| Having a model train set that requires pushing to begin | | | | start. |
| moving or one that suddenly speeds up and falls off | | | | It needs flywheels at one or both ends of the |
| the tracks is extremely frustrating. | | | | motor to ensure a smooth take off and stop. |
| Locomotives run by picking up the electricity from the | | | | Its weight should be heavy enough to maintain a |
| track through its wheels. The wheels transfer the | | | | good connection to the track at all times but not too |
| electricity to the motor, which then turns the gears to | | | | heavy to make the trains sluggish. |
| drive the locomotives. | | | | The length of the locomotive - a shorter diesel |
| Locomotives with poor pickup on the wheels or a bad | | | | locomotive is not as likely to derail on the curves as |
| gear set up will, likely, cause many problems. As with | | | | longer steam trains. |
| most things, you get what you pay for. Make sure you | | | | I recommend testing model train sets, in the hobby |
| obtain higher quality model train sets if you are really | | | | shops, on their in-house test tracks before you buy. |
| serious about your layout. | | | | Most will allow this. |
| When buying a model train set these points are critical: | | | | Test them, thoroughly, forwards and backwards, |
| Make sure many of the metal wheels, more than 1 | | | | looking for a nice, smooth take off and stop when the |
| set, pick up the electricity. | | | | power is ramped up or down. |
| The locomotives should have a good gearing ratio | | | | Again, it is very important to buy high quality model train |
| and motor which requires the least amount of | | | | sets. The investment will be well worth it. |
| electricity to move the trains, with a slow but smooth | | | | |