The utility functions now included remotely controlled points, signals, wagon de- couplers and level crossings. The colour of the tracks was changed from blue to grey, and the 12-volt transformer changed to support utility functions in a more streamlined style with control switches that docked alongside the transformer, following the design style of increasingly streamlined model train controls of the time. The builds were adapted to the minifigure, which had been introduced in 1978, with buildings that were intended to integrate with the new Town theme. In 1980 the trains theme received a major overhaul (although in some markets, the second generation system was not introduced until 1981). Railcars began as spartan constructions of train-specific wheels and couplers attached to car bases made from universal plates and bricks, but these were quickly replaced by black single-piece bases in two lengths that included captive wheels and couplings. In or before 1976, the 4.5-volt motor gained a hole for driving the then white cross-axles of the size that would later be known as Technic. These motor units were sold separately as a replacement part until around 1990. Since 1969 the motor housings for 4.5-volt and 12-volt are equal and can be equipped with either a 4.5-volt or 12-volt Bühler motor unit. A push train could be updated to a battery-operated train, and a battery-operated train could be updated to an electric train. These wheels had the same press-fit metal axles as used in the two larger sizes of rubber-tire Lego wheels, which also meant that both 4.5-volt and 12-volt motors were not restricted to use in trains. The motors were the same size, the push trains used a motor-shaped dummy block of bricks, and all used the same wheel style. All three kinds (push trains, 4.5-volt battery-operated trains and 12-volt electric trains) existed alongside each other and even allowed for upgrades.
#LEGO DIGITAL DESIGNER TRAIN WHEELS MANUAL#
In 1972, 4.5-volt trains gained a monolithic railcar that carried the batteries and contained both a bottom-mounted stop button to be actuated by signals, as well as a side-mounted lever for manual go/stop/back control and tripping by a track-side pivot. Set number 115 introduced 4.5 volt battery-operated trains (initially the battery box was handheld, but train sets soon contained a railcar that carried the battery box), and train sets numbered 720 (1969) and up operated on 12-volt electrified rails, introduced in 1969. The train sets used blue rails, and the first train sets were simply push-along. Lego trains were first introduced in 1966 with Lego set number 080. The design of Lego trains has developed substantially, with several different systems introduced, with varying degrees of cross-compatibility. 1.5 The Power Functions Era (2007-present).