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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.

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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
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Marklin Z 81565 Starter Set
US $139.95 (0 Bid)
End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 7:06:13 PDT
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Marklin Z Starter Set ~ Loco, Cars, Track, Transformer
US $30.00 (2 Bids)
End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 19:29:51 PDT
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MS-TOYS ! MARKLIN Z HALLOWEEN STARTER SET
US $149.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 14:30:43 PDT
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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MARKLIN HO TRAIN SET #2957
US $50.00 (3 Bids)
End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 1:34:05 PST
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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
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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
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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
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LOT 36 VINTAGE Marklin HO Scale Train Track SET
US $9.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 18:00:30 PDT
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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
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Marklin HO #09788 - Freight Train Set
US $0.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 13:03:20 PDT
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Marklin HO #2927A - Passenger Train Set
US $26.00 (3 Bids)
End Date: Tuesday Mar-16-2010 13:03:26 PDT
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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
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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
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LGB Train set
US $103.82 (11 Bids)
End Date: Saturday Mar-13-2010 11:37:17 PST
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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
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Lehman LGB 5030 Train Station Accessory Set
US $3.25 (2 Bids)
End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 16:14:38 PDT
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LGB - Circus Train Set # 21988
US $139.95 (1 Bid)
End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 20:52:04 PDT
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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
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LGB 73968 30th Birthday Set - The Big Train Set
US $36.00 (5 Bids)
End Date: Monday Mar-15-2010 13:30:13 PDT
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Vintage Marx O Model Train Engine 1666
US $19.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 18:48:24 PST
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Vintage Toy Train 2 Steam Engine MARX 1666 Tenders
US $23.07 (15 Bids)
End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 20:45:09 PST
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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
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VINTAGE TIN TRAIN ENGINE DUMP CARS SCALE MARX ??
US $2.99 (1 Bid)
End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 16:16:04 PST
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Marx 490 engine, flawless, low mileage
US $18.26 (0 Bid)
End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 16:34:58 PST
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OLD MARX TRAIN ENGINE O GUAGE
US $15.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 17:59:53 PST
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MARX ,Army Supply Train ,500 ,Engine
US $21.50 (2 Bids)
End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 18:00:18 PST
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1930s ART DECO MARX LUMAR LINES STEEL TRAIN ENGINE
US $9.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 18:08:59 PST
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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
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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
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HO BRASS UNITED/ATLAS LOGGING 2 TRUCK BENSON SHAY
US $147.50 (15 Bids)
End Date: Sunday Mar-14-2010 19:28:51 PDT
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Bachmann N Scale Amtrak Centennial custom-made set
US $69.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Saturday Mar-13-2010 15:28:17 PST
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Bachmann Prairie Flyer E-Z Set N #24004-NIB
US $29.99 (0 Bid)
End Date: Saturday Mar-13-2010 17:02:55 PST
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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
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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
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BACHMANN HO SCALE SMUCKERS EXPRESS TRAIN SET NEW BOXED
US $17.00 (9 Bids)
End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 19:00:40 PST
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Bachmann "Old Timer" Train Set Original Sealed HO New!
US $29.00 (3 Bids)
End Date: Thursday Mar-11-2010 19:00:46 PST
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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
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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
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BACHMANN CABOOSE SANTE FE HO SCALE SET OF 6
US $6.52 (7 Bids)
End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 7:07:02 PST
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BACHMANN HO GAUGE TRAIN SET
US $20.00 (0 Bid)
End Date: Friday Mar-12-2010 7:21:03 PST
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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April 18th, 2009 — By admin — Filed under: Atlas Trains    Comments (0)
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