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I want to create a mine scene on a 32x32 baseplate. I want to run a train track across the front, and then about 12 studs into the mine. Then, I want to build a couple simple mining carts on the tracks. I'm not very familiar with the tracks pieces. Can someone help me plan the pieces I'll need for this?

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  • I'm not looking to do anything electric. Sep 17, 2021 at 1:07

2 Answers 2

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I think you want to consider using the 4-stud-wide "rollercoaster" tracks, part numbers 25059, 25061 and 26022.

Here's how those to parts look like in set 60228:

Set 60228 closeup

The straight track are 8 or 16 studs long, and the 90° curved track has a radius of 12 studs (counted from the track centerline). These dimensions allow for a few track pieces to be placed in a 32x32 baseplate comfortably.You can fit a "L" made of one 90° curved track and two lengths of straight tracks (16 studs long each) into a 32x32 baseplate, leaving a margin of 2 studs.

This quick-and-dirty LeoCAD diagram should help convey the idea:

LeoCAD diagram with "L" track

Also note that part 85976 "Train, Track Plastic, Narrow, Curve" does exist, and is also 4 studs wide. However, there is no (official) corresponding flat straight part, and the curve radius is wider (24 studs). You can fit two such track parts in a 32x32 baseplate, but beware of the half-a-stud-long connectors at the end of each track piece, which might overhang:

LeoCAD diagram with 4-stud track

For the carts I guess you'll want to use parts 50254 "Train Wheel Small" and 4600 "Modified 2x2 Plate with Wheels Holder" or the roller coaster car assembly made up of 26061 "Roller Coaster Car Base" and 24869 "Roller Coaster Wheels".

The later is the technique used in set 60188 "Mining experts site", altough the result doesn't look "minecarty" enough to me since the wheels themselves are obscured from view:

Mine cart detail from set 60188

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  • Note that even though there is no premade LEGO flat straight narrow track, you can use either LEGO’s individual rail pieces to do the flat part, or you can buy flat straight track from one of the third party track companies (I think TrixBrix makes them but I could be wrong).
    – Phil B.
    Sep 17, 2021 at 10:17
  • You're right, I could find trixbrix.eu/en_US/c/Narrow-Gauge/26 and 4dbrix.com/products/train/2-08-narrow . I wonder if those could be elaborated into another answer? Sep 17, 2021 at 12:33
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There have already been a few older sets containing pre-made mine carts or similar constructions with tracks besides the currently used style mentioned by IvanSanchez, take a look at how they were implemented:

  1. Indiana Jones and The Temple of Doom (7199):

enter image description here

  1. The Dynamic Duo Funhouse Escape (6857): enter image description here

  2. Amusement Park Roller Coaster (41130): enter image description here

  3. Silver Mine Shootout (79110): enter image description here

  4. The Mine (4204), using different parts: enter image description here

  5. Dwarves' Mine (7036): enter image description here

  6. The Mine (21118), not rolling: enter image description here

  7. The Precious Crystal Mine (41177), also not rolling: enter image description here

  8. The Creeper Mine (21155), another style of non-rolling implementation with decorative "wheels": enter image description here

  9. Bandit's Secret Hide-Out (6761), rather a cannon on tracks than a minecart, but could be adapted:

enter image description here


The relevant parts from the Silver Mine set, added based on the request for clarification:

enter image description here

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    5 and 6 (at least) are interesting in that they adapt the normal rail tracks using different wheels, and these can be easier to get hold of
    – Chris H
    Sep 17, 2021 at 12:39
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    I like the mining cart in the Silver mine shootout. I can't find the diagrams for it in the instructions. Can someone help me understand how to build something like that? Sep 17, 2021 at 15:31
  • @MonteGardner The instructions for the track and cart are found in on pages 4 and 14 of the instruction booklet, but I have added the relevant parts as image to the answer. The cart is a nice SNOT build, surprise :)
    – zovits
    Sep 17, 2021 at 16:01

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