Our first train

[Anonymous]

My son and I went to a train show today...I ended up buying a basic Bachmann R2R train set that is expandible. Thought this would be a good way for us to start and for me to get used to how a model train works without being too overly technical in the beginning. Also, the set had a steam loco which my son really wanted and the whole set was less then the least expensive steam loco they had available in N-scale. (P.S. I know the quality is also probably less being part of a set, but made him happy and got us started anyway).

The track was snap together track and had a few minor problems learning how to make sure the rails slid into joiners correctly, but not too difficult. However, a couple of the rails are too short. In one place specifically, the rails joined fine on one end, but one rail had a pretty large gap at the other end of the connection. The train would, of course, derail at this point as the wheel caught in the gap. I was able to compensate by sliding that one rail down some so the gap was not so large. That of course, made a small gap then at the other end of the rail connection. The train is running with no issues around the track now, but how do I fill the gaps so it is smooth? Is the accomplished by solder when I am ready to permanently lay the track?

Just my first of many zillion questions to come...

Thanks for any information.

P.S. After my spending about 10 minutes trying to align the wheels of the loco on the track properly, my son comes over and shows me how to use the re-railer....and who says a 5 year old can't run model trains...lol

[Anonymous]

My son and I went to a train show today...I ended up buying a basic Bachmann R2R train set that is expandible. Thought this would be a good way for us to start and for me to get used to how a model train works without being too overly technical in the beginning. Also, the set had a steam loco which my son really wanted and the whole set was less then the least expensive steam loco they had available in N-scale. (P.S. I know the quality is also probably less being part of a set, but made him happy and got us started anyway).

The track was snap together track and had a few minor problems learning how to make sure the rails slid into joiners correctly, but not too difficult. However, a couple of the rails are too short. In one place specifically, the rails joined fine on one end, but one rail had a pretty large gap at the other end of the connection. The train would, of course, derail at this point as the wheel caught in the gap. I was able to compensate by sliding that one rail down some so the gap was not so large. That of course, made a small gap then at the other end of the rail connection. The train is running with no issues around the track now, but how do I fill the gaps so it is smooth? Is the accomplished by solder when I am ready to permanently lay the track?

Just my first of many zillion questions to come...

Thanks for any information.

P.S. After my spending about 10 minutes trying to align the wheels of the loco on the track properly, my son comes over and shows me how to use the re-railer....and who says a 5 year old can't run model trains...lol

[Puckdropper]

Usually, a gap in the track means you're trying to do something with out enough pieces. It is possible, however, that aren't the right size. Bachmann ez-lock should be all the same size...

[Puckdropper]

Usually, a gap in the track means you're trying to do something with out enough pieces. It is possible, however, that aren't the right size. Bachmann ez-lock should be all the same size...

[Anonymous]

elonna....

i agree with puckdropper on this..ive never used the ez lock track but with molded in road bed the pieces should butt together better than u are describing...i would have to say it is possibly a quality control problem...i can understand the prob of trying to return it as defective(tsking a new train from a young boy cant be easy even for a few hrs) plus u have to set it up again...u could also try a visit to ur LHS and pick up some section packs of the ez-lock to replace the short ones...on the other hand .. if its running ok and u dont mind seeing the gaps in the rail (not to offend the serious prototypers out there) id go with it....i have a few gaps in my layout too...as for soldering...i wouldnt worry about that at this point as i would recommend not doing this ubtil ur RR is completely set up as it makes it very difficult to make changes or corrections as u are building ur empire....i myself have dabbled with toy trains for several years on and off and this is my first serious attempt to build a realistic layout so my advice may be off the mark for u but i hope ive helped....scott

[Anonymous]

elonna....

i agree with puckdropper on this..ive never used the ez lock track but with molded in road bed the pieces should butt together better than u are describing...i would have to say it is possibly a quality control problem...i can understand the prob of trying to return it as defective(tsking a new train from a young boy cant be easy even for a few hrs) plus u have to set it up again...u could also try a visit to ur LHS and pick up some section packs of the ez-lock to replace the short ones...on the other hand .. if its running ok and u dont mind seeing the gaps in the rail (not to offend the serious prototypers out there) id go with it....i have a few gaps in my layout too...as for soldering...i wouldnt worry about that at this point as i would recommend not doing this ubtil ur RR is completely set up as it makes it very difficult to make changes or corrections as u are building ur empire....i myself have dabbled with toy trains for several years on and off and this is my first serious attempt to build a realistic layout so my advice may be off the mark for u but i hope ive helped....scott

[Anonymous]

P.S.


