Average Reviews:
(More customer reviews)*Does not include motors or track*
I am the nut-job parent that you'll see in some of the other train reviews. I grew up with Lego and returned to it when I had kids. Obviously I am terribly partial to Lego, but I'll give you the best review I can so that you can make the decision that is right for your kids. I do not receive free sets or compensation for my Lego reviews.
Introduced in April of 2011, the Maersk Container train continues the tradition begun with the Emerald Night (10194) of a highly detailed and realistic set designed with the train enthusiast in mind and customizable with Power Function accessories (see below). This is a beautiful set, both in the execution of the engine's lines and the use of Maersk blue bricks. The set is an instant classic and ranks as one of the best trains Lego has produced. Normally I would say that this set would be produced for about two years, but it is already selling briskly (and selling out at Lego stores) so it could have a shorter run than normal. And I would not expect it to go on sale for any substantial discount in the near future.
The set includes an engine, two container cars, a shunting truck, three containers (one of them with refrigeration details) and three rare mini-figures. The engine is modeled after an EMD SD-40 that ran in Maersk colors for Norfolk Southern. The biggest difference between this engine and the real thing is that the actual engine uses six-wheel bogies; the Lego set uses four-wheel bogies. It does not include a motor, infrared control devices or track, though it is designed to accept them. The driver's cab lifts off as does a side panel that shows a faux diesel engine. Like the Emerald Night, this set is highly detailed and was immediately sought out by collectors when introduced.
In my opinion, the engine is extremely well designed while the container cars are fine but not exceptional. The engine is very long and makes great use of side-facing bricks to achieve a realistic look. I believe the design trumps Lego's BNSF diesel engine set (10133) from 2004, though some will disagree. The container cars, unfortunately, use a two-level plate that simplifies construction but does not look accurate. By comparison, Lego's TTX intermodal car (10170) from 2005 had a more intricate and realistic design. But the container cars' shortcomings are partly made up for with six-stud-wide containers and shunting truck. The containers can be stacked on top of each other or in tandem (with two 2x2 bricks holding them up in the middle). I would have liked the doors on the containers to go all the way to the top (this is the same problem that occurs with Lego's truck trailers, e.g. 3221).
In terms of build difficulty, the train is a little more challenging than the City-line sets, but it does not require the tinkering that one gets with the Emerald Night (no complex drivetrain). Age ranges don't mean much because some kids are very experienced and are quick at reading plans, while others need a bit of adult guidance. By all means, if you're an adult who is eager to share this experience with your child, throw out the recommended age range.
Of course, the set has very good playability. Truth be told, even Lego's worst train designs end up being big hits with kids. Because this set does not come with track or motors (see below), it is perhaps easiest to start with a City-line set (which includes motors, track, etc.) and then add this later. But if you have an older child who is an experienced builder, you may want to go straight to buying this set.
Lego produced a short video with the designer discussing the train. It is available on Youtube (search "Lego Maersk Train 10219"). The video is a little dry, but it is a good opportunity to see the train handled.
The set is already designed for motorizing. The battery replaces the faux engine, the actual motor replaces one of the bogies, and the infrared receiver drops in next to the battery. You need the following parts to complete the job: 88002 (motor), 8884 (IR receiver), 8879 (IR transmitter), and ONE of the following:
-8878 (rechargeable battery) with 8887 (transformer for recharging)
-88000 (AAA battery box).
Sometimes these parts are available on Amazon, but you usually need to go straight to the Lego site to order them. The Maersk set includes instructions on how to install the accessories.
For track, as of early 2011, Lego appears to be reconfiguring how it sells track. Lego just retired the straight and curved pack, yet there is no standard curve replacement. You can use flex track for curves, but for the time being, we await word from Lego on the way forward (or around the bend). The current track sets are:
-7499 Flex and Straight Track (16 pieces of flex track and 8 pieces of straight track).
-7896 Straight and Curved, USD 15.99 (discontinued): this set includes 8 straight (40 inches) and 8 curved (one half circle) sections.
-7895 Switches, USD 15.99: in addition to left and right points, the set includes 4 curved sections.
-8867 Flexible USD 24.99: these are smaller pieces of track made of many swivels; they allow for complex curves and, importantly, the resolution of unusual track angles. There are 64 of these small pieces in this set. When strung together the length is 85 inches.
Finally, Lego trains prior to 2007 used an electrified 9 volt track. This system has been discontinued. If you are just starting out with Lego trains, you are best going with the current system (Power Functions) since 9 volt parts and track have become scarce. If you are currently using 9 volt, the Maersk train can easily be fitted with your 9 volt motors.
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LEGO Creator Maersk Train 10219bThe highlyrealistic Maersk dieselelectric freight train has arrived!/bA replica of the real engine that operated on the railroads of America, this Maersk train features exceptional detailing and functions, such as opening drivers cab, removable side panel revealing a detailed, 16cylinder engine, and authentic Maersk branding. The model also includes 2 wagons and 3 containers with opening doors (1 with refrigeration detailing). The set also includes a shunter truck and detachable trailer for loading and offloading the containers. Add LEGO Power Functions to motorize!* Containers can be loaded sidebyside or stacked!* Includes 3 workman minifigures!* Train measures 36 (92cm) long!* Building instructions include a historical description of the LEGO Group/A.P. Moller Maersk Group cooperation and a timeline of the products launched!* Motorize your Maersk train by adding LEGO Power Functions #8878 Rechargeable Battery Box, #8887 Transformer 10V DC, #8884 IR Receiver, #8879 IR Speed Remote Control and #88002 Train Motor! Warning Product Contains Small Parts. Not Intended For Children Under 4 Years of Age.
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