This is a great idea! I have a 9v train from 20 years ago but only a loop of track. This technique will allow me to use that 9v engine on a current train and not blow thru batteries
You're a genius, thank you so much for sharing this information! No longer should people waste 20$ on a single straight track lol, I salute you. Thank you so much!
Absolutely wonderful bevin!!! I always thought the 9v was the superior of the two systems. This is honestly one of the best, easiest, and affordable options I have seen for a conversion.
Thank you so much for this! I actually found a 9v motor in a large haul of LEGO that I just bought. Had no idea it was even in there. I teste the motor, it works fine. Need to get a speed controller and the pieces to connect to the track. Just recently bought 4 boxes of track and the Hogwarts Express... going to build and motorize using the 9v motor! :-) Thanks again Darryl!
Lego should’ve kept this system. We’ve gone through so many batteries with the new ones. Now, this is a fantastic idea. But, almost thinking would it be better to get the layout setup, THEN tape the tracks as that would be one continuous strip? Of course till the 2 ends meet up. ;)
Its the cheapest way to go and saves a ton of money, Ive actuallt been looking into ways to make my own track and 9v motors, costs are rather high though.
Just wanted to let everyone know that I didn't pay or force Daryl to use my tape for this vlog. Thanks for sharing this great idea though, Bevins Bricks.
Have been doing the tape for a while. The only thing is the transition from standard 9v track and plastic track with tape at times is derailing my train. I eventually want all LEGO standard 9v track but they are averaging $5 a piece for the straight plus tax and shipping which isn't cheap right now bringing it about $6.50 to $7 a piece. I just ordered some of FX Bricks straight tracks to see what they are like and I will be doing a review of it soon. It still wasn't cheap - with shipping would be equal to $5.90 each of LEGO straight piece. These are 32 stud long track so one track is equal to 2 LEGO. I am hoping with less connection points the stronger the current will be to the motors. I can't wait for FX Bricks' small 9v pieces and different radius curves to come out later this year. As well as new motors. Seems like they will help bring back the 9v system which I absolutely love. -Steve-
Very cool tutorial. I have no electrical skills but I am about to attempt to replace the wires on my 9 V brick contacts for set 4561. Keep up the excellent work
Wow !!! Really impressive !! You continue to blow me away. Your definitely the MacGyver in the LEGO Community. Dont be surprised if i start calling you MacGyver. lol Your awesome brother !! 😎
I've really been wanting to play around with arguing and the raspberry pi myself. Think you could really add some awesome features to a Lego city that way.
Aluminum tape might look like a better match but I wonder if the conductivity is suitable. I have HVAC tape I use to seal duct joints: if you have or get some, perhaps a side-by-side comparison of current measurements are in order? Longevity might cause problems, too. Sure it is easy to re-tape a track piece, or even re-tape an entire installation while in place, but how long will it last? Maybe run a motor on a loop until the tape wears out somewhere and see how long it takes to fail? Or confirm you can get at least x hours out of it? There is so much possible experimentation here! Nothing beats the real thing, but good on ya for the suggestions here. - MeisterDad.
Aluminium has 0.6 times the conductivity of copper, but that copper tape he is using is only 1 mil, the standard HVAC tape seems to be 3 - 4 mil, so it has at least twice the conductivity and you don't even need to reinforce the joints. Adding 7 mil to the tracks might make them a little tight on the wheels though.
Not sure what your editor is, but most have a way to copy audio tracks from one to the other so you don't have to worry about the leftness or rightness of the audio.
I have a question regarding this technic is it safe to do a garden/outside loop with these modified tracks, or does it have risks considering the copper and the wind and weather...
@@BevinsBricksWorld thank you so much for the recommendation! will do I was kinda thinking of doing model railways with legos outside so that is very helpful to know
The link for the tape is in the description and below as well. Studio Pro 7/32-Inch Silver Lined Copper Foil Tape a.co/d/3U52L2b This has a paper back that removes, the underside of the tape is the same as the front which is copper. But the back has adhesive on it.
Looks really nice! Can anyone comment from personal experience how the tape holds up over use? It has such a finished appearance here when first applied, does it continue to stay so flat and smoothly adhered to the track?
