Model Power
Top Tips To Consider When Buying An Electric Model Train
If you’re buying an electric model train, there are a few key factors that you will want to check to make sure that you won’t have problems with it in the future. One of the most frustrating things with model railway trains is when they don’t work properly and you’ve ended up wasting money on a model railway train that will just sit in the sidings all the time.
You want your trains to run smoothly and not have problems with them stop-starting because of poor connections. There’s nothing more annoying with model railways than when you end up having to push the model trains round the track and then when they do finally bite, they go zooming off the track because you’ve forgotten you’ve turned the power right up to try and get them going in the first place!
For those who don’t know how model railway trains work, electricity is passed through the track from the controller, which is then picked up by the wheels of the train. This in turn charges the motor, which causes the trains to move.
The most common problems occur when the connection between the track and the wheels is poor and therefore, the electricity doesn’t get to the motor and make it work as it should. This means that you want to check that these parts are in good working order.
The more sets of wheels the train has, the better the pick up will be as there are more points for conducting the electricity from the track and passing it to the motor. Therefore, you will want to check this before you make a purchase and make sure that there is always more than one set, as if this stops working, your model train will be going nowhere!
Having read my last point you may think the more pickups the trains has, the better, but another point to consider here is that trains with longer wheelbases will need larger tracks with smooth turns to avoid them derailing. Therefore, if you only have a small layout, there’s not much point in buying a long passenger train model as this will just cause another problem.
If you can, I would suggest testing the model train before you buy it and make sure that it has a nice smooth movement and that it also speeds up and slows down without any sudden jolting movements. This will be a sign of any problems to come, so steer clear of these.
The final point I would like to make is that when buying an electric model train, always choose quality over quantity. This may cost you more in the short term, but will definitely pay off in the long run. Not to mention the amount of time you’ll save not having to fix broken trains or the frustration of trying to work out what’s gone wrong. When your model railway trains go wrong, this can be one of the most annoying experiences for any railway modeler. The more you do to avoid this, the smoother and more pleasurable your ride will be.
As with all areas of model railroading, the more research you do to begin with, the less problems you will run into in the future. For more information and tips for model railway trains, visit my website by clicking the links below.
About the Author
