| Derailments and locomotive problems can be | | | | of the motor will give you a smooth stop and start. |
| frustrating for any model railroader, regardless of | | | | A flickering locomotive headlight can point to a dirty |
| whether they are new to the hobby or an "old hand." | | | | track. Be careful cleaning track with harsh abrasives |
| My first tip relates to buying your first locomotive. Do | | | | because if you remove the smooth coating on the |
| not be tempted to buy the cheapest one you see in | | | | track it will be exposed to oxidation and will need |
| the hobby store. And don not buy one of those boxed | | | | cleaning more frequently. The track collect dirt and |
| train sets and expect the locomotive to be any good. | | | | grime more easily. |
| The locomotives in those toy train sets are mass | | | | Derailments happen from time to time even if you do |
| produced for a price. Spend some extra money and | | | | keep your track reasonably clean and free from dirt |
| buy a good quality locomotive. | | | | and grime. Derailments can be caused by something |
| The problem with locomotives in those toy train sets, is | | | | as simple as lightweight flatcar being shoved behind a |
| you often have to push them to get them started and | | | | heavy boxcar. S-curves on model railroad layouts can |
| then they accelerate very fast and can fly of the | | | | cause derailments of longer passenger cars. |
| track on to the floor. If you are prepared to pay for a | | | | Another common model railroading problem is when a |
| good quality locomotive with lots of wheels (more than | | | | locomotive frequently stops on the same section of |
| one set), you should have less problems. That is not to | | | | track. The first thing to do is clean the track. After that, |
| say it will run perfectly all the time, but the chances are | | | | check for a bad track connector. The problem could |
| it will be far more reliable and powerful. So, my advice | | | | even be caused by a small blob of glue disrupting the |
| is to purchase the best locomotive within your budget. | | | | power flow. If you still have not located the cause, you |
| A good locomotive will last for many, many years. | | | | might need a more powerful transformer as the track |
| Another little tip is not to run your trains too fast. Fast | | | | may be too large for the one you have. |
| running trains have more chance of coming off the | | | | Building and operating model train layouts needs to be |
| track. Fast running trains do not look as real either. On | | | | viewed as a series of small challenges to test your |
| a real railroad the locomotives slowly build up speed - | | | | level of persistence and dedication to the hobby. |
| because of their weight, they do not take off like a | | | | Thrive on problems and you will get a real buzz when |
| racing car. They also slow down gently to a smooth | | | | you solve them. This is what makes model railroading |
| stop. A locomotive with flywheels at one or both ends | | | | so enjoyable for many. |