horizon Express)!
This is a lovely GWP but as I am not a train fan I am glad to save $100, until May that is.
Nice overall. Pity about the DB logo having been swapped for a generic one that doesn't evoke any memories (for me). Back then there used to be a sticker sheet provided that had versions for several European national train services. One can see how TLG's priorities have shifted over the years.
My main problem though is that I have absolutely zero idea what to buy in order to get this. There is simply nothing in the current range that is enticing enough to me. And those sets from previous years that interest me I already have. Ah well.
Would this be available in Lego stores as well, I wonder?
What is the part count?
Edit, Stonewars.de says it's got 187 parts.
@AustinPowers said:
"Nice overall. Pity about the DB logo having been swapped for a generic one that doesn't evoke any memories (for me). Back then there used to be a sticker sheet provided that had versions for several European national train services. One can see how TLG's priorities have shifted over the years."
Many train companies have been privatized since the 1980s. I guess it's not as easy for LEGO to use their logos anymore without paying licensing fees for every individual train company.
Having said this: I like this, if only for the classic 1980s minifig. I wish they would do an iconic classic town set this way.
My family had the 7710 Push train back in the day, that set is also from 40 years ago (1980)
Still got the parts somewhere but not built/complete.
The original set was a while before my time xD But if this is the start of a trend - of recreating select small classic sets in the present with only slightly adapted designs - then my interest is certainly piqued; if they ever get as far as any of my own childhood-era sets in this range, I'm certainly on board with that idea ^^
@rick77 said:
"Many train companies have been privatized since the 1980s. I guess it's not as easy for LEGO to use their logos anymore without paying licensing fees for every individual train company."
Licencing fees? You mean that for example Deutsche Bahn AG (the privatized successor to Deutsche Bundesbahn) will own the rights to the logo of their state-owned predecessor (even though their respective logos are very different)? I can't imagine that to be the case.
Does it have the right wheelbase for modern track pieces? I’d love to put one in my train layout if it fits.
Probably it wil be the only set to commemorate the anniversary like 3 walmart exclusives remakes were the only sets to commemorate the 2018 60th anniversary of Lego brick (not counting Creator sets with anniversary tile). Would like to see a remake of some big train set , not just this steam engine.
Finally, some train love!!
A little bummed we don’t get the DB Deutsche Bahn Logo in the Train! My family in Germany all had the old train sets and I used to love to go play with them all every time I went over in the summers. My parents bought me 7720 which I still have. It was one of the 4.5V versions. I always wanted a 12V Train set but never got one.
Does Lego announce the GWP and other promotions anymore? I know they discontinued calendars, but they used to be on the website. Now I can't find info anywhere.
This is a really great GWP! Too bad there isn't a decent $99 Creator Expert train available to get it with.
This looks lovely, will it be online only or in store as well? They could also remake a couple of the 4.5v trains if this is popular.
I thought Lego forgot trains existed...this is fantabulous!
Pencil me in for the 40 Years of Modular redux of Cafe Corner in 2047
@Wrecknbuild said:
"Would this be available in Lego stores as well, I wonder?"
The Lego stores in the UK (at least the one I go to) normally offer the GWP in-store as well, so I assume this would appear there. Not sure about stores overseas, unfortunately.
@AustinPowers said:
"Licencing fees? You mean that for example Deutsche Bahn AG (the privatized successor to Deutsche Bundesbahn) will own the rights to the logo of their state-owned predecessor (even though their respective logos are very different)? I can't imagine that to be the case."
Hmm, didn't know DB changed logo. Dutch railways (NS) still use the same logo.
@Lordmoral said:
"This is a lovely GWP but as I am not a train fan I am glad to save $100, until May that is."
What in the world will happen in May, if I May ask?
I apologize for not having payed enough attention lately...
Cool can't wait to get mine!
@jlskywalker said:
"I'm really sorry for my comment, but this is very disappointing.
Why the best sets are now GWP? First the Batmobile, now this engine.
As a train enthusiast, my most recent mocs are all train related, I'm not happy at all by seeing this set only available with purchases over 99€ for instance.
But maybe that's the new trend, I'm not really into it.
Will continue to use bricklink more and more, as TLG are more focused in extreme profit.
Sorry dear Brickset members for the negativity. "
Nothing to be sorry about, I couldn't agree more with you. I wish lego would also give you the option of buying these sets direct, as the only way you can get them atm is to buy them on ebay or bricklink for 2 or 3 times what its worth :(
Fun, reminds me of 7722 from my history of trains list https://brickset.com/sets/list-10625 (my list tells the story of trains over the decades, I think it actually compliments this article nicely if you'll excuse the shameless plug)
Also, I sure would love to get other replicas of vintage sets as GWP... Come on Lego, you know what we want! (that'd be Classic Space just so we're completely clear!).
