This video saved my LEGO city! I have an old 2003 9v World City train and have spent days searching on eBay for 9v tracks! Now my city can save a good $70
The silver would definitely blend better with real 9v track. My trains are still running well on the copper, so I have no complaints, especially with the pricetag :-) Thanks for watching.
I've done the same with aluminium foil tape, the type used for sealing HVAC ducts. It does a great job and it's silver coloured rather than copper, but I have to admit the copper looks pretty cool. I suspect the aluminium tape I used is quite a bit less expensive than the copper tape, however. The only thing is you have to cut the width and the length to the size desired.
A link to what? The aluminium tape? Just google "aluminium foil tape" you can buy it in most hardware stores. Or better yet go to your local hardware store and just ask for aluminium foil tape.
Thank you so much, I didn't want to spent 300+ dollars on 9v train track on ebay, this is the only video I have found with a way to make 9v out of RC track!
The best place to find 9v motors is Bricklink. You can usually get a great deal, but be sure to read the item description to make sure it is not damaged.
Alex Nunes this is amazing, so glad that I was given this link. I'm planning on doing this to a bunch of the flex track and my ME Models ABS track when it comes in. I'm telling everyone I know in the LEGO community about your channel.
same principle with curved track. You will not need to make any cuts to the foil tape. Follow the same instruction as the straight track and it will still work fine.
I tried tin foil before. It failed miserably. The copper foil tape will work with curved track. I have already done it on several. I haven't been able to get it to work on switchtracks though. That appears to be a bit more difficult.
sweet I used the silver foil tape, it works fine too, but wears off after several hours of running trains. but its cheap like you said. i lilke the copper idea better, another friend in our group used the copper and said it lasts alot longer.
the goal in this project is also to use old 9v motors chassis as power pickups to give current to modern P.F. and P.U. I mean it's the perfect hybrid system that Lego will never give us, batteries are ugly. In this way you have all the benefits or rc systems, unlimited energy to place leds everywhere and trains that will never suddenly let you down... Only system I love with batteries is 4,5 volt, but it's another story and they last very long.
Thanks Much!!! Saw someone do something way more complicated with aluminum foil, at a Brickworld show, Lol. P.s. you think this will work with curved track?
This won't always work because usually all kinds of copper conductors such as this tape have a coating on them which eliminates the connection between the train and the rail. This can be fixed with sandpaper, but it is tricky
i wonder if the 683 works as well since i cant get the 681 overseas. Info but be tremendous helpful since my 9 year old found my brothers 20 year old 9v train tracks and its just to small
Yes, it does wear out, especially if you continue to move your track. I actually no longer use it, but it did a great job for a very long time with all my 9v trains.
@@alexnunes Thank you for the insight. I have sold most of my 9v track because Lego went to the new system, but I am not satisfied with changing batters so much. I think for a short-term solution, you copper tape my work. Thank you for experimenting with solutions.
Hi. I'm just wondering if you've attempted to convert a PF switch track to 9v? I've got straight, curved and flex pieces going no prob but am wanting to try the switch track, but don't really want to pull apart an orig 9v switch to see how the connections are underneath.
Hey Alex, I am interested in using 9v rails, and im planning on making a layout for a freight train. I have some questions- is there any risk of electrocution when the rails are connected to the wires? If there is an open end rail can it shock you? Or is everything okay? Thanks
Hey Alex do you know how to polish 9 volt tracks? I bought some off ebay brand new unopened and took em out and there a little tarnished along with some tiny rust spots. What can you do to polish em up to shiny new again?
A stainless steel scrubber used when cleaning dishes is the best. Be sure to only use the stainless version. I have cleaned all my 9v track this way. But, only us it on the top of the rails. You can clean your track with ordinary dish soap in the kitchen sink.
Hey Alex, I'm thinking of converting my whole LEGO City to 9v track. I think i will go out and buy all the 9v curves that I need because they are cheap, but for every piece of straight track could i use copper foil tape. Could you please run me through how it all connects. All I needs is a 9v motor for the trains, a speed regulator and the wires that connect to the track. Is that everything, also can the wires connect to the copper foil tape or would I need to connect them to actual 9v track.
+JR Bricks Yes, that's all you would need. The train track contacts connect to actual 9v track in my layout. I don't see any reason why they wouldn't work with the copper foil tape. You can always attach them to one of your 9v curves if they don't work. For the sections of long straights, try and use one piece of tape. It helps with the electric current to have fewer disconnects. I hope that makes sense. Good luck.
+Alex Nunes thanks, also I have two seperate train tracks. Can I use one speed regulator to control both trains on seperate tracks. Would I connect both the connectors to just the one speed regulator?
I am not a fan of Lepin. This is mainly because they take other creator's ideas and sell them at a very cheap price. If they did their own R&D, and licensing I would respect them, but not after all the blatant intellectual property theft.