Tim McCarthy is a model railway enthusiast with many years experience in the field of model trains. For further information on model railroads, including more on the electric model train, please feel free to head over to http://www.modelrailwaytrainstips.com/model-railway-trains-introduction.
|
|
VINTAGE HO MODEL RAILROAD KAYBEE POWER SUPPLY COVER $5.99 |
|
|
Digital 60V/100A Battery Balance Voltage Power Analyzer Watt Meter RC model $20.09 |
|
|
HO Delta Fraternity House NIP Model Power MDP-456 $23.39 |
|
|
ACDC Electronics Power Supply Model 12N3.4 $9.99 |
|
|
POWERS STA-PUT RELAY 147-1000 MODEL 1 NEW 14710001 $125.00 |
|
|
Trojan Base Model Pony Power Drain Cleaning Machine Snakes up to 6″ Lines $2,300.00 |
|
|
Base Model Trojan Stallion Power Drain Cleaning Machine Snakes up to 10″ Lines $3,200.00 |
|
|
DELL 7E551 MODEL SWE AC POWER DISTRIBUTION UNIT $89.00 |
|
|
Apple Mac White Power Adapter 12V 1.0A Model A1003 #22 $18.77 |
|
|
Sharper Image POWER TIE Motorized Tie Rack with Light, Model # S1708 $21.50 |
|
|
Cyber Power Inverter model #CPS150CHI $19.00 |
|
|
COMMODORE Power Supply for Disk Drives Model 1541-II, 1571-II,1581 $30.00 |
|
|
RISO SC7950 Switchable Power Supply 100-240 VAC 48W ATX 12V Model SS-250FS $39.99 |
|
|
BRL MODEL 200 POWER SUPPLY $45.00 |
|
|
HO UP Tractor Trailer Model Power 1:87 scale MDP-18002 $16.99 |
|
|
Model Power Box Car – Western Maryland (CL #99X) $3.00 |
|
|
AC Adapter For LITE-ON Model PA-1450-19Q Laptop Charger Power Supply Cord Mains $19.99 |
|
|
Model Power N RERAILER MPC3965 $4.00 |
|
|
Model Power # 301 Grading Tower HO Scale MIB $27.98 |
|
|
Lot of 10 Netgear Model WGR614 Wireless G Routers NO POWER $110.65 |
|
|
WOLO XTREME POWER AIR HORN MODEL 400 DUEL TONE 12 VOLT AIR HORN $27.59 |
|
|
acdc electronics Power Supply 230v 24V@13A Model RS24N13-6 $199.00 |
|
|
LOT OF SIX 25FT POWER FLEX HOSES MODEL AP31014 $30.00 |
|
|
N SCALE MODEL POWER LOCOMOTIVE F40PH AMTRACK (POWERED) $12.98 |
|
|
NEW AC Adapter Charger Replaces Haier Model: TL04-120150U DC Power Supply Cord $13.99 |
|
|
NEW AC Adapter For Actiontec Model: STD-10016U Router Power Supply Cord Charger $8.95 |
|
|
Model Power O Steam Era People (6) MDP6065 $11.69 |
|
|
Model Power HO Animals, Unpainted (72) MDP5793 $10.79 |
|
|
Model Power HO Hospital Car, US Army MDP99896 $18.29 |
|
|
Model Power HO Farmers (6) MDP5715 $7.49 |
|
|
Model Power O City Park People MDP6197 $10.79 |
|
|
Model Power HO B/U Searchlight Tower, US Army/Lighted w/Fig MDP633 $14.09 |
|
|
Model Power HO 40′ Chemical Tank, Shell MDP98103 $8.29 |
|
|
Model Power N B/U Joe’s Fruit/Al’s Deli, Lighted w/Figures MDP2609 $33.19 |
|
|
Model Power N Figures, Unpainted (72) MDP1370 $9.99 |
|
|
Model Power HO Die-Cast 1963 Ford Thunderbird, Black MDP19249 $4.59 |
|
|
Model Power HO Food Service Staff (6) MDP5773 $7.49 |
|
|
Model Power HO Metal Train Box, SF MDP2171 $14.09 |
|
|
Model Power N Crane w/work Car ATSF MPC3162 $12.00 |
|
|
TEKLOGIX MODEL PS1300, PRE-REGULATOR/POWER SUPPLY, INPUT 12-90V 6A, OUT 15V 3A $399.00 |
|
|
T U V W X Y Z – 2x “speaking” labels for Julius K9® IDC + Power +TPP dog harness $9.35 |
|
|
1 CONDOR MODEL HN243.6-A DC POWER SUPPLY 3.6 A J3 $49.99 |
|
|