It's crazy how stylized the depiction of the minifigure on that early instruction sheet was.
@rick77 said:
"Hmm, didn't know DB changed logo. Dutch railways (NS) still use the same logo."
Perhaps because there wasn't a major change in the Netherlands as there was in Germany. After reunification the state owned railways of former West Germany (Deutsche Bundesbahn - which had the DB logo found in the old LEGO train sets) and East Germany (Deutsche Reichsbahn, DR) were merged, I think in 1994, into the still current Deutsche Bahn AG which uses a new DB logo that looks much less intricate than the old one.
@Wrecknbuild said:
"Would this be available in Lego stores as well, I wonder?"
Hidden Side Dragster was in the Amsterdam LEGO Store during the promotion.
Lovely re-imagining! I love that it achieves the overall look of the classic set startlingly well even though many of the more specialized pieces from the original have been retired. Of course, the original was a 6+ set and was much more play-focused, so it had a pretty good excuse for using a preformed chassis and buffers.
@jlskywalker: I think it's understandable that nostalgia-focused sets like this one are released as GWPs. The train sets sold at retail are often aimed at younger or more casual LEGO buyers, and it's easy to see why kids would strongly prefer a colorful, detailed, motorized, remote-control train with a loop of track and several figures and accessories for storytelling over a blocky, heavily simplified push train with one plain-looking figure and no track.
This is also particularly niche even by nostalgia-oriented collectible standards, since it is based on a set so old that many AFOLs weren't even alive early enough to have nostalgia for it!
@TomKazutara: If by "accessories" you mean stuff like individual train car and locomotive sets… that's because "expansion pack" type sets like those have never sold well compared to complete, playable train sets or even non-train sets. LEGO designers like Mark Stafford tend to be pretty open about this when it comes up in conversation: https://www.reddit.com/r/lego/comments/9v1fki/finally_scored_got_this_majestic_beast_for_70/e9a7dor/
@Ladondorf: Instructions were usually hand-drawn back then, right? If so I imagine instruction designers back then were probably most focused on ensuring authenticity for details studs and measurements of bricks that were more integral to the actual building of the set.
Given that this set came out in 1980, when the minifigure was a fairly recent innovation, I also wonder if the people creating the instructions might've been working from limited or outdated reference material/templates.
Finally a GWP I can get behind!
Regarding instructions and the limited number of steps, I'm pretty sure that the terse instructions of Lego sets before the mid '90s were forced by the constraints of being hand-drawn, with a small additional helping of the complexity of printing. The relative flexibility and simplicity of computer aided design, which I suspect started with 2d drawing and probably now involves 3d models rendered flat (just like Studio does), along with the ability to more easily print small runs, enabled the instructions the company would always have preferred.
One side note- there are a few years, from about 1996, when the PDFs on Lego's site are actually true vector artwork, which can be scaled to any size. Some time around 2002 the files change to being bitmaps. I wonder what happened there.
@Aanchir said:
"This is also particularly niche even by nostalgia-oriented collectible standards, since it is based on a set so old that many AFOLs weren't even alive early enough to have nostalgia for it!"
You underestimate the age of many AFOLs. Classic trains, at least over here, are just as popular as Classic space, Castle or Pirates. Just look at the astronomical prices these old train sets fetch on the secondary-market. Also, judging by the success of the highly detailed new train sets by an alternative manufacturer of bricks I am not allowed to mention, such a theme, done and positioned properly, could sell like hotcakes - at least over here where trains traditionally have been far more popular than in the US or other parts of the world.
To me this feels like paying a lot of money seeing the space shuttle in a museum, rather than seeing it blast off in the 80s. I know we can't get those days back, but TLG should just bring out a train range again with all the additional carriages, level crossings etc. It probably won't happen if it's not cost effective though, but we can only hope...
Sweet.
Will it coincide with 2xVIP (which is often in March)?
@dingbat591 said: "What in the world will happen in May, if I May ask?"
Star Wars offers on May the fourth (as in, May the Force be with you).
@Aanchir said:
"This is also particularly niche even by nostalgia-oriented collectible standards, since it is based on a set so old that many AFOLs weren't even alive early enough to have nostalgia for it!"
Having older family members I got to experience blue rails and grey rails era, but even my own 9 Volt Train I had back in the 90s , had a Steam Locomotive Alternate Build on the box.
