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A Train Some Track & A PowerPack |
The basics of what you need to run a model railroad
by Rick Selby
You need a few basic things to make your model railroad run. At the most basic level, you need a power pack, track, feeder wires, and a locomotive.
Let's look at a typical model railroad environment. A typical N or HO scale model train locomotive runs on a 42-volt, direct-current (DC) circuit and draws less than 1/2 amp of current under full load. This circuit is considered a low-voltage circuit compared to the typical 110-volt, 15-amp circuit available in the wall socket of your home. This low-voltage, low-current circuit can cause a mild electrical shock, but it won't cause any physical harm.
The relatively high voltage circuit in the wall socket, however, can cause injury or death. That's why our trains run on low voltage. The transformer takes the 110-volt electricity from the wall and steps it down to the 12 volts needed to run the trains. The throttle control varies the voltage to the rails, changing the speed of the motor and consequently the rate your locomotive moves down the track.
No matter how complex a layout you plan to build, the basic principle behind model train control is the same - you control train speed and direction by varying the voltage and polarity of the electricity reaching the motor. From a simple loop of track to a basement empire, all train operation follows this same basic principle.
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Power packs
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Power packs come in all shapes and sizes. The type of unit you need depends on the layout you plan to build. Small layouts can get by with a basic unit like those that come in many starter train sets. Larger layouts or those with lots of accessories will require power packs with a larger power output. You can upgrade your power pack as your layout grows, using your older units to power accessories and powered turnouts.
All power packs contain a few basic components, including a transformer to provide the 12 volts, a throttle to vary tile output voltage, and a direction switch to control the polarity of the circuit. Power packs also have screw terminals for the DC track and AC accessory connections. More elaborate units may include a larger power supply, additional electronic features such as operating modes, pilot lights and meters, and multiple terminals for accessories such as add-on walkaround throttle units.
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Model railroad locomotives
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Locomotives collect electrical current from the metal rails through metal wheels that ride on the rails. The electricity is routed from the wheels to the motor, where it 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 wheels, and the train runs.
The contact point where the locomotive wheel meets the rail is extremely small. Consequently, it doesn't take much in the way of dust, dirt, or debris to obstruct the wheel-to-rail contact. It is important that you keep the wheels clean and free of accumulated dirt. If the locomotive wheels become dirty, they may not make good contact with the metal rails, and your train will stall.
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Model railroad track
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Track is very simple in design. Track consists of two metal rails separated by plastic tie sections. Each rail carries one side of the electrical circuit. It is important that these two rails do not contact each other, and that a metal object does not contact both rails simultaneously. This would cause a short circuit, which could damage your power pack if it happened repeatedly or for long periods.
When you assemble your track and connect the power pack, you're ready to start running trains. Plug in the power pack, place the locomotive on the track, turn up the throttle, and you're ready to go.
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Did you find this basic information helpful? You can find more in the book, Basic Wiring for Model Railroaders.
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The above articles is the property of and is
the copyright of Kalmbach
Publishing Co. |
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