In this fun LEGO challenge build I converted LEGO Cargo Train 7939 for 9 AAA batteries to a sustainable solar powered build using a LEGO Education Solar Kit 9667 panel. No more batteries, no more flat batteries and no more waiting to charge batteries.
2:37 See the test cart in action
3:04 See the final LEGO Solar powered train in action
The video shows how to remove all electrical components, add the solar panel on the roof of the train and test the challenge. The solar panel produced enough power without a battery – just… It ran around the LEGO train tracks and the little sustainable LEGO village with LEGO Friends wind turbine and solar powered LEGO city apartment building. LEGO sustainable features in the blocks and sets is fun and this was working example of the solar panels found on the LEGO city apartment roof.
As many non-essential build pieces were removed for a lighter weight engine. The panel additionally does not produce enough energy to power the train and the weight of the IR sensor and remote so the sensor was removed as well.
Behind the scenes :
Almost all the internal weight of the train had to be removed.
The train wheels had to be swapped with the smaller second carriage wheels.
The train needed FULL sun – and worked for about 2 hours in the middle of the day.
I tried a design with the second carriage as solar – this was too heavy for the power that the solar panel can generate.
More sustainable build challenges coming soon. Subscribe to @superideaslab for more LEGO build ideas, challenges and timers.