Not sure why someone would want to remove the copper tape, but I wonder if that adhesive is detrimental to the 'LEGO' plastic? Im guessing not, but have you ever tried to remove the tape after some extended period of time? Again, I dont know why someone would want to remove it.
Respectfully, I think you should use a better camera for your headshots that have a little depth of field, the background would look really good defocused behind you, it's really busy, just my two cents, fan of the channel, hope this helps
Just discovered to you. This is brilliant! I wish I had seen this before I sold my large quantity of standard track to help pay for 9 V tracks! I don’t know much about electrical stuff but the copper is safe to use and won’t heat up and melt the plastic tracks?
A little off topic but I figured a recent video is best place to ask. A few weeks ago you did a video on the new road plates and had some parking spots marked with yellow lines. You didn’t go into much detail on that and there isn’t any instructions up on rebrickable. We’re you planning on doing instructions? If not, can you do a video maybe? Would be GREATLY APPRECIATED. Thanks for all the content you put out. By far my favorite lego channel!
@@DiscoChickenNugget yeah I know. But he also used road plates for the road. I’m more wondering how he did the angles for the sidewalk. Im using road plates to set up our brand new city so I just wasn’t sure how he had it all connected and set up.
How do you do switches? I'm looking at pictures of the 9v stuff and I don't see anything out of the ordinary. Is there anything hidden that we would have to add?
@@BevinsBricksWorld Yes, on the 9v tracks I can see two wires at the crossover to continue the circuit but i'm looking to see if there is any other connection made when the bit that moves touches the track...so you would need to put some copper tape on the side. Has to be because when you have two you can use them together to isolate parts of the track... Nice video btw. I'm doing this to my track right now.
I am 17 and only have Power Functions and I want to make a modula Lego Railway I am Questioning tho if I should Upgrade to 9 volt Except for steam trains where I will use Power functions also does copper last long enough?
Just seeing this now, awesome. Absolutely awesome. Such a money saver. Two questions though. 1. I see their is aluminium foil available as well, would it work just as good as the copper. Or would the copper be better for conductivity? 2. How durable is the tape? Are you still using tracks with it? Does it wear off easily?
Aluminum would work the conductiviy is much better with copper. As for lasting it does wear out over time, but Im not sure how long it takes, I can tell you it will last a long time for the typical user.
It does work, but it loses conductivity over time. The tape is a pain to remove and replace. I've done a lot of layouts using this method, but it's not durable.
Hi dear bevins brick! I have an important question for you! :D The copper tape you use hasn't started to oxidize for you? The problem for me is that I used some cheaper non-branded tape and unfortunately it started to oxidize. And if there is a site where the tape used in the video is still for sale, please write it down under my comment, thanks in advance :D
@@BevinsBricksWorld I don't know... It's like using Lepin bricks to create MILS plates (example)... Nobody cares because nobody knows but it's there ! 🤔... I don't know maybe I like Lego trains/tracks a little bit too much lol 😉
You just single handily killed the after-market for the old 9v tracks. Great tutorial! Now if I can get my hands on one of those old motors.
it's getting to the point I'm going to design a case for a train moter and rail connections...
@@karavalentine920 Ikr? Still no viable alternative to the old 9v engines on the market... can't be that hard to engineer your own 😁
There are several guides online on how to convert engines to 9v. I just haven't done one myself yet.
@@BevinsBricksWorld ¿Eso es cinta de aluminio?.
@@josecarlossalazarpostigo662 it's copper
This is a great idea!
I have a 9v train from 20 years ago but only a loop of track. This technique will allow me to use that 9v engine on a current train and not blow thru batteries
You're a genius, thank you so much for sharing this information!
No longer should people waste 20$ on a single straight track lol, I salute you. Thank you so much!
Thank you and thanks for watching :)
This channel is quickly becoming an all time favourite. Adding life to LEGO for a fraction of the cost. Thank-you!
Thanks and thank you for watching.
That is great. Can you please show us a how to do that on a turnout switch track too.
Absolutely wonderful bevin!!! I always thought the 9v was the superior of the two systems. This is honestly one of the best, easiest, and affordable options I have seen for a conversion.
Sorry for the late answer but the superior system is still the 12v system.
