7710 - Push-Along Passenger Steam Train

1980-1984
447 pieces, 5 minifigs

instructions
booklet, 24 pages
14.6 x 21.0 cm (A5)

Push-along Starter Set
from 6 years

In 1980, the LEGO Train line was refreshed and re-launched into what has become known as the grey era. As before, the most basic entry point into the range were two unpowered push-along trains, of which this 7710 was the only train set.

A-Model

The steam locomotive is pretty simple and straightforward, as it lacks both doors and windows, but it is highly adorable. As it is a push-along train, there is no electric motor. Instead, it has a motor dummy which is built of basic bricks and train wheels. The dummy is connected to the train base only by four studs, therefore the whole construction is a little bit weak (in the successor set 7715, this issue was improved).

The two wagons are identical, except for the stickers which make them either "first class" or "second class". There are a lot of doors and windows, which were very exciting new parts back in 1980. The blue-yellow colour scheme is unique to this set, and interestingly matches that of the Dutch railways at the time, perhaps in an attempt to woo Dutch buyers? The design of the wagons is completely identical to that of the 7818 passenger wagon, except for the colour scheme and the plates on the roof of the wagon.

The track is a complete circle without straight sections. And there is a small station platform that helps the passengers to get in and out.