1966 / Classic / Supplemental

Starting in the 1950s LEGO began individual parts sales, a practice that began with the Ferguson Tracktor in 1951. LEGO would supply dealers with wooden parts boxes and refill packs. These individual part sales would continue, at least in some markets, into the late 1950’s.

1966 LEGO Sets

1966 marked yet another important year for LEGO. Not only did the international expansion reach an all-time high with now 42 countries selling LEGO, 1966 was the year LEGO officially released the Train theme. With the advent of the improved 4.5 V electric motor and housing, thanks to the engineering of the LEGO Futura and the process development lab, the introduction of LEGO trains was a natural fit. LEGO developed a number of new elements for the train system, including hook couplers, flanged wheels and, of course, a track system. Several train sets, such as the 113. 114 and 115, were released in 1966 and Lego began to feature the new system in its catalogs and idea books. The trains, were popular enough, especially in Europe, that Lego expanded the system with several accessories, most notably an electronic control unit that controlled the motor by a high-pitched whistle.