How do trains work?
Very Simply. Trains work by generating power down to their wheels, using electricity, diesel, a combination of both, and even steam. The wheels on the sides of the train are connected with a metal rod that helps it move forward, they are designed strategically so the train can stay on the track around corners.
What is the scale of a model train?
A model train's scale is its size compared to the size of a real train. For example, a HO scale locomotive is approximately 1/87th the size of a real locomotive. The most popular scale choices are O (1/48th), HO (1/87.1), N (1/160th), and Z (1/220th).
What do you need to know before buying a model train?
Here's what you need to do before spending your hard-earned money. There's a lot to know, including how to plan your space and layout, how to find quality model train sets, and how to set up electric trains for and with a young child. A model train's scale is its size compared to the size of a real train.
How does a throttle work on a model train?
The throttle sends signals to receiver, which interprets them as speed and direction controls. Like a television, the decoder ignores any signals that it is not tuned in to receive. This allows the modeler to have many different trains running on the layout without the need for large banks of switches.
How do model train controllers work?
The controller provides a voltage (V), the motor's back-EMF is a voltage (M), and there are three sources of resistance between the two, that of the controller, that of the track and wires, and that of the motor. The smaller the resistors, the closer you get to the controller's voltage setting the motor speed.
How does a model train transformer work?
The transformer converts the output to DC, filters the DC to purify it, then outputs the supply from the terminals on the back of your controller, along a couple of wires to the tracks where it is picked up by your locomotives wheels, turning the motor within.
How are HO model trains powered?
Power and control As with other scales, HO trains can be controlled in either analog or digital fashions. With analog control, two-rail track is powered by direct current (varying the voltage applied to the rails to control speed, and polarity to control direction).
How do model train gauges work?
The scale refers to the model train's relative size in proportion to the real train. The gauge is the distance between the rails, which in real life would be 4 ft. 8 and ½ inches inside-to-inside between the rails. Model trains reduce these measurements depending upon the scale.
Do model trains run on AC or DC?
Nearly all O Gauge trains use Alternating Current (AC) electricity to operate. Direct Current (DC) is far more common in two-rail trains. All of the tutorials on this site will be based on AC.
What voltage are model trains?
Model trains can run on anything from 5 V to over 18 V depending on their scale and type. While many small N scale trains run on 10 V to 12 V, the more common HO scale trains usually run around 14 V. Mid-size O gauge trains as well as the large G gauge trains can be even higher.
What does HO stand for in model trains?
half-OThe abbreviation “HO” stands for “half-O.” The smaller trains were less expensive and took up less space than their larger O scale cousins, which became popular with people who were moving into small homes and apartments in the 1940s.
Why is HO scale so popular?
HO scale is called HO because it is exactly half the size of the O Scale, landing right about the middle of the available train scales. This has made HO scale very popular, as it is large enough to see the finer details but small enough to be able to model within a home.
Why is it called HO scale?
The model railroading industry says HO is "approximately half O". The "N" is short for nine millimeter (although the actual gauge is 8.97mm). In N scale 2mm is approximately 1 foot. N scale is the second most popular scale worldwide.
Which is better N gauge or OO gauge?
For most people, OO gauge is usually a better choice than N gauge. It's almost always more cost effective - the locomotives, rolling stock and track are less expensive than N gauge and the second hand market is more mature and offers greater choice and flexibility.
Whats the difference between OO and HO?
The difference between the two comes down to size. The OO scale models are built to 1:76th scale while the HO scale models are built to 1:87th scale. In simple terms, if you were to push 87 HO scale modes together, the result would be the same size as the real deal.
What is the most popular model train size?
HOWith a track gauge of 16.5 mm and a scale of 1:87, HO is the most common model train size today. Lionel has manufactured HO trains several times in its history.
How does a Lionel train transformer work?
A Lionel train is just a flow of electrons. The hot wire from your electrical box goes through a transformer to the center rail, then through the motor and out to the wheels, through the outer rails and back to the transformer and finally, back to the outlet and out of your house back through the panel.
How does a transformer work?
The core of the transformer works to direct the path of the magnetic field between the primary and secondary coils to prevent wasted energy. Once the magnetic field reaches the secondary coil, it forces the electrons within it to move, creating an electric current via electromotive force (EMF).
How many watt transformer do I need?
Steps to select the right transformer size Compare your total lamp wattage to the available transformer sizes (typically 300, 600, 900 and 1200W). If you add up 600 watts, then use a 900-watt transformer.
How does a hugging face work?