But even then, I knew a lot of people who were into non-LEGO model trains as well, and the wooden push train toys are still popular for very smalll kids here.
Trains are still very popular in Europe as there are so many variants in neighbouring countries having their own rolling stock and types of locomotives and a broad history.
You can surely fit in a Power Functions train motor and build a tender (coal-car) to fit a battery box (and IR reciever, although that would make it quite a lengthy tender for such a short locomotive).
You could put the outer red wheels on the motor but I have no clue how you could attach the inner wheels. There is a pin hole there in the center of motor’s side, but it’s not deep enough for a regular axle pin and a 3/4 pin won’t do the job as you need that axle.
If you’d open up the motor you could fit in an axle pin with the pin part cut off.. and it wouldn’t be in red, but there’s examples online. If anyone feels like 3d printing the missing part in red?
@Roloff said:
"You can surely fit in a Power Functions train motor and build a tender (coal-car) to fit a battery box (and IR reciever, although that would make it quite a lengthy tender for such a short locomotive).
You could put the outer red wheels on the motor but I have no clue how you could attach the inner wheels. There is a pin hole there in the center of motor’s side, but it’s not deep enough for a regular axle pin and a 3/4 pin won’t do the job as you need that axle.
If you’d open up the motor you could fit in an axle pin with the pin part cut off.. and it wouldn’t be in red, but there’s examples online. If anyone feels like 3d printing the missing part in red?"
I tried rounding out a wheel to put on a 3/4's pin, and that doesn't seem to stay in the hole reliably either. Very frustrating.
@MrClassic said:
"What a lovely GWP, here's hoping for some new train releases too (preferably Creator Expert, it's been 7 years since Horizon Express)!"
Agree completely. The exciting thing about this is that it may be Lego preparing us for a new train release. They did promise when they redesigned the train wheels that it would lead to 'more trains. Fingers crossed.
@Mister_Jonny said:
" @Wrecknbuild said:
"Would this be available in Lego stores as well, I wonder?"
The Lego stores in the UK (at least the one I go to) normally offer the GWP in-store as well, so I assume this would appear there. Not sure about stores overseas, unfortunately. "
In Australia, *some* GWP sets are available for sale at brand stores. Probably depends on what stock was left over.
@Vladtheb said:
"Does it have the right wheelbase for modern track pieces? I’d love to put one in my train layout if it fits."
Certainly looks like this one will.
And if it doesn't: it's Lego. Just modify it.
@greenhorn said:
"Cool review, thanks. :-)
I think this will be the moment when I’ll order 80105, which is over the threshold to get this beautiful loco. "
Hopefully that will be the moment Lego restocks them as they are sold out!!!
@AustinPowers " You underestimate the age of many AFOLs. Classic trains, at least over here, are just as popular as Classic space, Castle or Pirates. Just look at the astronomical prices these old train sets fetch on the secondary-market. Also, judging by the success of the highly detailed new train sets by an alternative manufacturer of bricks I am not allowed to mention, such a theme, done and positioned properly, could sell like hotcakes - at least over here where trains traditionally have been far more popular than in the US or other parts of the world. You just defined niche as most of us (including myself) have no idea what you are talking about with this successful competitor. Also other parts of the world? Niche too. The states are the only ones that matter LOLOL. Kidding about the states part btw..........
Need to get
@PJMcC said:
"Does Lego announce the GWP and other promotions anymore? I know they discontinued calendars, but they used to be on the website. Now I can't find info anywhere."
The following months Promotions Calender is usually online from 25/26th of the preceding month, both Brick Fan and Brick Fanatics website flag it when it appears, don't know why Brickset doesn't. Huw?
That's my birth year! I got a battery op train with a similar engine when I was a kid. This is a must have for me.
Lego is the only company I know of where people consistently complain about the instructions being too simple. That shows that despite occasional errors, the instruction designers are doing their jobs quite well. The point of an instruction booklet is to explain, not to challenge.
Great GWP!
@Lyichir said:
"The point of an instruction booklet is to explain, not to challenge."
I wonder then why and how kids (like myself as well as anyone I know from back then) in the Seventies, Eighties and Nineties (or in general simply in the "pre-dumbed down" era) managed to build their LEGO sets without any problems. Those instructions of old were just as good at explaining the build. Having instructions that are as thick as telephone directories of old that have pages upon pages where only one or two pieces are added per step is not explaining but simply annoying because they suggest an audience too stupid to grasp more than that. It's almost insulting to think that kids wouldn't be able to build a set without having totally dumbed down instructions.
