| So you find yourself purchasing your first locomotive. | | | | different features. Remember it has to run on the |
| Don't just buy the first one you see. Here are some | | | | same track for the same amount of time and still do |
| general tips to keep in mind. | | | | everything right. Here we look at some of the features |
| First, don't think twice about taking the locomotive out | | | | that will save you money and time and frustration. |
| of the box. This is essential. Make sure all of the | | | | For cars other than your locomotive, it doesn't matter |
| wheels are metal. This doesn't necessarily mean that | | | | whether the wheels are metal or plastic, as long as |
| each wheel actually picks up electricity, but it's a start. If | | | | they meet several other criteria. You see, these |
| the car doesn't come equipped with metal wheels, | | | | wheels aren't connecting to the electric output. Even |
| don't buy it. It is god to have a pair of driving wheels to | | | | so, metal should be the first choice in most cases. |
| have rubber tyre strips to help traction on inclines | | | | The wheels on your rolling stock -- whether it's an |
| though. | | | | open top hopper or a gondola -- should be free from |
| Turn each of these metal wheels with your fingers. | | | | any wobbling. They should also turn freely. This is easy |
| Wheels that turn easily are not gear driven. If they are | | | | enough to test. Simply turn the car upside down and |
| difficult to turn, they're gear-driven, and that's what you | | | | spin the wheels. After you physically let go of the |
| want! There should be at least 2 pairs of driving | | | | wheels, they should continue to spin for a while. (This is |
| wheels. If you're in a hobby shop (which I recommend), | | | | the complete opposite of what you look for in a |
| ask to have it run tested. The store probably has a | | | | locomotive!) |
| track set up already. If you test run the car and it | | | | The best wheels are those connected to metal axles. |
| needs to be push started, don't buy it. | | | | And they should be a specific distance from each |
| The clerk may try to tell you the locomotive failed | | | | other on the same axle. If the wheels are placed too |
| because the track is dirty. Don't take his word for it. | | | | close together, they'll naturally fall between the rails. If |
| Ask him to wipe the track with a rag and try again. If | | | | the wheels are spaced too far apart, they won't sit |
| the locomotive still needs a push start, don't buy that | | | | properly on the rail either. |
| particular car. Locomotives can cost anything from | | | | Regardless of the car -- locomotive or rolling stock -- |
| $100 - $500 and this money makes it a very important | | | | buy short. It's a mantra most railroaders live by. Longer |
| purchase. | | | | equipment may give you trouble as it rounds the |
| If you know exactly the locomotive that you want | | | | curves in your track. The overhang of the ends of the |
| write it down, maker, motor details, model number, | | | | longer equipment may cause derailments. Some top of |
| wheels layout, colour and anything else you can think | | | | the range long trailers have an articulated set of |
| of. Don't be shy about buying your first locomotive and | | | | wheels (usually 2 sets). This overcomes most of the |
| visit every model shop you can for the exact model | | | | long carriage problems but make sure it clears your |
| and get to know it. Check it out against others with a | | | | scenery. |
| similar specification and test run you choice as many | | | | It would be easy to get carried away and write a |
| times as you can. If you are still happy with your | | | | book about buying your first railroad modelling |
| choice, go do your shopping. | | | | equipment but it has already been done. So if you are |
| Purchasing rolling stock requires the same sort of | | | | just starting out it is best to read about the success of |
| exacting care even though you're looking for a few | | | | others and enjoy doing it right first time. |