| All model railroad equipment is not created equal!! | | | | Over the life of a train, the lower quality equipment will |
| When you go to buy locomotives, stock, or track, you | | | | tend to get build-up on the wheels and the tracks, |
| have to be careful to buy quality products. Many | | | | causing a loss of power to your train. The worst thing |
| people want to start their railroad by purchasing a | | | | that can happen is when you put your train on the |
| prepackaged set, like one you would get at Christmas | | | | tracks, turn on the throttle, and nothing happens. You |
| time to go under the tree. This would be a mistake. | | | | give the train a nudge and it moves forward six inches |
| Yes, it would give you track, a locomotive, and some | | | | and stops. This is a classic example of inconsistent |
| stock, but most times the quality is not there -- that's | | | | power being delivered to the train. |
| the reason it is being sold as a set. It's great to run | | | | One last thing to check for when buying locomotives |
| under the Christmas tree, but it won't last. | | | | or rolling stock is to make sure that the locomotive or |
| There are a lot of quality products to choose from, | | | | stock will work with your layout radius. If you get a |
| available either at local hobby stores or online. You can | | | | long car and have a small radius, you will get a large |
| get an old steam engine or a newer diesel. Your | | | | overhang as the car goes around the curve. This could |
| choice will be based on what locale you are trying to | | | | cause derailment of other cars, or it could hit a |
| model. Of course, a new silver diesel engine pulling an | | | | structure placed near the tracks. All you have to do is |
| old 1800's passenger car is doable, but it may not end | | | | ask the store clerk or someone on a forum if this |
| up looking right. But it's up to you! | | | | particular car will work on your track radius. |
| One of the biggest reasons to spend a little more and | | | | If you take the time and effort to do your research |
| buy quality products is the longevity of life. Model trains | | | | and to purchase quality equipment, you will definitely be |
| work by drawing electrical current from the tracks. | | | | better off in the long term! Happy railroading! |