Hugging Face is a community and data science platform that provides: Tools that enable users to build, train and deploy ML models based on open source (OS) code and technologies.
What is the scale of a model train?
A model train's scale is its size compared to the size of a real train. For example, a HO scale locomotive is approximately 1/87th the size of a real locomotive. The most popular scale choices are O (1/48th), HO (1/87.1), N (1/160th), and Z (1/220th). HO is the largest selling scale worldwide, with the N scale in second place. Great Britain's most popular scale is OO (1/76.2), but this scale isn't too common outside the UK.
What do you need to know before buying a model railroad?
There Is a Time and a Place for Everything. Before purchasing anything for your model railroad, you'll need to decide where the railroad will be located. You can choose a real place and time, or create your own ideal world—but either way, you'll want to have consistency across your layout.
Why do HO scales outsell other scales?
HO and N scale outsell other scales because the average modeler can make space for an HO or N scale layout in their den, basement, or garage. Some apartment dwellers do remarkable things on small tables or shelves with tiny Z scale trains. Some people build modular layouts.
What factors influence scale selection?
There are a number of factors that will influence your scale selection; among them are your eyesight, your access to club layouts in your area, your budget, and your available space.
What railroads have been acquired by a larger company?
Today many historic railroads have been acquired by or merged into larger railroad concerns. Survivors like the Union Pacific (UP), Burlington Northern & Santa Fe (BNSF), and the Canadian National Railways (CNR) are popular among model railroaders, but they aren't your only choices. Lots of modelers choose to model a "fallen flag"; a railroad that has been taken over by a larger company. Many modelers choose the railroad whose trains they watched passing by as a child.
Is model railroading an art?
Model railroading is as much an art as an engineering discipline. One serious model railroader refers to his layout as a “kinetic sculpture”, and this is a completely accurate description. A model railroad layout is a sculpture in motion. This is what distinguishes it from most other art forms.
Can you change couplers on a locomotive?
Couplers from different manufacturers may not be compatible, and within each scale, there are often multiple coupler styles. Dealers can change couplers on locomotives and cars for you, but it does increase the cost of the item a little.
What is a switch motor?
Switch Motors are small motors which move the points back and forth. Most are low-voltage and "stall" motors which draw a low current all the time to hold the points tight without burning out. These motors operate realistically and can often run for decades without maintenance, but they are generally more expensive than twin-coils.
Where are elaborate switches used?
The most common use is at the entrance to large passenger terminals. Because of their complexity, premade models of this type of switch are also rather expensive.
How does a wye switch work?
A wye switch takes its name from its shape. Unlike a traditional switch where one route is straight and the other curves, in a wye, both routes diverge away from each other.
How to control a motor powered switch?
To control your powered switches, you have several options. The most common and simple is a basic toggle switch. For twin-coil machines, a momentary-contact switch is required. A standard on-on or on-off switch will work for motors depending on how you have it wired.
Is a curve turnout more expensive than a switch?
Curve turnouts tend to be more expensive than traditional switches. However, they can be a tremendous space saver on any railroad. Used selectively, they can be well worth the cost. An alternative to expensive and fixed-radius commercial turnouts is hand laid track or turnout kits. 04 of 11.
What to do if you don't have a model railroad shop?
If you don't have a shop close to you, then contact your local model railroad club and ask if they run DCC. Most clubs are happy to accept visitors and let them run a train. (Clubs are great resources for beginners anyway) If there is not a club in your area, then consider attending a train show in your area.
What is the purpose of a locomotive throttle?
The throttle sends signals to receiver, which interprets them as speed and direction controls.
When did the NMRA start a DCC?
Digital Command Control. In 1994 , the NMRA began an effort to establish a uniform standard for command control that would allow many manufacturers to build DCC equipment that would inter-operate with each other. This has been a great success and has made a great deal of affordable command control systems available to the model railroad community.
Do you need a decoder for a diesel engine?
If you paid less than $150 for a diesel or less than $300 for a steam engine, you probably do not have one of these motors. If you are not sure, check with the manufacturer of the locomotive. Ideally, you should have a decoder in every locomotive you want to run.
Can you run a train around a layout?
Track needs to be straight and properly connected. If you can run a regular train around the layout, then you will not likely have a problem with D CC. As your layout gets more complex, there are some things that need to be addressed, but for a beginner, these things aren't usually a problem.
Do locomotives have decoders?
There are even some locomotives on the market that have decoders installed already ! Unfortunately, most locomotives on the market will require the modeler to install the decoders themselves. This can be complex, and is not recommended for the beginner modeler.
