Electric Model Trains – Wiring Your Train – Sewing Machines Los Angeles

I remember the first train set I bought, supposedly for my son – although I not so secretly wanted it for myself as well. Just looking at it on the toy store shelf brought back memories of working on electric model trains with my own father. We brought the train set home, carefully securing the track to a sheet of plywood, the whole family becoming interested in the project as it came together. We installed the power pack, plugged it in, started the train up… only to find the little train very slow to start. Once it got started, though, it began to really pick up speed. Too much speed. It derailed by the first curve in the track – every singly time.

This is one of the more common problems of the beginning electric model trains hobbyist, and too often one that derails them from further exploration of all the hobby has to offer – and it has a great deal to offer. Just the thought of wiring a model is enough to daunt many beginners. But you don’t have to be a master electrician to wire your own trains. Understanding a few simple electrical concepts will get you started and help you to expand as you become more familiar with the way all things electrical work in your miniature world.

Most people know electricity has to make a complete circuit in order to flow. Resistance decreases this power and with every joint in your tracks, a slight bit of power is lost. Resistance is a good reason to put any grades somewhere in the middle of your track – power up while you have close to full power, coast down and use the momentum to finish the circuit. To stop an electric current, all you have to do is temporarily insulate it. By insulating the current you can get your train to switch tracks. A rheostat controls how much current flows slowing your electric model trains before they enter a curve can easily prevent de-railings.

Your train gets the electric power it needs to run from the tracks, through contact with its wheels. That contact makes it important to keep those tracks clean! The tracks get power from your power supply. It’s important to get a power supply with sufficient voltage to run a train with all the cars you want the engine to pull. Getting one with a circuit breaker can prevent burn-outs. And one that lets you vary the power is better still. Many people like to install a second power pack to run their accessories: lights, moving signs, etc. That way the train doesn’t slow as the lights come on.