CONGRATS ON YOUR FIRST TRAIN...I HOPE YOU BOTH HAVE YEARS OF FUN WITH YOUR NEW HOBBY....scott

[Anonymous]

P.S.


CONGRATS ON YOUR FIRST TRAIN...I HOPE YOU BOTH HAVE YEARS OF FUN WITH YOUR NEW HOBBY....scott

[Jacktal]

Congratulations on your first step in model railroading!We all do start somewhere and it is a fairly economical way to do.You got it right when you say you're not expecting a high level of quality from that set,which I call "Christmas Tree" sets,as they generally lack the reliability that is hard to get from even more expensive locos.They usually need to be worked on from time to time to keep running.

I gave my son such a set(in HO) when he was about that age and I can tell you that he's had a lot of fun with it.He ran it "race car style" most of the time,having fun trying to get the loco to spin it's wheels for one thing.Then he got bored of simply having the train follow the figure eight layout and started experimenting by attaching other objects to the loco just to see how strong a horse it was until he created a short circuit across the rails.

The rails carry electrical current,one positive and the other negative,and are insulated by plastic ties.The wheels of the train are also isolated from eachother.This is 12 volts or so,not major voltage by any means,but still....electricity.What I mean here is that you should explain this to your son so that he doesn't put an end to his fun by destroying his train set or....who knows?Kids like to experiment as it's a major component of their evolution but a little coaching helps.My son is now a fine young adult but I can say that his train set wasn't the only thing he ruined getting there.

Train sets aren't very dangerous as an overload protection is built in the power supply but a little caution makes for a more enjoyable and safe hobby.Have fun!

[Jacktal]

Congratulations on your first step in model railroading!We all do start somewhere and it is a fairly economical way to do.You got it right when you say you're not expecting a high level of quality from that set,which I call "Christmas Tree" sets,as they generally lack the reliability that is hard to get from even more expensive locos.They usually need to be worked on from time to time to keep running.

I gave my son such a set(in HO) when he was about that age and I can tell you that he's had a lot of fun with it.He ran it "race car style" most of the time,having fun trying to get the loco to spin it's wheels for one thing.Then he got bored of simply having the train follow the figure eight layout and started experimenting by attaching other objects to the loco just to see how strong a horse it was until he created a short circuit across the rails.

The rails carry electrical current,one positive and the other negative,and are insulated by plastic ties.The wheels of the train are also isolated from eachother.This is 12 volts or so,not major voltage by any means,but still....electricity.What I mean here is that you should explain this to your son so that he doesn't put an end to his fun by destroying his train set or....who knows?Kids like to experiment as it's a major component of their evolution but a little coaching helps.My son is now a fine young adult but I can say that his train set wasn't the only thing he ruined getting there.

Train sets aren't very dangerous as an overload protection is built in the power supply but a little caution makes for a more enjoyable and safe hobby.Have fun!

[Anonymous]

Congratulations on your first train!! Hope you two have a blast with it.

[Anonymous]

Congratulations on your first train!! Hope you two have a blast with it.

[Puckdropper]

I just thought of something else... Solder isn't good for filling gaps in the rails. A piece of rail is best, perhaps then soldered to it.

[Puckdropper]

I just thought of something else... Solder isn't good for filling gaps in the rails. A piece of rail is best, perhaps then soldered to it.

[CP5415]

Congrats Elonna!! You're on your way! WOO HOO!!
Or should I say CHOO CHOO!![:)]

Gordon

[CP5415]

Congrats Elonna!! You're on your way! WOO HOO!!
Or should I say CHOO CHOO!![:)]

Gordon