There is yet another really interesting new set coming next month for adult LEGO fans. The #10277 LEGO Crocodile Locomotive. There is no official press-release for this set, but we do have some basic information and pictures.
The #10277 LEGO Crocodile Locomotive is based on a real-life electric locomotive from Switzerland, which was in service between 1919 and 1986. The name comes from the shape of the “noses” at each end of the locomotive, reminiscent of the snout of a crocodile. The nose units contain the motors and drive axles, and they are connected by an articulated center section with crew compartments, pantographs, and the transformer. The large motors were necessary for pulling heavy goods on the steep tracks of the Swiss mountains, and the pivoting center helped to make the tight curves of the alpine routes and tunnels.
More specifically, the #10277 LEGO Crocodile Locomotive is based on the first version of the Crocodile, which is referred to as Class Ce 6/8 II (Class Ce 6/8 I was a prototype). According to Wikipedia, thirty-three Class Ce 6/8 II and eighteen Class Ce 6/8 III locomotives were built between 1919 and 1927, and they served until 1982. Nine out of the 51 locomotives survived, but only three are still in operation as preserved historical locomotives in Switzerland. Similar locomotives were also used in Austria, Germany, France, India, and the United States. Other locomotives with long noses are also sometimes called Crocodiles, even if they don’t have an articulated body.
As you can see on the pictures, the #10277 LEGO Crocodile Locomotive is a faithful replica of the original train. It comes a brick-built section of track for display, but it can also placed on regular tracks and get motorized with the #88009 LEGO Powered Up Hub and the #88013 LEGO Powered Up Large Motor. And it appears that the LEGO Powered Up app is going to be updated to give this train specific controls.
the #10277 LEGO Crocodile Locomotive comes with 1,271 pieces and two minifigures, and is recommended for ages 18+. It will be available at the Online LEGO Shop on July 1st. Prices are as follows: 99.99 EUR – 899DKK – 99.99USD. For more details and availability, check the LEGO Creator Expert section of the Online LEGO Shop.
We haven’t gotten an expert builder-level train from LEGO for quite a while, so the Crocodile is a welcome addition. It appears to be a great looking train from the pictures, although I wish it either came with train cars, or train cars would be available as separate add-on packs. Other than that, I do like it quite a bit. The brown is a muted, but more sophisticated color choice, and the display tracks is a nice touch for those who just want to display the locomotive without motorization. And of course, motorization is always a great option for LEGO train fans, so it’s nice that LEGO designers thought to add that choice as well.
Other currently available LEGO Trains include the #60197 LEGO City Passenger Train, the #60198 LEGO City Cargo Train, the #71044 LEGO Disney Train & Station, the #75955 LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Express, and the #70424 LEGO Hidden Side Ghost Train Express. Some of them are currently shown as out of stock, but you can still purchase them with a bit of waiting time at the Online LEGO Shop.
What do you think? How do you like the LEGO Crocodile Locomotive? Are you planning to add it to your collection? Feel free to share your thoughts and discuss in the comment section below!
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