Everything on model trains, model railroads, model railways, locomotives, model train layouts, scenery, wiring, DCC and more. Enjoy the world's best hobby... model railroading!

model scale railroad houses to construct ho scale n scale oo gauge

Smoother Running Locomotives

Flywheels

Flywheels will generally make your loco run more smoothly. Flywheels will help overcome the effects of dirty spots on the track. They help provide momentum to your loco with starting slowly and stopping slowly or when coasting.

model train parts

Can Motors

Can motors provide the benefit of being sealed to protect from dirt and dust. As well as that, Can Motors give higher torque with low speeds, and typically are smoother, and will draw less current.

All Wheel Pickup

Having all wheel pickup provides smooth operation and aids operation through crossings, turnouts, and over dirty track. The wheels can provide energy on track and create momentum.

Add your suggestions by clicking the BLUE “Smoother Running Locomotives” title above.

One Response to Smoother Running Locomotives

  • David Broad says:

    Smooth running is no problem, it’s just we are stuck in the 1950s with two rail electrification.
    Digital radio control with on board rechargeable batteries is the way forward, no track wiring except stabling points just run the trains, dial in the loco ID and away you go.
    You can even just have a usb port on the loco and charge it that way, but I prefer the idea of brass contacts under the loco contacting plungers on the stabling point, that way the loco charges when stabled.
    Ok you maybe need a reed switch operated by track magnets if the loco needs to be stopped and switched off away from the stabling point but it shouldn’t be a problem.

    I haven’t developed the system fully yet but my battery powered locos with first Lima and now modeltorque – like pancake motors running on 2.5 volts run superbly smoothly unncannilyb so compared to any track power I ever came across. Flywheel locos are good except at starting on dirty track

    My locos can be seen on Facebook, OO in the garden davidcbroad

    Enough interest and I’ll do some serious development

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Add a photo or image related to your comment (JPEG only)

SUBMIT YOUR QUESTION

Download Your Free Catalog

Use Tiny Railroad Micro Controllers

N Scale Track Plans

Watch Video

Model Train DCC HELP

Model Train Help Ebook

NEW TO MODEL TRAINS?

FREE Tour Inside Club

Take a FREE tour inside the club.

Scenery Techniques Explained

Scenery & Layout Ideas

Reader Poll

Sorry, there are no polls available at the moment.

Model Railroading Blog Archive