Reply to "LEGO train scale?"

I'm part of a LEGO train club ( NILTC.org ) . Maybe I can help. As folks have already said, LEGO is not a true scale, but is very close to 0 scale, with most of their products being similarly sized to 0-27 trains.  However, some folks make their custom engines very close to scale models.  The average LEGO figure is close in height to 1/48, but if it's measurements are taken, it is remarkably obese. 

LEGO discontinued the "9V" powered rail system almost a decade ago.  Our club has stuck with 9V components for their ease of use in public displays. However, the move to IR remote controlled trains (running on all plastic tracks) has not been entirely bad for the user.  

The new system is called "Power Functions".  As well has having a truck-mounted motor unit that is very similar to the old (9V) set, the power functions also allows LEGO users to use the gears and pieces from the LEGO "Technic" system to gear their own engines for increased torque and other specs.  Also the advent of Lithium Ion  Battery packs has given these battery powered trains much more staying power.

If you have the Hogwarts express, you will need at the very minimum:

8879 Remote control

8884 IR Reciever

88002 Train Motor

8878 (Rechargeablel) or 88000 (standard) Battery Pack.

This will run you about 50 or 90 bucks depending on which battery pack you go with. You can also get a light pack if you want.

You can see all the options here: http://shop.lego.com/en-US/Trains-ByTheme

Another option is to purchase the Freight Train set for $200 or the Passenger Train kit for $150.  Each will come with all the necessary motor and control elements as well as track  and other stuff.

A final option would be to not buy the 88002 train motor and get the 8882 power functions XL motor. This will save a few bucks, but you'll have to purchase additional gearing elements to get the power to the wheels. You'll also have to modify the Hogwarts express ALOT to make it work.

You might be able to find slightly better deals on some of these parts on EBAY or Bricklink.com, though Bricklink's catalog takes a bit of time to understand.

Lastly, you'll find alot of help for LEGO trains from the very enthusiastic Adult Fan of LEGO   (AFOL)  communty at:

eurobricks.com

Railbricks.com

Enjoy your LEGO journey.  Beware, it's as addictive as O-Gauge!

Emerald knight is by far the best Steam Loco LEGO ever made, though I don't think it's produced anymore.   It doesn't come with a motor, but can be powered either by a motor and geared solution inside the engine or with a train motor placed under the tender.  The train comes with the wheels and gears setup already for directly plugging in the 8882 Power Functions XL motor (though you have to purchase the 8882 and maybe an extension power cord) and the battery box fits into the tender. Emerald night instructions show how this is done.

You can find the downloadable instructions for the Emerald night here:

http://lego.brickinstructions..../10194/Emerald_Night

Hogwarts express instructions are available at the same site.