| A powered locomotive is what makes any train move. | | | | carry fuel and water for the steam engine. A tender |
| Locomotives are often also referred to as engines. A | | | | will typically match the appearance of the engine, and |
| locomotive will usually be placed at the front of the | | | | so is also typically black with metal trim and a |
| train, and will pull the non-powered cars behind it. | | | | prominent logo. |
| Locomotives are usually engineered to run in either | | | | Diesel engines began to replace steam engines in the |
| direction, but are often designed to face in one | | | | mid 1900s. Diesel engines are suitable for either |
| direction. Powered locomotives are typically the most | | | | passenger or freight trains. Diesel engines have a |
| expensive rolling stock for the model train enthusiast to | | | | sleeker look than steam engines do, often shaped like |
| purchase, often costing several times that of any | | | | a long box with a rounded front and top. A steam |
| non-powered car. Real world railroad locomotives they | | | | engine will usually have an area for the crew that is full |
| are modeled on are typically powered by coal, diesel | | | | enclosed. The powerful look of a diesel engine makes |
| fuel, or electricity. However, the models themselves | | | | it ideal for the model railroader who wants to pull a |
| are typically powered by electric current that flows | | | | large number of freight or passenger cars. Typically |
| through the metal train track. | | | | diesel engines can be combined for even more power, |
| Coal powered "steam engines" were the first | | | | whether in real life or for model railroading. Diesel |
| locomotives widely used, starting in the early 1800s. | | | | engines are powered by burning combustible liquid |
| Steam engines are suitable for either passenger or | | | | diesel fuel, just as diesel trucks are powered. Smaller |
| freight trains. Steam engines have such a classic look | | | | diesel engines, often called switchers, are necessary |
| that they still quite popular with model railroading | | | | for real rail yard operations, and are also popular in |
| enthusiasts, despite having been phased out of most | | | | model railroading. These are the engines that will add |
| real world railroading many years ago. Steam engines | | | | or remove cars from a train. A switcher is easily |
| are powered by burning coal, wood, or other | | | | identified as it is smaller than a normal engine, and is |
| combustibles in a "firebox", which boils water in a | | | | designed to move and pull cars in either direction. |
| "boiler", and then produces the steam that makes | | | | Electric locomotives started to have widespread |
| these engines move. Steam engines are the ones with | | | | usage in the mid to late 1900s. While electric engines |
| the prominent smokestacks, which on some model | | | | can be used for either passenger or freight, they are |
| trains will actually produce smoke. | | | | primarily used in passenger trains. An electric engine will |
| A typical steam engine will be mostly black with some | | | | ordinarily rely on electrified train track or overhead |
| shiny metal trim, a railroad logo, and a number on the | | | | electric lines to power it. Because of this, real world |
| front. There may also be a metal wedge or "cow | | | | electric trains will only run where the infrastructure is in |
| catcher" mounted on the front of the engine down by | | | | place to accommodate them. A model of and electric |
| the wheels, which is designed to deflect objects from | | | | locomotive, which is itself electric, will typically receive |
| the path of the train. A steam engine will usually have | | | | power through the track - even if the train it is |
| an area for the crew that is at least partially open. | | | | modeled on would receive current through overhead |
| Because of the amount of fuel a steam engine needs, | | | | lines. Electric powered locomotives are ideal for almost |
| it would often be immediately followed in the train by a | | | | any passenger train, from local metropolitan mass |
| tender or coal car, which is a car designated to solely | | | | transport to the high speed and sleek "bullet trains". |