2012 New Sky Touch Rubber Band Powered Glider Plane Kit Aircraft Glider Model $8.99 |
|
|
New Sky Touch Rubber Band Powered Glider Plane Kit Aircraft Glider Model Toy Buy $9.49 |
|
|
Apple MagSafe 85w Power Adapter MC556LL/A NEW MODEL 100% ORIGINAL AUTHENTIC $36.99 |
|
|
NEW EOS (Generic) OEM Power Supply, Model ZVC65SG19E $9.99 |
|
|
I.T.E Power Supply AC Adapter Model MTP151UL-135100B $15.29 |
|
|
Generic ILAN Power Supply, Model F1700C $9.99 |
|
|
Generic EOS Power Supply, Model ZVC55N-12-D AA, 12VDC $11.99 |
|
|
88-95 4Runner Power Steering Pump V6 MODELS ===== $175.00 |
|
|
MODEL POWER SINATRA’S HOUSE BUILT/UP HO SCALE BUILDING $24.98 |
|
|
NEW AC Adapter For OPEFUL MODEL XP25 5V Switching Power Supply Wall Charger $12.99 |
|
|
Green/Black Syba USB Powered Multimedia Speaker System, Model: CL-SPK20097 $18.79 |
|
|
Detroit Power Harness 60 Seres EGR for 04-06 Engine Model 12L and 14L $150.00 |
|
|
HO Coaling Station *BUILT-UP*, Lit, w/2 figures by Model Power Item #MDP-560 $35.99 |
|
|
Brand New AC/DC Adapter For X-Rite SE 30-87 Model PSA15W-120 12Volt Power Supply $14.54 |
|
|
TECHNICAL PRO PP-3000S – PROFESSIONAL POWER AMPLIFIER *DISPLAY MODEL $269.99 |
|
|
SEGA GAME GEAR Handheld Video Game System Model-2110 W/ External Sega POWER BACK $19.99 |
|
|
Central Power Pack, Model # CP-06 FK *FREE SHIPPING* $69.99 |
|
|
96-02 4Runner Power Steering Pump 3.4L Models ===== $126.50 |
|
|
Classic ~ CHICKEN COOP by MODEL POWER ~ N Scale ~ Mayhayred Trains $7.00 |
|
|
Model Power O ANIMALS Undec 36pcs MPC6171 $12.00 |
|
|
NEW! Model Power Park Scenes (20) O 6061 NIB $11.99 |
|
|
Allis-Chalmers Dealers Parts Catalog Model “A” Tractor E563(E-60) Power Unit $19.99 |
|
|
HO Warehouse *BUILT-UP*, Lighted, w/2 figures by Model Power Item #MDP-774 $44.99 |
|
|
2Wire Power Supply for Models 1701HG, 2700HG, 2701HG $17.99 |
|
|
2Wire Power Supply for Models 1701HG, 2700HG, 2701HG $17.99 |
|
|
Sky Touch Rubber Band Powered Glider Plane Kit Aircraft Glider Model Toy A1 $8.99 |
|
|
Oster Manufacturing Model 422 Power drive Pipe Threader w/ Auto-Grip Chuck $150.00 |
|
|
Newport Oriel spectral lamp power supply model 65150 $400.00 |
|
|
New Hipro 305W Power Supply Model: HP-P3087F3 LF $15.99 |
|
|
Model Power O Wht PASTOR & CONGREGANTS W/ MPC6173 $11.00 |
|
|
Sparkle Power Model FSP350-60THN Power Supply $35.00 |
|
|
HO F2A Air Force Loco ((Shell)) By Model Power $6.99 |
|
|
IBM IBM RS6000 POWER SUPPLY MODEL DH323 $98.44 |
|
|
Model Power O LIVE STOCK asst MPC6174 $12.55 |
|
|
Power Divider Model DL402 $34.99 |
|
|
AC Adapter Repalce Chicony Model: CPA09-A065N1 Power Supply Cord Charger NEW PSU $19.99 |
|
|
HUGE LOT, Kato, Atlas, Model Power, Unitrack N SCALE! $275.00 |
|
|
MP-5801 Model Power YS-11 Diecast Model, NAMC, 1962, Prototype $14.99 |
|
|
Model Power Switch Controller pack, Nickel Silver $2.00 |
|
|
NEW / box Directv SWM 29V power inserter model:P129R1-03 for SWM8/16 multiswitch $24.99 |
|
|
Emerson Drive Model# M016430 Used Powers $1,250.00 |
|
|
HP ac/dc Printer AC POWER ADAPTER MODEL 0957-2106 NEW $18.99 |
|
|
Bestec Model ATX 300 12z Computer Power Supply 300W NEEDS REVISION NUMBER $19.99 |
|
|
