A locomotive runs by picking up an electrical current from the metal rails through metal wheels that ride on the rails. The electricity is transferred from the wheels to the motor, which causes the motor to run.
The motor connects to the wheels through a mechanical drive system. When the electricity turns the motor, the motor turns the gears that turn the wheels and push the locomotive along the train tracks. Simple!
The contact point where your locomotive wheel meets the rail is extremely small. That’s why; it doesn’t take much in the way of dirt, dust, or debris to obstruct the wheel-to-rail contact. Dirt can build up, so it is important that you keep the wheels clean and free of accumulated dirt. If the wheels of your locomotive become dirty, they may not make good contact with the metal rails, and your train will stall. Remember, plastic wheels don’t conduct electricity.
Locomotive Wheels And Locomotive Gears
A good locomotive needs lots of wheels and lots of gears. A poor performing locomotive is often because of the gears and/or the wheels. Although in saying that, some locomotives with only a few wheels work surprisingly well… although it is considered to be unusual, rather than the norm.
By Robert Anderson – Author of the best-selling Model Train Help ebook.
Act Now! It’s a “No-Brainer” Decision
Beginners Click Here: Model Trains For Beginners
Experts Click Here: Model Train Help
It’s a 60 day, 100% Money-Back Guarantee
You also get “The Ultimate Guide To Model Trains” with proof of purchase a $19.95 value added bonus!
Related posts:
- Model Steam Trains – A Good Quality Locomotive Will Make All The Difference! It can be very frustrating having a locomotive that you...
- Model Train Table – How To Avoid Model Railroad Derailments Are you frustrated because your model trains derail from time...
- Model Train Table – How Model Train Classification Yards Work Most model railroaders have far more cars (rolling stock) and...
- Model Train Scenery – How Layouts Works And What Can Go Wrong! Model train track consists of two metal rails separated by...
- Model Train Shop – Toy Model Trains As Thomas the Train enlightened every boy’s fantasy and graced...
Related posts brought to you by Yet Another Related Posts Plugin.
