I don’t know what it is but there’s something in me that will just not allow anything to remain in stock form. This includes the LEGO Passenger Train. The LEGO Train is a great toy for younger kids really exposing them to many different useful life skills. They learn to read instructions and convert this to actions. Toys that provide this type of learning, is always something that is perfect in my books. What does this mean? We need to get one. Just blame it on the kids, you know you will love it too!
Why Convert the LEGO Passenger Train to RC?
It’s quite simple actually. Many hobbyists have parts in their bins that aren’t being used. The LEGO Train is a perfect candidate to parts that are otherwise just collecting dust. More specifically, converting the Passenger Train over to RC will unlock so much potential. The LEGO factory controls called “Powered-Up” have limited speeds that the Train can be operated at. The level of precise control is lacking. Upgrading the unit to Hobby Grade RC equipment can provide many benefits in this regard.
What Features will RC Equipment Provide?
As mentioned above, the biggest advantage of RC equipment is the full range of throttle. In other words, we will have the ability to input a throttle command between 0-100% resulting in virtually limitless control. Our train will have the potential to apply brakes. Imagine how useful this can be when you would like to travel down along a negatively sloping section of track. Brakes will allow the train to come to a full stop. In addition, the train will continue to have a reverse function, however, the function will have 0-100% throttle in the reverse direction. This is unlike the stock train that has a limited number of steps.
Most Cool RC Train Feature
The feature that I am most excited about is the ability to program in “momentum.” Rather then allowing the train to accelerate instantaneously, a delay can be setup to mimic the train having a lot of weight. This will help for two reasons. First reason, well, it’s more realistic while accelerating and decelerating. Second reason is without the delay or some control, the train would be fed enough power to do a burnout down a 6 foot section of track before finally hooking up and getting to top speed. To remove this as it could be a costly wear item, simply just program in a throttle delay.
Other Small Features
Other features such as limiting the potential top speed will be easy to do. For those of you that know RC fairly well, this could easily be done with EPA’s of the throttle channel.
I will be adding a timer that will display how long the train has been power for that specific run. Everytime the train is stopped, the timer will also stop. For every minutes there will be an audible call-out. Having a throttle kill switch or an “arming” switch is possible but totally not needed. In fact most of all of this is not needed but that’s not at all the point.
Features that could be added to the LEGO Train Soon
There are a bunch of features that could be added later. This includes telemetry data as an example. Imagine having the ability to take a look at the voltage of the train when it is underway. Better yet, upon certain levels of voltage, the percentage of battery remaining is called out. This can quite easily be setup with the right hardware. Even telemetry that monitors speed, location and direction can be added. Many more options similar in nature are possible.
Don’t forget to watch the video of this RC Lego Train