Thank you so much for this! I actually found a 9v motor in a large haul of LEGO that I just bought. Had no idea it was even in there. I teste the motor, it works fine. Need to get a speed controller and the pieces to connect to the track. Just recently bought 4 boxes of track and the Hogwarts Express... going to build and motorize using the 9v motor! :-) Thanks again Darryl!
Lego should’ve kept this system. We’ve gone through so many batteries with the new ones. Now, this is a fantastic idea. But, almost thinking would it be better to get the layout setup, THEN tape the tracks as that would be one continuous strip? Of course till the 2 ends meet up. ;)
I totally agree
That idea would work, until you have to disassemble the track and the tape may rip unevenly and make future connections less secure.
I've been intending to try this out for months, and finally got around to it. Worked like a charm!
Its the cheapest way to go and saves a ton of money, Ive actuallt been looking into ways to make my own track and 9v motors, costs are rather high though.
Do you know if this will work on flex tracks?
Just wanted to let everyone know that I didn't pay or force Daryl to use my tape for this vlog. Thanks for sharing this great idea though, Bevins Bricks.
PUN
Have been doing the tape for a while. The only thing is the transition from standard 9v track and plastic track with tape at times is derailing my train. I eventually want all LEGO standard 9v track but they are averaging $5 a piece for the straight plus tax and shipping which isn't cheap right now bringing it about $6.50 to $7 a piece. I just ordered some of FX Bricks straight tracks to see what they are like and I will be doing a review of it soon. It still wasn't cheap - with shipping would be equal to $5.90 each of LEGO straight piece. These are 32 stud long track so one track is equal to 2 LEGO. I am hoping with less connection points the stronger the current will be to the motors. I can't wait for FX Bricks' small 9v pieces and different radius curves to come out later this year. As well as new motors. Seems like they will help bring back the 9v system which I absolutely love. -Steve-
Nice! that lil gift got you properly hooked on 9v Trains i see.
@@BevinsBricksWorld that will look super cool bro.
Excellent video Daryl! This is a fantastic alternative if a person doesn't want to spend the money of authentic LEGO 9V track.
Daryl, that is such a coll idea. thank you for sharing your tip with us. Now, I have to buy the tape and the transformer. Wish me luck!
Nice video Daryl x
Thanks for sharing this tutorial! Previously, I have used aluminum foil, but this seems a lot more durable👌
You're welcome 😊
A fantastic how-to to save a LOT of cash!!! Well-done Daryl :)
You're the lego master
This video had gotten you a sub good sir. I've been looking into maybe getting into the 9v scene for Lego trains and this is genius
Thanks
Very cool tutorial. I have no electrical skills but I am about to attempt to replace the wires on my 9 V brick contacts for set 4561. Keep up the excellent work
That's a common issue people have to do sadly. Thanks for watching:)
Good idea with the copper foil
Excellent!
Holy crap! It’s so cheap! You can get these at hobby lobby to for $4.49 (make sure it’s 7/32”) for 326 yards! Thank you so much!
Yes way better than buying all the track :)
Wow !!! Really impressive !! You continue to blow me away. Your definitely the MacGyver in the LEGO Community. Dont be surprised if i start calling you MacGyver. lol Your awesome brother !! 😎
@@BevinsBricksWorld me too when i was small !
Thank you this will save me so much more money
Yw
Awesome and will definitely save on batteries. You can use the same tape to make custom slot car tracks on routed boards.
Thank you this was very helpful.
Your welcome
And you got a new subscriber today.
Thank you so much for the idea.!! It’s a great inspiration to me 👍🏼
Now I want to see a switch done since they are so expensive!
Wow very cool. I’m definitely going to have to do this as I’m sure it’s much cheaper. Thanks for another great video. 😀
Sold! I'm about to buy one of those motors, then I can hook it up to an Arduino with some proximity sensors to make an affordable automated system!
I've really been wanting to play around with arguing and the raspberry pi myself. Think you could really add some awesome features to a Lego city that way.
Thank you so much for sharing this! I can’t wait to try!
How does this work on switches?
nice tutorial brother
thanks from india
WOW!! THANK YOU!!!
