How many pieces are in the Thatcher Perkins Locomotive?

Thatcher Perkins Locomotive contains 433 pieces.

When was the Thatcher Perkins Locomotive released?

Thatcher Perkins Locomotive was released in 1976.

🏛 Hobby Sets

Set #396

Thatcher Perkins Locomotive

The Thatcher Perkins Locomotive is a charming glimpse into LEGO's past.

Before you buy

Who it's for: Beginner build LEGO fans interested in vintage sets and train enthusiasts
Build: 433 pieces · about 3 hours Build time is an estimate.
Availability: Likely retired

★★★☆☆ 3.8 AI-generated review score, not a customer rating

Fans appreciate this set's vintage charm and historical significance, though some find the design simplistic compared to modern LEGO trains. The straightforward build is a plus for beginners, but experienced builders may find it lacking in complexity and detail.

Check price on eBay

📝 Our Take

AI-assisted editorial summary, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

The Thatcher Perkins Locomotive is a charming glimpse into LEGO's past. Released in 1976, this Hobby Set offers a classic building experience with a focus on recreating a vintage steam engine. Its simple design and limited color palette are a stark contrast to modern sets, providing a unique nostalgia factor.

This set is perfect for LEGO enthusiasts interested in the history of the brick. The build is straightforward, making it accessible to builders of all ages, and the finished model has a certain vintage appeal that collectors will appreciate. It's a great conversation piece and a fun way to experience LEGO from a different era.

Skip this if you're looking for complex building techniques or high levels of detail. Modern train sets like the Emerald Night (10194-1) offer a more sophisticated building experience and greater realism. This set is more about historical significance than cutting-edge design.

✨ New

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How does this set compare to modern LEGO train sets in terms of building techniques? What is the best way to display and preserve a vintage LEGO set like this? How does the value of this set vary depending on its condition and completeness? What are some other notable LEGO train sets from the 1970s?

🧱 Building Experience

AI-assisted build estimate, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

🧩

433

Pieces

⏱

Estimated Build Time

📊

Beginner

Difficulty

Build Highlights:

Simple and straightforward construction
Classic building techniques from the 1970s
Focus on recreating a vintage steam engine
Good introduction to LEGO trains for younger builders

📈 Investment Analysis

AI-assisted investment analysis, grounded in our LEGO database and public community discussions. How we use AI

Not enough price history for a trend

Investment Grade

⏳ Retired

The Thatcher Perkins Locomotive is a relatively rare set from LEGO's early years, which gives it some inherent collector appeal. However, its simple design and limited piece count may limit its potential for significant appreciation. Condition is crucial for this set, as complete sets with original packaging command a premium. While not a guaranteed investment, its historical significance and rarity make it a worthwhile addition to a vintage LEGO collection. Investors should be aware that the market for these older sets can be volatile and dependent on collector interest.

Not Financial Advice: Content is for educational purposes only. Past performance doesn't guarantee future results. Full disclaimer

⚖ Compare Similar Sets

Emerald Night

Model Trains • 1,085 pcs

$99.99

Horizon Express

Model Trains • 1,351 pcs

$129.99

Push-Along Steam Engine

Trains • 122 pcs

$14.00

The Thatcher Perkins Locomotive is a simple, classic train set compared to modern, highly detailed train models. Sets like the Emerald Night (10194-1) or the Horizon Express (10233-1) offer a more complex and realistic building experience. However, this set provides a unique glimpse into LEGO's history and a more accessible build for younger builders or those interested in vintage sets. Its value lies in its rarity and historical significance rather than its complexity or modern features.

📦 Parts Inventory

Piece count: 433
Parts cataloged in this inventory: 48 unique parts, 433 pieces

Missing a piece? Check this set piece by piece, with look-alike colors flagged and element IDs for replacements.

Tyre Smooth Old S...

Part #: 132a 4× Black

Wheel Spoked with...

Part #: 242c01 4× Red

Train, Steam Engi...

Part #: 263 2× Black

Brick 2 x 4 witho...

