How to make current LEGO train tracks backwards compatible with 9-volt trains
It seems to be a slow day for blogworthy LEGO creations, so I went back through my bookmark archive and ran across something we really should have blogged the second we got the link — Chris Meyer‘s how-to guide on making plastic LEGO train tracks backwards compatible with legacy 9-volt and 12-volt systems.
The problem (and benefit, depending on who you ask) with current Power Functions and RC systems is that they’re battery-powered. For LEGO convention attendees and train show participants who may run their trains for hours at a time, this means stopping everything in the middle of their layouts to replace the batteries, over and over again.
But since LEGO no longer produces externally powered trains, the tracks are exorbitant on the secondary market. Chris solves this problem by applying conductive foil tape to easily purchased plastic tracks. It’s a cheap solution, and looks much less time-consuming than sifting through eBay.
Read the step-by-step guide on ChrisMeyer.org.
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:39 pm
Oh dear… another thing I forgot to blog. I posted it on flickr but must never have quite made it to TBB.
February 22nd, 2010 at 9:41 pm
^ No worries! It fell through the cracks in December on my end too.
February 23rd, 2010 at 4:42 am
Has anyone tried this as a long-term solution yet? I’m curious how well the tape holds up over a period of time.
February 23rd, 2010 at 5:21 am
I like this solution, simple, ‘cheap.’ Has anyone tried it on the latest iteration of flexible track? http://shop.lego.com/ByTheme/Product.aspx?p=8867&cn=139&d=328
February 23rd, 2010 at 6:31 am
i can understand the appeal and practicality of both 9 and 12v tracks…this seems like a good, temp fix.
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:46 am
HEHE
This is why I bought extra 9v track when it was on sale for like $4.50.
February 23rd, 2010 at 8:51 am
Yay! I suggested this to TBB a while ago and thought maybe it wasn’t deemed newsworthy.
February 23rd, 2010 at 11:26 am
wonder if you could use electroless plating for this purpose.
February 23rd, 2010 at 2:03 pm
i wanted to add side note to my comment: Amazon has Lego 7896 (the new tracks) listed at 97 bucks…
February 23rd, 2010 at 3:04 pm
^ Amazon lists things that are available from third-party sellers, so that’s not necessarily Amazon setting the pricing. It’s more like eBay or Bricklink. Odd that the new tracks wouldn’t be sold directly from Amazon, though…