| The final piece of the perfect model train puzzle | | | | conducted to the motor, so the more the merrier! |
| should get your first consideration! | | | | At least 2 wheel sets should have contact, but |
| Has this ever happened to you: | | | | preferably more. |
| You spend weeks getting your model railroad set | | | | Next be sure the gear ratio is sufficient. |
| up to be just right. The time comes to run your | | | | Additionally, the electrical rating of the engine |
| train, you hit the button, and nothing happens... | | | | should allow the engine to move with a minimal |
| Except for that pathetic electrical buzz coming | | | | amount of electricity. These two factors |
| from under the carriage of your locomotive! In a | | | | combined should allow for a smooth, steady start |
| last-ditch effort to salvage your hours and hours | | | | and a graceful stop. |
| of work, and your ego, you give the engine a little | | | | Another factor to consider, and one that will help |
| tap, and zip, zoom, zowie - it goes flying... Right | | | | with the smoothness of the start and stop: does |
| off the rails! | | | | the motor have at least one, but preferably two, |
| If you are feeling the shame of recognition of a | | | | fly wheels? |
| similar memory of your own, you know first hand | | | | Next, the weight of the locomotive engine should |
| the frustration of an under-rated locomotive. Don't | | | | be a perfect balance that, on the one hand, allows |
| worry, you're not alone. The best way to avoid | | | | a secure contact to the rails, while on the other |
| this disaster (again) is to get a high quality | | | | hand, is not too heavy to induce sloth-like |
| locomotive from the start. | | | | sluggishness along as it moves along the rails. |
| As you well know, electricity flows through the | | | | Finally, the length of the locomotive in relation to |
| track of a model railroad. The electricity passes | | | | the arc of your curves should be considered. A |
| through the conductive metal wheels of your | | | | shorter diesel engine will allow a smooth ride along |
| engine, and to the electric motor inside. The | | | | tighter curves, while a longer steam locomotive |
| electric motor then powers the gears which, in | | | | engine will be able to take more open curves |
| turn, rotate the wheels of the locomotive engine. | | | | elegantly. |
| If everything goes as it should, and if you | | | | Your locomotive is probably one of the most |
| selected the right engine, the train then begins to | | | | important investments in your model train hobby |
| run along the track as the rolling stock is pulled | | | | that you will make. Hobby shops know this, and |
| along. | | | | most of them will let you take your potential |
| However if you somehow got an engine that is | | | | purchases out for a spin on their rails. Just ask, |
| not quite up to snuff, the above scenario plays | | | | and they should be happy to oblige. |
| out. Bad gearing or inadequate traction on the | | | | Show respect for their stock, of course, but |
| wheels will rob you of the pleasure of running a | | | | really put it to the test. Run it forward and |
| stellar model train! So this is definitely one piece of | | | | backward. Start off slow and smooth, and gently |
| equipment you should splurge on. | | | | wind down to a stop. And even test it by ramping |
| What are important points to evaluate while | | | | up to full steam then throwing on the breaks. |
| shopping for you model train locomotive engine? | | | | Check this out several times before you buy. |
| First, how much metal comes in contact with the | | | | Buy a quality locomotive engine, and it should be |
| rails? Here, as you can imagine, the more contact | | | | around for years taking your imagination on a |
| the wheel sets have, the more electricity will be | | | | journey for miles and miles. |