How Do Electric Train Engines Work?
Many people wonder, how does a model train engine work. A model train engine operates by picking up an electric current along the metal rails through metal wheels that glide on the train track. The power is taken from the train wheels into the locomotive’s motor, which causes the engine’s motor to perform. Information on how a locomotive works is only one subject that you can read more about in detail with a reference book like Model Train Help.
The motor attaches onto the engine’s wheels through a mechanical drive structure. As the power current spins the engine’s motor, the electric motor moves the gears which spin the locomotive’s wheels and drive the train locomotive over the train rails. Easy as that!
The exact contact place where the train locomotive wheel meets the rail is quite tiny. This is why it does not take much in the way of dust, dirt or debris to impair the wheel-to-rail connection. Grime can accumulate, so it is very important that you keep your locomotive’s wheels clean and free of accumulated grime. When the locomotive’s wheels of the train locomotive are dirty, they will often not make very good contact with the metal tracks, and the train engine will then not work. Keep in mind, plastic locomotive’s wheels do not conduct electrical current.
A good locomotive needs properly functioning engine’s wheels and properly functioning gears. Poor performance by a locomotive is often caused by problems with the gears or problems with the engine’s wheels. However, there are lots of other things which may cause electric train locomotives to fail to function properly. That’s why it is essential for electric train collectors to have a reference guide such as Model Train Help.
Tags: how do electric train engines work, how does a model train engine work, Model Train Help
February 28th, 2010 — By admin — Filed under: Model Train Help Comments (0)
Marklin 1 G Scale Trains
Marklin G scale trains are also known as Marklin 1 scale trains, and are large-sized, high quality German-made electric trains. Marklin 1 trains are made in G scale, the largest size electric train commercially available. These large Marklin G trains can be run outdoors as well as indoors, so they are perfect for building your own garden railroad.
Marklin 1 Gauge is sometimes referred to as Marklin Spur 1 or Marklin Maxi. Please take a look at the selection of Marklin G scale trains below. If you are new to Marklin G scale train sets, a Marklin G scale starter set is a nice way to get started! If you are looking for another size (scale) of Marklin electric trains, please click here: Marklin Trains.
July 12th, 2009 — By admin — Filed under: Marklin Trains Comments (0)
Marklin Z Scale Trains
Marklin Z scale trains are small-sized, high quality German-made electric trains. Marklin Z trains are made in Z scale, the smallest size electric train commercially available. At 1/222th the size of the real-life prototypes, you can fit a locomotive easily into your palm, and have a nice layout in a 2 foot by 3 foot space.
Marklin Z scale is sometimes called Marklin Mini-Club or Marklin Spur Z. Please take a look at the selection of Marklin Z scale trains below. If you are new to Marklin Z scale train sets, a Marklin Z scale starter set is a great way to get started! If you are looking for another size (scale) of Marklin electric trains, please click here: Marklin Trains.
Marklin 8182 Z Scale Starter Set EX/Box
| US $83.61 (20 Bids) End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 19:53:00 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Marklin Z 81565 Starter Set
| US $139.95 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 7:06:13 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
Marklin Z Starter Set ~ Loco, Cars, Track, Transformer
| US $30.00 (2 Bids) End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 19:29:51 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
MS-TOYS ! MARKLIN Z HALLOWEEN STARTER SET
| US $149.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 14:30:43 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
Marklin Z Varta Starter set BR 89 with track 5 Pole NEW
| US $179.95 End Date: Saturday Mar-27-2010 6:38:19 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $179.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
81865 Marklin Z Large Freight Train Starter Set 120V
| US $419.99 End Date: Thursday Apr-01-2010 1:23:41 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $419.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
MARKLIN Z 81466 CB&Q Deluxe American Starter Set MIB
| US $589.99 End Date: Thursday Apr-08-2010 11:30:27 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $589.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
MARKLIN Z 81535 NP Steam Freight Starter Set MIB
| US $299.99 End Date: Thursday Apr-08-2010 11:56:34 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $299.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
81535 Marklin Z AMERICAN STARTER SET 110V - NEW
| US $239.99 End Date: Saturday Apr-10-2010 13:40:42 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $239.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
July 12th, 2009 — By admin — Filed under: Marklin Trains Comments (0)
Marklin HO Scale Trains
German made Marklin HO scale trains are very high quality electric model trains. Marklin HO trains are some of the most popular trains in the world, as HO scale is large enough for nice details, yet compact enough that you can have a decent layout on your dining room table.
Marklin HO scale C-track is easy to click together quickly and has a polymer road-bed, so you can put the track right on the floor (even carpet). Please take a look at the selection of Marklin HO trains below. If you are new to Marklin HO train sets, a Marklin HO starter set is a great way to get started! If you are looking for another size (scale) of Marklin electric trains, please click here: Marklin Trains.
