7735 - Freight Train Set

1985-1990
509 pieces, 2 minifigs

instructions
booklet, 40 pages
14.6 x 21.0 cm (A5)

12V Starter Set
from 8 years

In 1985, Lego introduced a third wave of new Train sets, overhauling the starter sets. As before, there were two 12v starter sets, of which this 7735 was the smaller set.

A-Model

Unlike its predecessor goods train starter sets, 7730 and 7727, 7735 does not have a steam engine but instead a modern-styled diesel locomotive, slightly reminiscent of 7760. In some catalogues, this locomotive was dubbed 'Hercules', after the Roman god famous for his strength. After 7740 and 7722, this is the third use of the yellow-red color scheme.

The first two wagons are flatbed cars with various goods: two motorbikes, a big fuel barrel and a small fuel truck, both featuring the Shell logo. The third wagon is a yellow boxcar with both regular train doors and sliding doors. Up until now, this is the only LEGO set ever to use these yellow train doors.

LEGO's partnership with Shell started in 1966, and until the introduction of the fictional gasoline company Octan in 1992, Shell was the common gasoline brand featured in LEGO sets. This set is the second of 3 LEGO Trains sets from the 1980s to feature the Shell brand. Before this one, wagon 7816 was released in 1980 while in 1986, LEGO introduced 7813 which was the last attempt at a Shell wagon during the grey era.

Unlike its two predecessors, the set comes with is a small loading station with ramp. The track is a circle with two additional straight sections, just like 7730 and 7727 before.

B-Model

The B-model locomotive looks like a smaller version of the 7740 locomotive, which may explain its popularity. There are 2 flatbed wagons, also based on the motorcycle theme from the A-model. The second wagon has a brakeman's cab. The car was redesigned to carry a motorcycle, the platform was hardly redesigned at all as it's almost identical to the A-model.

based with kind permission on a series of reviews by Christian Andersch; revisions, editing and additional research by Fouke Boss.