Part #: 3001a 2× Black

Brick 2 x 3 witho...

Part #: 3002a 15× Black

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 16× Red

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 4× Yellow

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 2× Blue

Brick 1 x 2

Part #: 3004 18× Black

Brick 1 x 1

Part #: 3005 2× Blue

Brick 1 x 1

Part #: 3005 9× Black

Brick 1 x 1

Part #: 3005 14× Red

Brick 2 x 8

Part #: 3007 3× Black

Brick 1 x 8

Part #: 3008 10× Black

Part #: 3009 9× Black

Part #: 3010 20× Black

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 5× Red

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 10× Black

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 4× Yellow

Plate 2 x 4

Part #: 3020 6× Blue

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 5× Black

Plate 2 x 3

Part #: 3021 4× Blue

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 1× Yellow

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 8× Black

Plate 2 x 2

Part #: 3022 1× Blue

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 22× Black

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 6× Red

Plate 1 x 2

Part #: 3023 8× Yellow

Part #: 3024 17× Black

Plate 6 x 16

Part #: 3027 1× Black

Plate 6 x 12

Part #: 3028 1× Black

Plate 4 x 10

Part #: 3030 3× Black

Plate 4 x 4

Part #: 3031 2× Black

Plate 4 x 4

Part #: 3031 2× Yellow

Plate 4 x 6

Part #: 3032 4× Blue

Plate 4 x 6

Part #: 3032 3× Black

Plate 6 x 10

Part #: 3033 7× Black

Plate 2 x 8

Part #: 3034 5× Black

Plate 4 x 8

Part #: 3035 1× Black

Plate 6 x 8

Part #: 3036 2× Black

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3037 6× Black

Part #: 3039 5× Black

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3040a 6× Black

Brick Sloped 45° ...

Part #: 3045 8× Black

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062a 12× Black

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062a 15× Yellow

Brick Round 1 x 1...

Part #: 3062a 4× Blue

Brick Round Corne...

Part #: 3063b 4× Yellow

Brick Round Corne...

Part #: 3063b 4× Blue

Tile 1 x 2 withou...

Part #: 3069a 1× Black

Window 1 x 2 x 2 ...

Part #: 3081c01 3× Yellow

Part #: 3626a 5× Yellow

Brick Arch 1 x 4

Part #: 3659 2× Red

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3660a 6× Blue

Brick Sloped Inve...

Part #: 3660a 8× Black

Brick Special 2 x...

Part #: 7049bc01 11× Black

Train Steam Drive...

Part #: upn0269 2× Yellow

Train Steam Drive...

Part #: upn0282 2× Red

Train Wheel Spoke...

Part #: upn0383a 1× Black

🧱 Sticker Sheet for...

Part #: 4677 1× [No Color/Any Color]

The set features a high concentration of black bricks and plates, useful for MOC builders needing basic structural elements. The inclusion of older wheel holders is notable for its vintage design, though not particularly rare.

🛒 Where to Buy

eBay

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💎 Notable Parts

Black Brick Special 2 x 4 with Wheel Holder Old, Clear Bottom, Red Inside (11x) $5.50

Black Plate 6 x 10 (7x) $1.75

Yellow Brick Round 1 x 1 Solid Stud (15x) $2.25

Black Brick 1 x 8 (10x) $1.50

Blue Brick 1 x 8 (8x) $2.00

Est. BrickLink Part Value

$13.00

💡 MOC Potential

🚗 Modify into a different style of steam engine

🏙 Create a vintage train station diorama

🌳 Build a rural landscape for the train to travel through

Community Insights

Real opinions from Reddit and YouTube

What Reddit Says

No Reddit discussions found for this set.

What YouTubers Say

1 video found

BlockTalk AI

BrickTsar's review of the vintage LEGO 396 Thatcher Perkins locomotive from 1976 praises its historical accuracy, noting its basis on a Baltimore & Ohio Railroad steam locomotive. However, the review points out the set's incompatibility with standard LEGO train tracks due to its 10-stud width.