Marklin HO 29531 Locomotive Train Set *BRAND NEW*
| US $214.00 (16 Bids) End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 19:33:16 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
MARKLIN HO TRAIN SET #2957
| US $50.00 (3 Bids) End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 1:34:05 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
1950's Marklin HO FM 800 Train Set w/Transformer 278A
| US $300.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Mar-13-2010 12:29:49 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
43919 MARKLIN HO "Pop Colors" Expr. Train Car Set 2009
| US $199.99 End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 14:51:51 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $199.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
VINTAGE Marklin HO Scale BR 03 1051 Train SET+MORE L@@K
| US $38.10 (3 Bids) End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 17:59:17 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
LOT 36 VINTAGE Marklin HO Scale Train Track SET
| US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 18:00:30 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
Marklin HO 41928 Rheingold Express Train Car Set - NEW
| US $330.66 End Date: Monday Mar-15-2010 23:13:03 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $330.66 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Marklin HO #09788 - Freight Train Set
| US $0.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 13:03:20 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
Marklin HO #2927A - Passenger Train Set
| US $26.00 (3 Bids) End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 13:03:26 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
28703 MARKLIN HO HISTORIC 1930 SJ SWEDISH TRAIN SET
| US $769.50 End Date: Thursday Mar-18-2010 12:20:04 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $769.50 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
July 12th, 2009 — By admin — Filed under: Marklin Trains Comments (0)
LGB Trains
LGB Trains are high-quality German made electric trains. LGB stands for “Lehmann Gross Bahn”, which is German for “Lehmann’s Big Railroad”. LGB trains are produced in G scale, the biggest commercially available model train scale.
LBG train sets are solidly built, so they are tough enough to stand up to rougher handling (so are fairly kid-friendly trains). Also, LGB model trains are made for both indoor and outdoor use, which makes LBG trains a popular choice for garden railroads. Please take a look at the featured selection of LGB trains below. If you are new to LGB trains, an LGB starter set is a great way to start!
LGB TRAIN SET #20803
| US $58.01 (9 Bids) End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 10:23:32 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
LGB Train set
| US $103.82 (11 Bids) End Date: Saturday Mar-13-2010 11:37:17 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
LGB Garden Scale Train Set & Accessories
| US $1,400.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 10:37:56 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $1,600.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Lehman LGB 5030 Train Station Accessory Set
| US $3.25 (2 Bids) End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 16:14:38 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
LGB - Circus Train Set # 21988
| US $139.95 (1 Bid) End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 20:52:04 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
Bachmann Train Set with 16 feet of LGB Track, Good Cond
| US $31.00 (6 Bids) End Date: Monday Mar-15-2010 10:26:17 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
LGB 73968 30th Birthday Set - The Big Train Set
| US $36.00 (5 Bids) End Date: Monday Mar-15-2010 13:30:13 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
LEHMANN LGB No 22301 US PASSENGER TRAIN SET IOB NR
| US $51.00 (6 Bids) End Date: Monday Mar-15-2010 20:07:31 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
LGB Passenger G SCALE Train Set 20301 - Made in Germany
| US $399.99 End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 16:23:58 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $399.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
LGB # 72905 Circus G SCALE Train Set - Made in Germany
| US $399.99 End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 16:24:07 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $399.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Tags: lbg trains, lgb model trains, lgb starter set, lgb train sets, LGB Trains
May 8th, 2009 — By admin — Filed under: LGB Trains Comments (0)
Marx Trains
Marx Trains are highly collectible trains made in Marx O scale trains (not identical to Lionel O scale trains) and Marx HO scale trains. Some popular items are Marx 333 locomotives, Marx 666 locomotives, Marx 4305 train sets and Marx Commodore locomotive. Please take a moment to see the great selection of Marxs trains below.
Vintage Marx and Other O Model Train Engine 490
| US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 18:47:41 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Vintage Marx O Model Train Engine 1666
| US $19.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 18:48:24 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Vintage Toy Train 2 Steam Engine MARX 1666 Tenders
| US $23.07 (15 Bids) End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 20:45:09 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
EARLY Marx Seaboard 4000 Wind Up Engine dummy O Scale
| US $18.50 (2 Bids) End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 11:04:24 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
VINTAGE TIN TRAIN ENGINE DUMP CARS SCALE MARX ??