Nice video. If this can also power the LEDs on the train, then there is no need for batteries ever again!
great idea! Thanks
Amazing! Thanks so much!
Your welcome
Aluminum tape might look like a better match but I wonder if the conductivity is suitable. I have HVAC tape I use to seal duct joints: if you have or get some, perhaps a side-by-side comparison of current measurements are in order?
Longevity might cause problems, too. Sure it is easy to re-tape a track piece, or even re-tape an entire installation while in place, but how long will it last? Maybe run a motor on a loop until the tape wears out somewhere and see how long it takes to fail? Or confirm you can get at least x hours out of it?
There is so much possible experimentation here!
Nothing beats the real thing, but good on ya for the suggestions here.
- MeisterDad.
Aluminium has 0.6 times the conductivity of copper, but that copper tape he is using is only 1 mil, the standard HVAC tape seems to be 3 - 4 mil, so it has at least twice the conductivity and you don't even need to reinforce the joints. Adding 7 mil to the tracks might make them a little tight on the wheels though.
I used this allready, but have you a good way to use it on switches ?
Please. Do you have a video of how to incline a track? Thanks
Yes, to give you a quick easy answer though, 1 plate rise per 8 stud distance.
Very cool technique. The only concern I have: how sustainable is this when you use it frequently, is the tape strong enough to avoid local damages?
thanks alot very helpfull
Thanks for watching
Cool
So this question might be dumb but I've never seen this before, will you get shocked if you touch the tracks?
Not a dumb question at all and no you don't get shocked. It's just like the old slot cat tracks or regular ho scale trains with this :)
Thanks for your amzi g videos
The copper tape looks different from the metal on official Lego 9V train tracks. What metal or alloy was Lego using on it's 9V train track pieces?
Not sure what your editor is, but most have a way to copy audio tracks from one to the other so you don't have to worry about the leftness or rightness of the audio.
Awesome tutorial, thanks! Does this method work for switch tracks too?
No, there is a travel wire built into those.
I have a question regarding this technic
is it safe to do a garden/outside loop with these modified tracks, or does it have risks considering the copper and the wind and weather...
Like any electrical equipment it's never good to use in wet locations. Outdoor use I recommend the plastic track with battery driven trains.
@@BevinsBricksWorld thank you so much for the recommendation! will do
I was kinda thinking of doing model railways with legos outside so that is very helpful to know
Did you use the silver backed or black backed tape? Any conductivity or adhesion difference between the two? Also, what was the package number?
The link for the tape is in the description and below as well.
Studio Pro 7/32-Inch Silver Lined Copper Foil Tape a.co/d/3U52L2b
This has a paper back that removes, the underside of the tape is the same as the front which is copper. But the back has adhesive on it.
Hai there Bevin, great video! Question: how would you go about this with a 12v track?
Looks really nice! Can anyone comment from personal experience how the tape holds up over use? It has such a finished appearance here when first applied, does it continue to stay so flat and smoothly adhered to the track?
I personally cant as I havent used it but a few times
Like it!
Not sure why someone would want to remove the copper tape, but I wonder if that adhesive is detrimental to the 'LEGO' plastic? Im guessing not, but have you ever tried to remove the tape after some extended period of time? Again, I dont know why someone would want to remove it.
I haven't but I have friends that use and they say it comes off fairly easy when they need to apply new pieces.
Why not mount some bristles to your train to keep the track clean? Might improve the durability.
Respectfully, I think you should use a better camera for your headshots that have a little depth of field, the background would look really good defocused behind you, it's really busy, just my two cents, fan of the channel, hope this helps
What about the crossover switch track? Does this still work?
You would need a jumper wire on the under side.
Just discovered to you. This is brilliant! I wish I had seen this before I sold my large quantity of standard track to help pay for 9 V tracks!
I don’t know much about electrical stuff but the copper is safe to use and won’t heat up and melt the plastic tracks?
Yes the copper tape is safe, we use it for display setups also and leave trains running for hours at shows.
What is the pro con of the 9v vs alternative?
A little off topic but I figured a recent video is best place to ask. A few weeks ago you did a video on the new road plates and had some parking spots marked with yellow lines. You didn’t go into much detail on that and there isn’t any instructions up on rebrickable. We’re you planning on doing instructions? If not, can you do a video maybe? Would be GREATLY APPRECIATED. Thanks for all the content you put out. By far my favorite lego channel!
