I’ve been pressing for a new Creator Expert-like train set for a while and it has finally been revealed. #10277-1: Crocodile Locomotive will be released by LEGO starting on 1 July 2020. It contains 1,271 pieces and will retail for $99.99 in the US ($0.079/piece). LEGO has done away with the Creator Expert line in favor of the new 18+ line with sets meant for adults. This set will join the growing lineup of 18+ sets.

One of my previous posts included a link to an interview with Jamie Berard and provided his explanation for why LEGO hasn’t made separate train sets. During the recent Recognized LEGO Fan Media (RLFM) days held virtually, Mr. Berard explained the reason for LEGO’s change of heart when it comes to trains. You can read the interview on Bricket.com or The Brothers Brick.

Let’s dig into the set a bit based on some pictures.

This set includes 2 new minifigures that both fit in the train at the same time. Not sure why the female minifigure doesn’t have the new hat with hair attached, but it’s all good.

The train can be displayed on an Architecture-like stand with brick built track or you can put it on standard LEGO track. Along with the display base, there is a stand with details about the set similar to the Star Wars UCS line. I am hoping this is a trend going forward. The recent gift with purchase #40370-1: Steam Engine had a similar set up. Adding the Crocodile Locomotive, the Steam Engine, and future models to a display shelf or cabinet could be pretty cool for some AFOLs. Hint, hint! LEGO! In case you’re reading this…

Per the interview, the set only comes with one sticker and that’s because printing on black bricks doesn’t go well. As an AFOL, I am happy to hear this as I’m a big fan of the printed bricks and I dislike stickers.

As mentioned, this set can be motorized with the Powered Up parts. You need #88013 Technic Large Motor ($39.99 in the US) and #88009 Powered Up Hub ($49.99 in the US) to motorize this train. So you almost double the price of the set. Not sure how I feel about this… we’ll have to see if I decide to motorize it or not.

The picture above gets another perspective of the train. I don’t recall seeing the rail piece before, but supposedly it is not new. I’m also glad to see the individual train wheels similar to the Emerald Night versus the standard LEGO train wheels from the LEGO CITY trains.

The buffers with the magnets are back too. This is compared to the Technic connections used on some past trains like #75955-1: Hogwarts Express.

There has been some debate about 6-wide versus 8-wide. This set is 6-wide train set and while some fans may scoff at this, I say that at this point, it doesn’t matter. I just would like LEGO to produce more train sets.

Ah yes, the hero shot… because no AFOL has a room that looks like that. Where are the plastic containers with bricks? The sets on shelves, the piles of unopened boxes. This picture isn’t realistic at all!

So what’s is negative about this release?

-Limited hope for LEGO Ideas train themed sets. The current review period (June 2020) has two train themed sets and I am not confident that these will get through the pipeline given LEGO is releasing its own train set on 1 July 2020.
-Expect set availability in the US to be less than stellar given the COVID-19 production impacts. The recent Technic Super Car (#42115-1: Lamborghini Sián FKP 37) didn’t last long at Shop @ Home. We’ll have to see if the 1 July 2020 set release even holds in the US.
-$190 to buy the set and motorize it. Yikes! The good part is you can buy the motor and hub and use it in future trains so you are not limited to one set and needing to buy motors for others. The downside is we need LEGO to stick to not modify the Powered Up app too much so that the hub lasts. If the app gets shut down, you can’t run your train anymore.

Enough complaining… baby steps. LEGO is producing a train and I’m excited. I don’t expect I’ll be a day one buyer as I will wait to see some reviews and to get detailed looks on the set first. Then I’ll wait for double VIP points or a good gift with purchase before I pick one up.

What are your thoughts? Is this a step in the right direction? Or not so much?

Happy building!