| US $2.99 (1 Bid) End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 16:16:04 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Marx 490 engine, flawless, low mileage
| US $18.26 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 16:34:58 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
OLD MARX TRAIN ENGINE O GUAGE
| US $15.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 17:59:53 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
MARX ,Army Supply Train ,500 ,Engine
| US $21.50 (2 Bids) End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 18:00:18 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
1930s ART DECO MARX LUMAR LINES STEEL TRAIN ENGINE
| US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 18:08:59 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
MARX NO. 54 KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN DIESEL A ENGINE C 4-5
| US $24.95 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Mar-13-2010 12:35:06 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Tags: marx 333, marx 4305, marx 666, marx commodore, marx ho scale trains, marx o scale trains, marx tinplate trains, Marx Trains
April 27th, 2009 — By admin — Filed under: Marx Trains Comments (0)
Atlas N Scale Shay Locomotives
Atlas N Scale Shay Locomotives are lots of fun to watch — with a much different appearance than other Atlas N scale steam locomotives. Please take a look at the variety of Atlas Shay locomotives listed below.
HO BRASS UNITED/ATLAS LOGGING 3 TRUCK SHAY
| US $81.00 (10 Bids) End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 18:54:51 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
HO BRASS UNITED/ATLAS LOGGING 2 TRUCK BENSON SHAY
| US $147.50 (15 Bids) End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 19:28:51 PDT Bid now | Add to watch list |
N SHAY MOTOR MOUNT SET ATLAS N SCALE
| US $1.69 End Date: Saturday Apr-03-2010 21:35:07 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $1.69 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
N SHAY Gear Case ATLAS N SCALE
| US $1.69 End Date: Saturday Apr-03-2010 21:35:07 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $1.69 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
N SHAY SIDE FRAME JOURNAL COVER ATLAS N SCALE
| US $0.99 End Date: Saturday Apr-03-2010 21:35:10 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $0.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
N SHAY CONTACT PLATE STRIP ATLAS N SCALE
| US $3.99 End Date: Saturday Apr-03-2010 21:35:10 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $3.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
N SHAY FRONT LED ATLAS N SCALE
| US $3.99 End Date: Saturday Apr-03-2010 21:35:10 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $3.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
N SHAY REAR LIGHT LENS ATLAS N SCALE
| US $0.99 End Date: Saturday Apr-03-2010 21:35:10 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $0.99 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
N SHAY BEVEL GEAR SET ATLAS N SCALE
| US $1.69 End Date: Saturday Apr-03-2010 21:35:10 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $1.69 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
N SHAY MAIN BODY PARTS STEAM ATLAS N Scale
| US $15.95 End Date: Saturday Apr-03-2010 21:35:10 PDT Buy It Now for only: US $15.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
April 26th, 2009 — By admin — Filed under: Atlas Trains Comments (0)
Bachmann N Scale Trains
Bachmann N Scale Trains are an affordable way to get into the growing hobby of N scale trains. You can do a great Bachmann N gauge layout in a small amount of space, and Bachmann offers great model trains like the Bachmann Acela N scale train.
Please be sure to check out the deals on Bachmann N trains below.
N Scale Bachmann E-Z Track set, power pack & controller
| US $33.99 (11 Bids) End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 18:49:31 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Bachmann N Scale Sante Fe 215 Train Track Set EUC
| US $21.09 (4 Bids) End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 20:37:32 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
BACHMANN N 24102 TRAINMASTER SANTA FE TRAIN SET
| US $60.00 End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 4:37:11 PST Buy It Now for only: US $60.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
BACHMANN N 50-4301 HIGHBALLER ELECTRIC TRAIN SET
| US $60.00 End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 4:47:35 PST Buy It Now for only: US $60.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
BACHMANN #89121-126 N & W 6 CAR PASSENGER SET SEALED
| US $65.59 (2 Bids) End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 10:56:44 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
BACHMANN DIGITAL COMMAND FOR N HO ON30 TRAIN SET 44902
| US $41.55 (6 Bids) End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 18:50:21 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
BACHMANN N SCALE EZ TRACK EMPIRE BUILDER TRAIN SET 1997
| US $45.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Mar-13-2010 11:54:23 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Bachmann N Scale Amtrak Centennial custom-made set
| US $69.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Mar-13-2010 15:28:17 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Bachmann Prairie Flyer E-Z Set N #24004-NIB
| US $29.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Mar-13-2010 17:02:55 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Bachmann N EMD F7A Locomotive A Pwr B Un-Powered Set
| US $9.99 (0 Bid) End Date: Saturday Mar-13-2010 17:54:43 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Tags: bachmann acela n scale, bachmann n gauge, bachmann n scale trains, bachmann n trains
April 20th, 2009 — By admin — Filed under: Bachmann Trains Comments (0)
Bachmann HO Scale Trains
Bachmann HO Scale Trains — sometimes called Bachmann HO Gauge — really deliver a lot of fun for your money. Bachmann HO train sets come in every price range: from the low cost ready-to-run Bachmann HO Chattanooga train set with EZ track to the more detailed and more expensive Bachmann Spectrum HO scale train sets.
