Powering Model Trains Part 1

The earliest toy trains that flooded the market were firstly powered by a simple method called clockwork. You could only control the actual train by using a series of levers that were attached to the model train itself. All these levers did was make the model train, stop, go and is some of the more advanced model, you could even make it go in reverse, not always successfully how ever.

This was a very crude way to control a train and it took some of the fun out of what we know and have today, they were how ever, very sturdy creatures, robust would be a good word here. They were also quite large, which had its problems, but you could easily grab the levers and get the train to do what you wanted it to do.

Some of the smart manufacturers started creating accessories that were specially fitted to the tracks that would make the train do things like stop and reverse without you actually having to touch the lever yourself.

The earliest models of electric model trains were based on a three rail track system. Meaning the wheels would work on the outter rails and the rail in the middle would give the train it's electrical charge.

This middle rail was vital as it provided the power for the train to move. It was not the most realistic looking of designs how ever. This was able to be done and done well as the tracks back then were made of metal and not plastic so therefore in conducted electricity well.

Manufactures how ever wanted to keep up with demand and demand was asking for more accurately portrayed model trains. Also the accessories also needed to be more accurate as well. The more detail you had the more sales you would make at this period of time.