And @deejdave re: "You just defined niche as most of us (including myself) have no idea what you are talking about with this successful competitor. Also other parts of the world? Niche too. The states are the only ones that matter."
If by "most of us" you mean people from the US you would be correct because the manufacturer I mean doesn't target the US market. They offer sets aimed mostly at the German and European audience because they are modeled after stuff people over here know and don't find in the LEGO product range, like realistic models of fire engines, cars, lorries/trucks, locomotives, rail carriages, train accessories as in railway stations and associated buildings, tanks, etc. The even have sets that will come out this year of Frankfurt skyscrapers, Castle Neuschwanstein, medieval buildings fitting for a Castle theme etc.
Sure, those apparently are sets that are of no interest to you, but there appear to be plenty of people to which they are. Come to think of it, they also have sets based on American stuff like US fire engines, US locomotives, rail carriages etc.
Anyone know if this free gift will be available for purchases in LEGO stores or just online?
@paulmison: Good point!
Also, I see a lot of concerns (whether sincere or not) about modern instructions "wasting paper". Earlier in LEGO's history, I could understand this being a genuine environmental concern that might have been of at least some concern to LEGO, especially since they were already touting their toy's value as one that usually wouldn't get thrown away after kids were done with it. Plus, efficient use of materials is popular with any business!
However, in this day and age, LEGO usually uses certified sustainable sources for their paper-based materials, meaning that they are already assured not to contribute to global deforestation. So at that point it's fair game for LEGO to focus more on visual clarity.
That's without even touching on how most of the building in older System sets was simple stacking, with minimal sideways building and mostly basic bricks that could be differentiated just by features like height or number of studs.
Today there are a lot more bricks that are variations on that "classic" part palette that need to be differentiated, and sets have both a higher overall number of bricks and a greater variety of bricks per item. Under these conditions, focusing builders' attention towards the pieces on a more individual basis (especially where bricks would obstruct the view of ones behind them), rather than simply on the "big picture" has more value than it would've back then.
Just as a modern counter-example, check out the instructions to 11011-1 Bricks and Animals. Since it's mostly basic bricks and small builds made from few pieces, the instructions can usually take the old "a whole layer of bricks per step" approach, except where parts would overlap in ways that obstruct the visibility of ones behind them.
@AustinPowers: I'm not speaking about classic trains or steam engines in general being niche, but rather the particular set and era of LEGO design that this set is based on! Adults like me who weren't born in time to experience LEGO trains back when they actually looked like this one would probably not feel too much emotional attachment to such a blocky build unless they were serious LEGO history fanatics. Our nostalgia is generally more geared towards the iconic sets of our OWN childhoods.
It's not just a train thing either! I'm probably around 20 years too young to have any real, personal feelings of nostalgia for sets like 6901-1 Mobile Lab or 6690-1 Snorkel Pumper. To me, they look clunky and primitive, like amateurish "tablescrap" MOCs made from a very limited supply of pieces, not anything I would pay money to have in my own collection. I would much rather buy a space rover or fire truck set designed according to modern LEGO City standard of detail and complexity, if not higher.
Similarly, here, if I were to buy a steam engine set, I'd want one that looked more detailed, more colorful, more authentic, and more familiar to my OWN childhood nostalgia — like, say, 75955-1 Hogwarts Express. My nostalgia for that particular train has been tarnished for reasons entirely unrelated to its appearance or the quality of its build, but visually it's closer to what I'd expect from a LEGO steam engine.
Does that make sense? I don't mean to imply that your generation's nostalgia for early 80s sets is wrong or invalid. But it's a joy only people who were kids at that time or earlier can ever hope to experience firsthand. The rest of us, even those who enjoy the occasional Classic Space throwback/allusion, are at most indulging in some notion of "retro" escapism. And that's simply not as emotionally compelling as real childhood nostalgia, even if we want it to be.
If it helps, perhaps you could think of it this way: It's a special privilege that you get so much enjoyment from this particular sort of throwback. And that's something to cherish, not something to lament.
I'd love to have it, though it probably wouldn't be worth a $100. I'll probaby get it on amazon after it comes out as GWP
Placing this here to maybe attract train fans. I built a train, threw it on IDEAS. https://ideas.lego.com/projects/8b153541-1956-42b7-bfec-a8f31755bc7e Hopefully it's OK.
@BlobfishBricks said:
"I'd love to have it, though it probably wouldn't be worth a $100. I'll probaby get it on amazon after it comes out as GWP"
Why not bricklink?
Shall have to get this, though I think for purchases over £99 is extreme.