Lot 26 Pieces Cisco New Power Supply 48V .38A PN 34-1977-05 Model EADP-18FB B $199.00 |
|
|
JVC MODEL PC-X130 BOOMBOX WORKING CD,DUAL CASSETTES& STEREO GREAT POWERFUL SOUND $40.00 |
|
|
Lot of 9 Netgear Model WGT624 108Mbps Wireless 4-Port Router NO POWER $99.95 |
|
|
HO Redwood Station *BUILT-UP*, Lighted, w/2 figures by Model Power #MDP-564 $34.99 |
|
|
Black & Webster power pack model PK $50.00 |
|
|
Bose White Wave Radio Model AWR-1W. Unit Powers On But Constant Buzzing Sound $59.99 |
|
|
Netgear RangeMax Next Wireless-N Router Model WNR834B With Power $29.95 |
|
|
TECHNICAL PRO SLIMPRO – 1600 PROFESSIONAL POWER AMPLIFIER *DISPLAY MODEL $189.99 |
|
|
IBM IBM X336 585w power supply (all models except 0Rx, 0Sx, 0Tx, 1Rx $105.00 |
|
|
HO Power Station *BUILT-UP*, Lighted, w/2 figures by Model Power #MDP-580 $22.99 |
|
|
ECHO – 14″ Pole Saw/Power Pruner Chain Model # PPT-265 $16.00 |
|
|
Lorain 3 Kva Uninterruptible Power Supply Model WDA302B $1,195.00 |
|
|
Netgear Model WNR2000 Wireless N Gigabit Router Tested With Power $27.95 |
|
|
Peavey pV3800 Power Amp 3,800W Amplifier – Floor Model $829.00 |
|
|
JAG/DAIMLER 60s/70s EARLY MODEL POWER STEERING PUMP $117.87 |
|
|
Krups 203 Electric Coffee and Spice Grinder with Stainless-Steel Blades … |
|
|
Culligan FM-15RA Level 3 Faucet Filter Replacement Cartridge $9.05 … |
|
|
Frigidaire WF2CB PureSource2 Ice And Water Filtration System … |
|
|
The Very Best of Robert Palmer $8.80 All products are BRAND NEW and factory sealed. Fast shipping and 100% Satisfaction Guaranteed…. |
|
|
Top 50 Workout Hits $8.99 … |
|
|
DynexTM – 6-Outlet Wall-Mount Surge Protector DX-6OUT $7.95 6-outlet swivel surge protector… |
|
|
The Basics of Model Railroad Wiring [VHS] $20.00 Video includes segments “Introduction,” “Basic Train Control,” “Soldering,” “Wire Selection,” “Dual Cab Control,” “Reverse Loop and Turntable Wiring,” “Switch Machines & Their Contacts,” “Switch Machine Power Supply,” “Building a Control Panel,” “Organizing the Wiring,” “Beyond the Basics” and “Close.”… |
|
|
Model T Tires Part 1 Video 1998 1 VCR VIDEO @ 26 MIN IN CLAMSHELL ORIGINAL CASE W/ INSERTS, FEATURES FRED HOUSTON & MIKE BENDER @ BROKEN ARROW OK, AT THE MODEL T GARAGE… |
|
|
3M 90541-80025T TEKK WorkTunes Hearing Protector and AM/FM Radio $40.74 Protect your ears while keeping yourself motivated at your job site with your favorite tunes or radio programming with the 3M TEKK 90541-80025T WorkTunes with digital tuning hearing protector, which includes an integrated AM/FM radio and a stereo input jack for connecting an MP3 player. A great choice for use on construction sites (check your local regulations), in your workshop, or in your yard w… |
|
|
Black & Decker AF-100-3ZP 30-Feet 0.065-Inch Line String Trimmer Replacement Spool, 3-Pack $11.50 Black & Decker String Trimmer Auto Feed System Replacement SpoolThe Black & Decker string trimmer Auto Feed System replacement spool provides a 30-foot replacement line for use in your auto feed string trimmer. This factory wound spool offers maximum reliability and eliminates the hassle of having to wind the spool yourself. The exclusive Black & Decker Automatic Feed Spool (AFS) system automatica… |
