Message #112878

[FIR£PRØØF]

    Hey everyone, here it is, my review on the Emerald Night ( no K ).
The model is fun to build of course, just be carefull with the colors.
With power functions the train moves great in all speeds, even real slow, which is also much quieter.

However, here's the big con, it has to do with the large wheels and the track you use.
My 30 meter layout is all conductive track, you know, metal on the rails to allow the 9 volt train motors to operate.
I decided to go to power functions because cleaning the tracks was becoming a little to much. I used to spend 3 or 4 hours vaccuuming and dusting and blowing the trees with compressed air. The next step was to use an alcohol soaked rag and wipe the rails to clear them of the carbon buildup. Depending on use, this process was done every other week.
    Now you understand why Power Functions is a better way to go. Here in lies the problem, the 4 large drive wheels on the Night have a groove into which you wrap elastic bands around to improve traction. These bands increase the Diameter Guage whereby making a rough ride for the Night in the corners when it meats a rail joint.
    My temporary solution was to remove the bands, the train runs smoother, but the cool slow speed is no longer effective because we have hard plastic trying to push and drive on metal.
    IMPORTANT, remember, this is about the conductive tracks, The metal free tracks and the new single piece pivoting, metal free tracks are you're best bet if you're just starting out.

    This next tidbit is about size, The Emerald Night is much wider than all the trains that preceeded it. It won't fit inside Lego's red train shed, However it does fit in my lime green Train Shed. Another note on size, when you are ready to layout and mount your tracks with screws, leave yourself lots room, especially on corners, I'll give some examples later in my Night's topic along with a few pics.

     One final point of interest, In the last few days I've been conversing, by mail and telephone with Daniel at LEGO Shop@Home discussing the wheel options. He's the great guy that is in Customer relations and the one who writes back to you when you have a problem. This process is ongoing, I'll keep you apprised in my own EN topic, where you will find this post as well, soon as someone else posts.

    The Emerald Night is a whole new era in Lego Train Modelling, I highly recomend it.

 

Whoe thats increadable, .