There can be only one first, and this is the first motorized train set Lego released.

For Lego train collectors this is the Grandaddy of them all. When this was released there was also a stand alone motorized locomotive (112) and a train set without a motor (111), but 113 was the first fully realized, complete train set with a motor.

The new, very powerful motor (albeit slow), allowed this train to actually climb the grade shown on the box. In addition to the introduction of the 4.5v motor with battery box this set introduces new moulded parts for couplers and bogies. Unique printed bricks and the introduction of L gauge track round out this set beautifully. The Futura team likely saw this as a major step forward in their plans to expand the Lego system of play concept.

Though by todays standards the train and cars may seem hopelessly blocky and crude, it was the bees knees to kids my age and still maintains its magic luster almost 50 years later.

Pros

• Pro 1 - The beginning of (motorized) Lego train sets.
• Pro 2 - Strong, durable motor. Still going strong nearly 50 years later.
• Pro 3 - Unique printed bricks for mail and passenger cars.
• Pro 4 - Lots of parts for a set this early on.
• Pro 5 - Reversible motor
• Pro 6 - Easy to expand with accessories.
• Pro 7 - There were a lot of model trains back in the day, but this was the first one you could build yourself.

Cons

• Con - None

This was the crown jewel of my early sets, even outshining the Town Plan in playability.

If you are a Lego train collector I would strongly recommend tracking (bad pun, I know) this down.

Oh, the famous blue train that starts in northern Germany and goes through Switzerland to Italy. :)

Considering that we are in 1966, there are quite a few special parts in the kit. It's something I didn't even think about and I've never seen before.

For example, the undercarriage of wagons, which is a single component with two axles and four train wheel connections. The battery holder is connected directly to the motor, no wires are needed, this is a good solution! Specifically, the battery is on top of the engine. This required a new special part, a gray plate frame in which the motor can fit.

The engine is unfortunately quite weak, but it is in good condition. The ratio of speed and torque is not very good compared to today's trains. If I take the tires off the wheels, the engine simply cannot pull the wagons, the wheel slips on the rail.

The inscriptions are printed, but the quality of the printing is quite rudimentary, not all inscriptions are parallel to the brick.

I never liked this blue rail, I don't understand why it couldn't be gray, and the sleepers are black, so it would look much better. In blue, it's too childish, too Duplo, although it's also gray these days.

Overall

I am satisfied with everything except the passenger waggon. The windows are badly spaced and there is no door. Also, some ventilation on the roof would have been nice.

My modification

I distributed the windows more proportionally, so there was room for the imitation of the doors. Thus, there is no need for a 1x1 transparent brick. I used the old 3-brick high doors to give it a period look. I left room for two openings in the roof for ventilation.

Since there was already a 1x1 brick with numbers printed on it, I also put one between the windows, so it looks better, together with the doors it is less boring.

Although it is not important, I put some seats and a dining table in the interior.