A good quality locomotive will make all the difference…
It can be very frustrating having a locomotive that you need to push to get going, or it suddenly speeds up and falls off the tracks.
A locomotive runs by picking up the electricity from the track through its wheels. The wheels transfer the electricity to the motor, which then turns the gears to drive the locomotive.
A locomotive with poor pickup on the wheels or a poor gear set up will give you lots of problems. As with most things, you get what you pay for… but this is one area you do not want to skimp on. A great operating locomotive is 90% of the way to having a fantastic model train layout.
When buying a locomotive these points are critical:
- 1) The amount of metal wheels that pick up the electricity – the more the better, but definitely more than 1 set.
- 2) A good gearing ratio and motor which requires the least amount of electricity to move the locomotive, with a slow but smooth start.
- 3) Flywheels at one or both ends of the motor to ensure a smooth take off and smooth stop.
- 4) The weight of the locomotive should be just right to maintain a good connection to the track at all times but not too heavy to make the locomotive sluggish.
- 5) The length of the locomotive – shorter diesel locomotives are less likely to derail on the curves than longer steam locomotives.
Most hobby shops will let you test the locomotive on their in-house test tracks before you buy.
Test the locomotive forwards and backwards… Check for a nice smooth take off and a nice smooth stop when the power is ramped up or down.
I usually go into my local hobby shop after doing my research online, test the locomotive, and then I know what price to negotiate around…
That tip has saved me nearly 30% of the retail price in some cases…
Buy quality when you buy your locomotives… I guarantee the investment will be well worth it.
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Tags: Locomotive, model train, Model Train Information, model train loco, stem locomotive
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Leave A Reply (10 comments So Far)
JIM A
442 days ago
I also check MFG websites for refurbished deals. People are afraid of refurbished models but what I have found is that they are better because they have actuall been tested and run. New models come off the line get wrapped and put into a box. This is especially good if you are buying today and going to run later when your layout is done.
Lee
407 days ago
As the old saying goes, “It’s easier said than done.” What you say is true through experiance: what is a good ratio, you don’t say; 5 pole skewed armature motor with flywheels – that’s what we read on the engine specs but what does that really mean; Accumate couplers – is that as good as Kadee or any of other couplers and is this coupler compatable with the others; weight of the loco – who and the heck knows? You’re right about one thing, you pay for quality! Oh, wait. It’s made in China. Throw the quality factor out the window. Never mind me, I’m just a frustrated American; however, get technical and let’s talk specs in layman terms for the newbies – please.
Dan Morgan
407 days ago
Hey Lee, if you want to discuss the technical stuff in layman’s terms come over to the forum at http://www.homodeltrains.info/forum/ Cheers Dan
Ronald L. ( Ron ) Pierce
316 days ago
Great info on what to look for in an engine. But if you don’t have the info on an engine you want where do you get it ?
One BIG question is; I have been out of R X Ring for 40 years and want to get back and want to look at all the different sizes. With my age 68 & eyes am think On30 but still want to look around.
Do you know of a web site that shows what all the info is — that is explain what it really means as in: scale, track size, etc. for Z, N, HO, HOn3, On30 and even the larger sizes — etc.
Thanks, Ron
Michael Sneed
266 days ago
Greetings Im Michael an Ho train men for almost 60 years now Keeping tracks clean also helps trains run well Keep a track cleaning car on a train years ago if a loco dint have all its wheels as pick ups Id fix them to do so.
Most of my steam locomotives are 55 years old and stell running
Michael Sneed
266 days ago
Can some one tell me where I can get motors, brushes for a Roundhouse products die casting inc. 2-8-0 Locomotive (16L ) been running from 6/76 till 5/8/2011 I have been tying to find parts on line for this fine running Loco and no luck so far so now she just sits on a siding Help
Dan Morgan
266 days ago
Michael, you could try asking in the forum at http://www.homodeltrains.info/forum/
Michael Sneed
266 days ago
Thank you Dan,appreciat your help
Lee
235 days ago
Advice on bying a good loco is right on.Found out the hard way.