I compared it to a piece matching the current BL part image and notice it has
a few different features.
1) The end clips have small cutouts on each side.
2) The underside rail supports are now concave, not flush with the bottom surface.
3) The underside stud/tube clutching format it notably changed.
Functionally there is very little that changes for table-top play, but changes
could be a factor for actual show/model layout usage. Changes will affect where
hollow stud components can be attached to the underside (formerly the center
of the track ties outer 1x2 area) as the new component uses half circle large
brick tubes for clutch now instead of typical 1x component hollow stud-fitting
tubes like the original part. It also places stud tubes in the middle of the
half tie near each end, preventing single stud slide or variable attachment,
and now requires exact placement (aligned or 1/2-off "jumped" alignment)
of studs to the underside.
Likely very little effect in most circumstances, but may need a new catalog entry,
or at minimum a catalog page note.
Please advise if this would warrant a new Catalog entry. I have submitted one
under the new mold design, but it can be removed if considered only an alt number
linked of the old entry.
The newer version is pictured on the right in all comparison photos attached.
I compared it to a piece matching the current BL part image and notice it has
a few different features.
1) The end clips have small cutouts on each side.
2) The underside rail supports are now concave, not flush with the bottom surface.
3) The underside stud/tube clutching format it notably changed.
Functionally there is very little that changes for table-top play, but changes
could be a factor for actual show/model layout usage. Changes will affect where
hollow stud components can be attached to the underside (formerly the center
of the track ties outer 1x2 area) as the new component uses half circle large
brick tubes for clutch now instead of typical 1x component hollow stud-fitting
tubes like the original part. It also places stud tubes in the middle of the
half tie near each end, preventing single stud slide or variable attachment,
and now requires exact placement (aligned or 1/2-off "jumped" alignment)
of studs to the underside.
Likely very little effect in most circumstances, but may need a new catalog entry,
or at minimum a catalog page note.
Please advise if this would warrant a new Catalog entry. I have submitted one
under the new mold design, but it can be removed if considered only an alt number
linked of the old entry.
The newer version is pictured on the right in all comparison photos attached.
Thanks!
~Waltzking
Can you confirm the new one joins together with the old one ok? The clip type
is interchangeable?
I compared it to a piece matching the current BL part image and notice it has
a few different features.
1) The end clips have small cutouts on each side.
2) The underside rail supports are now concave, not flush with the bottom surface.
3) The underside stud/tube clutching format it notably changed.
Functionally there is very little that changes for table-top play, but changes
could be a factor for actual show/model layout usage. Changes will affect where
hollow stud components can be attached to the underside (formerly the center
of the track ties outer 1x2 area) as the new component uses half circle large
brick tubes for clutch now instead of typical 1x component hollow stud-fitting
tubes like the original part. It also places stud tubes in the middle of the
half tie near each end, preventing single stud slide or variable attachment,
and now requires exact placement (aligned or 1/2-off "jumped" alignment)
of studs to the underside.
Likely very little effect in most circumstances, but may need a new catalog entry,
or at minimum a catalog page note.
Please advise if this would warrant a new Catalog entry. I have submitted one
under the new mold design, but it can be removed if considered only an alt number
linked of the old entry.
The newer version is pictured on the right in all comparison photos attached.
Thanks!
~Waltzking
Can you confirm the new one joins together with the old one ok? The clip type
is interchangeable?
Yes, indeed it does. It would be a major issue if not, one I'm sure LEGO
would majorly regret if they fully changed the comparability of track systems
of such a long standing line of product.
The new straight track is also in the City Explorer train and the new train station.
And there is a similarly modified curved track in the City Explorer train.
The new straight track is also in the City Explorer train and the new train station.
And there is a similarly modified curved track in the City Explorer train.
Yes, I'd suspect they updated them all in similar fashion. I only have the
straight ones in this kit.
The new straight track is also in the City Explorer train and the new train station.
And there is a similarly modified curved track in the City Explorer train.
Yes, I'd suspect they updated them all in similar fashion. I only have the
straight ones in this kit.
I have the curved ones, but they are my first train tracks and I've been
trying to find out if they were really new.
The new straight track is also in the City Explorer train and the new train station.
And there is a similarly modified curved track in the City Explorer train.
Yes, I'd suspect they updated them all in similar fashion. I only have the
straight ones in this kit.
I have the curved ones, but they are my first train tracks and I've been
trying to find out if they were really new.
