Click Here For The Best Model Train Help
A Good Quality Locomotive Will Make All The Difference
A Good Quality Locomotive Will Make All The Difference!
It can be very frustrating having a locomotive that you need to push to get going, or it suddenly speeds up and falls off the tracks.
A locomotive runs by picking up the electricity from the track through its wheels. The wheels transfer the electricity to the motor, which then turns the gears to drive the locomotive.
A locomotive with poor pickup on the wheels or a poor gear set up will give you lots of problems. As with most things, you get what you pay for… but this is one area you do not want to skimp on. A great operating locomotive is 90% of the way to having a fantastic model train layout.
When buying a locomotive these points are critical:
* The amount of metal wheels that pick up the electricity - the more the better, but definitely more than 1 set.
* A good gearing ratio and motor which requires the least amount of electricity to move the locomotive, with a slow but smooth start.
* Flywheels at one or both ends of the motor to ensure a smooth take off and smooth stop.
* The weight of the locomotive should be just right to maintain a good connection to the track at all times but not too heavy to make the locomotive sluggish.
* The length of the locomotive - shorter diesel locomotives are less likely to derail on the curves than longer steam locomotives.
Most hobby shops will let you test the locomotive on their in-house test tracks before you buy.
Test the locomotive forwards and backwards… Check for a nice smooth take off and a nice smooth stop when the power is ramped up or down.
I usually go into my local hobby shop after doing my research online, test the locomotive, and then purchase online…
That tip has saved me nearly 30% of the retail price in some cases…
Buy quality when you buy your locomotives… I guarantee the investment will be well worth it.
For more information of looking after your model railway visit model trains for beginners and get 1 month free access to the model train club.
More Articles
How To Avoid Model Railroad Derailments
Where Are You Going To Put Your Model Train Layout
The Increase In Popularity Of N Gauge Model Railways
Applying Decals To Your Model Railway
Related Products And FREE Videos
More Articles
Adding Sound To Your Model Train Layout
... want to use. You can find many free audio files online that are designed to be used for this purpose. You can choose the audio files, and edit them on your computer to create a natural sounding mix. For example, it is a good idea to include some variations in volume, as well as a few quiet seconds here and there, just as occur in real life. After you have edited your sound mix, you will need to move ...
The Increase In Popularity Of N Gauge Model Railways
... model railways are second only to HO in terms of popularity with regards to train layouts. N gauge model railways can, however, have different scale sizes. Whilst the distance between the rails in all cases is 9mm the scale can range from 1:148 to 1:160 depending on the manufacturer (or country being marketed to). A great advantage for N gauge model railways is that an enthusiast can build a comprehensive ...
... the track should have an underlay of some description which will then allow us to have a small drop that simulates where the water can wash away. You can use cork, linoleum or any commercial underlay to achieve this. Once you have laid your model train track then we can consider adding the ballast. You will need to make sure that whatever you use is to scale so you could get some stones and chip them ...
... this company continued to improve and refine its product, other companies began to join in. Many of the model railway producers were located in Germany. Sometime around this period, people began to realize that toy trains could be sold not only to children, but that a more sophisticated version, the model railways, would appeal to adults as well. Many model makers/engineers had a great interest in the ...
Where Are You Going To Put Your Model Train Layout
... distractions and work on your layout with minimal interference.. The main downside of having your model train site in the spare room is that it is usually the smallest room in the house so you may have to choose a smaller set or a scale as you originally intended and where exactly do you put the clutter that congregates in the spare room like magic. An alternative for your model train site to the spare ...