I always thought lego missed a trick when it came to trains. They should have released extra carriage sets for the various designs, as well as including one or two with the engine. They could have made quite a bit with that.
What a great GWP! I'll be buying Corner Garage or Bookshop to qualify for this.
@deejdave said:
"You just defined niche as most of us (including myself) have no idea what you are talking about with this successful competitor."
If you google "BR103 DB Rheingold", the first result should be to the 'successful competitor' who I believe @AustinPowers is referring to. AFAIK they also offer downloadable instructions for their models so long as you register (free).
Stickers again for a collector piece... it's LEGO disease. We have to find an antidote against stickers.
@jdm said:
" @Huw, I also think that instructions are so ‘dumbed’ down nowadays. Surely they could reduce paper and weight and improve their green footprint by reducing the number of steps?
perhaps it’s a question to ask Lego directly at your next visit/forum?"
I Agree with you on this, but Lego needs to go a lot farther. They could easily downsize the boxes, as most sets could fit in boxes half the size. This would have the added benefit of lower shipping cost. The other thing is that apparently, the plastic they use for the bags in sets is not recyclable. Although I still put it in with my recycling.
In the UK you could say this is a year early, as the new train system was not introduced until September 1981.
I remember saving pocket money to buy a transformer, motor and conductor rails to convert a 4.5 v train to 12 v, still using the blue rails.
Looks like this model will be the perfect excuse to buy the bookshop in March.
@izx said:
" @deejdave said:
"You just defined niche as most of us (including myself) have no idea what you are talking about with this successful competitor."
If you google "BR103 DB Rheingold", the first result should be to the 'successful competitor' who I believe @AustinPowers is referring to. AFAIK they also offer downloadable instructions for their models so long as you register (free)."
Indeed. Speaking of which, I have just recently built the locomotive you mentioned, plus one of the matching carriages. And while the building techniques are not what LEGO would do, the end result is robust and can be played with without any problems, fits in scale with LEGO trains and is highly realistic when compared with the source material. They also have a proper train station (modeled after a classic German standard design for small regional train stations) and this year will see a railway crossing and other railroad related sets. With that in mind I don't miss LEGO trains anymore.
Came here (like @Vladtheb did) to see if it would fit on standard track.
I'll make sure to order enough to get this set on Day 1. I waited on 40290-1 a couple years ago and it sold out before I could get it. (...after like 1 day!) I've learned my lesson.
I have 7710, which is the same train but came with two cars and tracks. It has (very basic) instructions how to fit a motor in: either the new 12v motor or 4,5v battery motor. I have the last one, with a cute blue 1134 battery wagon. I still have this set, my kids play with it now.
@PJMcC said:
"Does Lego announce the GWP and other promotions anymore? I know they discontinued calendars, but they used to be on the website. Now I can't find info anywhere."
I always get an email from Lego LEGO.com if there's a promotion of any kind.
I wonder, if you put two 32065s on the powered axles of the PU motor before the wheels, and mounted the middle wheels on that, would it still fit the track?
@PDelahanty said:
"Came here (like @Vladtheb did) to see if it would fit on standard track.
I'll make sure to order enough to get this set on Day 1. I waited on 40290-1 a couple years ago and it sold out before I could get it. (...after like 1 day!) I've learned my lesson."
I've noticed Bricklink has several new sealed 42090 for around $20 or so. Given the set has 421 pieces, that's a good deal.
I'm hoping the same happens to 40370; but I'm sure given its a remake of a classic Trains set, it's gonna be in demand.
As @LegoStevieG mentioned, in the UK the blue track era LEGO trains continued production until midway thru 1981. It wasn't until September 1981 that the gray track (and 7710) trains were introduced.
1981 was also the year for gray track trains (such as 7710) were introduced in Canada, and 1982 for Australia. This train was not sold in the USA.
1980 was the year the new trains were introduced in continental Europe, so the anniversary is for that release.
Here are the 5 box variations (1980-84) for the 7710 train... each in 3 languages on the box...
https://www.facebook.com/Unofficial.LEGO.Sets.Parts.Guide/photos/a.304835019666620/1554211364728973/?type=3&av=304777583005697&eav=AfaWUUfRLhnMU0Xqg3CjPOBaFtiks4lIf_fVGmOR5XvSZj8uD42I-y3fRCaJBGzjfew&theater
FYI, the Train promo is live in the US. Just ordered the ISS set and some Brickheadz to get mine.
Got mine a few days ago with the Assembly Square (a set I have wanted for SOOOO long!) Amazing promo and can't wait to build it!
I have two of these.