Bachman HO trains also include fun kids items such as the Bachmann Thomas the Train set series, with great prices and simple controls. We also like the Bachmann Acela train sets, available in HO scale or N scale, modeled after the fastest train in the United States. Please be sure to check out some of the great deals on Bachmann HO trains below.
BACHMANN HO SCALE SMUCKERS TRAIN SET NEW BOXED 1980's
| US $15.27 (5 Bids) End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 19:00:26 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
BACHMANN HO SCALE SMUCKERS EXPRESS TRAIN SET NEW BOXED
| US $17.00 (9 Bids) End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 19:00:40 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Bachmann "Old Timer" Train Set Original Sealed HO New!
| US $29.00 (3 Bids) End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 19:00:46 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Bachmann Acela Express Train Set - HO Scale (BRAND NEW)
| US $263.00 End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 19:22:00 PST Buy It Now for only: US $263.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
BACHMANN HO 00609 WHITE CHRISTMAS EXPRESS TRAIN SET
| US $60.00 End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 4:52:04 PST Buy It Now for only: US $60.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
BACHMANN CABOOSE SANTE FE HO SCALE SET OF 6
| US $6.52 (7 Bids) End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 7:07:02 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
BACHMANN HO GAUGE TRAIN SET
| US $20.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 7:21:03 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
BACHMANN HO TRAIN SET "OLD TYME VILLAGE" NIB / NR
| US $50.00 (0 Bid) End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 8:53:48 PST Buy It Now for only: US $150.00 Bid now | Buy it now | Add to watch list |
HO Bachmann EZ Track NS GRAY R&L Turnout Switch Set NEW
| US $16.50 (2 Bids) End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 10:03:19 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Bachmann HO Set of 4 British LMS Railway Coaches NIB
| US $50.52 (6 Bids) End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 10:12:21 PST Bid now | Add to watch list |
Tags: bachman HO trains, bachmann acela, Bachmann HO Chattanooga train set, bachmann ho gauge, Bachmann HO scale trains, Bachmann HO trains
April 20th, 2009 — By admin — Filed under: Bachmann Trains Comments (0)
Atlas O Scale Trains
Atlas O Scale Trains — sometimes called Atlas O Gauge Trains — are nice quality electric trains with great details for the money. Atlas trains are made in O scale, HO scale and N scale. Although, HO scale trains and N scale trains are the most popular scales, O scale trains are fairly popular in the U.S., and their larger size makes them a bit more kid friendly than many smaller model trains.
The larger size of Atlas O trains also allow more room for details. Take a look at some of the Atlas O scale locomotives below to see what we mean. You may want to pick some up of the Atlas O Trainman items for your Atlas railroad.
Atlas O 2-Rail Wabash Panel-Side Hopper #9486-3
| US $57.95 End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 3:30:00 PST Buy It Now for only: US $57.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
ATLAS O SCALE GP35 WESTERN MARYLAND 3 RAIL W/TMCC/SOUND
| US $225.00 End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 3:32:11 PST Buy It Now for only: US $225.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Atlas O 3-Rail Clicquot Club 36' Wood Reefer #8049-2
| US $54.95 End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 3:35:10 PST Buy It Now for only: US $54.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Atlas O 3-Rail Kingan's Packing 36' Wood Reefer #8008-2
| US $54.95 End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 3:35:13 PST Buy It Now for only: US $54.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
ATLAS O UNION PACIFIC 1475A POWER A UNIT
| US $60.00 End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 4:40:00 PST Buy It Now for only: US $60.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Atlas O 2-Rail T&OC 55-Ton USRA Hopper #9480-2
| US $53.95 End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 5:40:29 PST Buy It Now for only: US $53.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Atlas of the Islamic World Since 1500 (Cultural Atlas o
| US $40.50 End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 6:02:39 PST Buy It Now for only: US $40.50 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Atlas O 3-Rail Reading GP-7 w. TMCC/Railsounds 1905-2
| US $379.00 End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 6:04:17 PST Buy It Now for only: US $379.00 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
H112- ATLAS 'O' TRACK- 027 1/2 CURVE- 2 SECTIONS- SALE
| US $3.59 End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 11:32:58 PST Buy It Now for only: US $3.59 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Atlas O 2-Rail Commonwealth Express Trucks (Pair) #7029
| US $18.95 End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 13:26:45 PST Buy It Now for only: US $18.95 Buy it now | Add to watch list |
Tags: atlas o gauge trains, Atlas O Scale Trains, atlas o trainman, atlas o trains, Atlas railroad
April 18th, 2009 — By admin — Filed under: Atlas Trains Comments (0)
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