The curved and straight ones are nearly identical all but for the curve. You
should be able to review my images in the OP to compare to yours. Would suspect
it is the changed tubing format like the new 7389 in my kit.
The new straight track is also in the City Explorer train and the new train station.
And there is a similarly modified curved track in the City Explorer train.
Yes, I'd suspect they updated them all in similar fashion. I only have the
straight ones in this kit.
I have the curved ones, but they are my first train tracks and I've been
trying to find out if they were really new.
The curved and straight ones are nearly identical all but for the curve. You
should be able to review my images in the OP to compare to yours. Would suspect
it is the changed tubing format like the new 7389 in my kit.
The new straight track is also in the City Explorer train and the new train station.
And there is a similarly modified curved track in the City Explorer train.
Yes, I'd suspect they updated them all in similar fashion. I only have the
straight ones in this kit.
I have the curved ones, but they are my first train tracks and I've been
trying to find out if they were really new.
The curved and straight ones are nearly identical all but for the curve. You
should be able to review my images in the OP to compare to yours. Would suspect
it is the changed tubing format like the new 7389 in my kit.
I compared it to a piece matching the current BL part image and notice it has
a few different features.
1) The end clips have small cutouts on each side.
2) The underside rail supports are now concave, not flush with the bottom surface.
3) The underside stud/tube clutching format it notably changed.
Functionally there is very little that changes for table-top play, but changes
could be a factor for actual show/model layout usage. Changes will affect where
hollow stud components can be attached to the underside (formerly the center
of the track ties outer 1x2 area) as the new component uses half circle large
brick tubes for clutch now instead of typical 1x component hollow stud-fitting
tubes like the original part. It also places stud tubes in the middle of the
half tie near each end, preventing single stud slide or variable attachment,
and now requires exact placement (aligned or 1/2-off "jumped" alignment)
of studs to the underside.
Likely very little effect in most circumstances, but may need a new catalog entry,
or at minimum a catalog page note.
Please advise if this would warrant a new Catalog entry. I have submitted one
under the new mold design, but it can be removed if considered only an alt number
linked of the old entry.
The newer version is pictured on the right in all comparison photos attached.
Thanks!
~Waltzking
I trained as an engineer / industrial designer and would love to know WHY they
have done this.
The 9V track is also identical to RC track as far I can see, until this change.
1) I suspect this is to make easier for small hands to clip together
2) No idea - can't be saving plastic surely. But it looks like it could allow
wires to be passed under the rails. Is there some electric signalling / lighting
coming ?
3) Is an odd one - is there a part which can now fit there? , but as you say
there are parts that could have using this small stud.
I compared it to a piece matching the current BL part image and notice it has
a few different features.
1) The end clips have small cutouts on each side.
2) The underside rail supports are now concave, not flush with the bottom surface.
3) The underside stud/tube clutching format it notably changed.
Functionally there is very little that changes for table-top play, but changes
could be a factor for actual show/model layout usage. Changes will affect where
hollow stud components can be attached to the underside (formerly the center
of the track ties outer 1x2 area) as the new component uses half circle large
brick tubes for clutch now instead of typical 1x component hollow stud-fitting
tubes like the original part. It also places stud tubes in the middle of the
half tie near each end, preventing single stud slide or variable attachment,
and now requires exact placement (aligned or 1/2-off "jumped" alignment)
of studs to the underside.
Likely very little effect in most circumstances, but may need a new catalog entry,
or at minimum a catalog page note.
Please advise if this would warrant a new Catalog entry. I have submitted one
under the new mold design, but it can be removed if considered only an alt number
linked of the old entry.
The newer version is pictured on the right in all comparison photos attached.
Thanks!
~Waltzking
I trained as an engineer / industrial designer and would love to know WHY they
have done this.
The 9V track is also identical to RC track as far I can see, until this change.
1) I suspect this is to make easier for small hands to clip together
2) No idea - can't be saving plastic surely. But it looks like it could allow
wires to be passed under the rails. Is there some electric signalling / lighting
coming ?
3) Is an odd one - is there a part which can now fit there? , but as you say
there are parts that could have using this small stud.
I will see if Reddit turns up anything.
Related but possibly tech issues:
If you enter one of Lego IDs for this part eg. 6539540 and click on the pop down
part suggestion it resolved to a version of the 53401 page which does not feature
the image showing the new alternative underside.
USA, Missouri
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)
United Kingdom, England
Australia, Queensland
France, Nouvelle-Aquitaine