I’m pretty sure those are just yellow plates sideways. They arent on the actual road plates, just to the side
@@DiscoChickenNugget yeah I know. But he also used road plates for the road. I’m more wondering how he did the angles for the sidewalk. Im using road plates to set up our brand new city so I just wasn’t sure how he had it all connected and set up.
@@BevinsBricksWorld thank you sir!
Is there anything you recommend for cleaning the track?
Something quick and easy and most already own, a pencil eraser
When is going to be your next video
How do you do switches? I'm looking at pictures of the 9v stuff and I don't see anything out of the ordinary. Is there anything hidden that we would have to add?
Yes switch tracks have jumper wires built into them
@@BevinsBricksWorld Yes, on the 9v tracks I can see two wires at the crossover to continue the circuit but i'm looking to see if there is any other connection made when the bit that moves touches the track...so you would need to put some copper tape on the side. Has to be because when you have two you can use them together to isolate parts of the track...
Nice video btw. I'm doing this to my track right now.
Man I’m havin a hard time keepin the tape smooth on the curve tracks. Does it work alright if it isn’t completely smooth and bit bumpy?
I am 17 and only have Power Functions and I want to make a modula Lego Railway I am Questioning tho if I should Upgrade to 9 volt Except for steam trains where I will use Power functions also does copper last long enough?
I personally prefer the 9v stuff and have original 9v Lego track. But the tape is a really good option and does last.
Just seeing this now, awesome. Absolutely awesome. Such a money saver.
Two questions though.
1. I see their is aluminium foil available as well, would it work just as good as the copper. Or would the copper be better for conductivity?
2. How durable is the tape? Are you still using tracks with it? Does it wear off easily?
Aluminum would work the conductiviy is much better with copper. As for lasting it does wear out over time, but Im not sure how long it takes, I can tell you it will last a long time for the typical user.
What about switch track?
You need to run wires for that
Can you do switch tracks?
I'm sure you could do the switch tracks, I may do a video on it at a later date.
@@BevinsBricksWorld thanks
I have a question. How do we do this to the short flexible tracks?
There really isnt a easy way to do it
@@BevinsBricksWorld well guess I'll jist use them for sidings
Are you going to convert all your track to 9v?
It does work, but it loses conductivity over time. The tape is a pain to remove and replace. I've done a lot of layouts using this method, but it's not durable.
Hi dear bevins brick!
I have an important question for you! :D
The copper tape you use hasn't started to oxidize for you? The problem for me is that I used some cheaper non-branded tape and unfortunately it started to oxidize. And if there is a site where the tape used in the video is still for sale, please write it down under my comment, thanks in advance :D
I haven't had any oxidation problems with mine as of yet. The tape I use is this amzn.to/3R6DELo
It works for monorail if you want a challenge.
How about switches?
That requires some wiring. I havent tried to do one myself yet.
you saved my wallet a lot of money, thank you so much!!!!
You welcome :)
i use to do this but the tape woud where out over time and get bumpy
what’s the width of that tape?
1/4 here is a link to what I buy
amzn.to/3M3sfwf
@@BevinsBricksWorld thanks!
Only an electrician... :D
Or if you just used silver for the look of it it would make the tracks look good even with out having the 9volt system.😁
I remember alex nunes explaining this
now we just need a way to build the piece that connects to the controller
You can solder a small piece of wire to the copper tape. :)
How to save $$!
🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
9V LEGO train tracks on a budget.
Absolutely and it works very well.
Can you make a shout out
Daryl you are the worst! Now I’m considering getting into 9v... Shame on you. 😜🤣😂
Please don't do it... Use Lego or Fx bricks train tracks... This makes me cringe 😬😬😬 🤔😉👍
Why?
@@BevinsBricksWorld I don't know... It's like using Lepin bricks to create MILS plates (example)... Nobody cares because nobody knows but it's there ! 🤔... I don't know maybe I like Lego trains/tracks a little bit too much lol 😉
It is a way for people on a tight budget to enjoy a 9v system.