This post in Brass HO Trains is about setting up the basics for your model trains. The Brass HO trains and all other scale model trains have four basic components. The locomotive, the cars, track pieces and the power supply. The model HO trains can be powered by a transformer or power pack or a DCC system. A beginner can start off with an oval or circular track that is simple to understand and accommodate inside the house.

The assembling of the track might be a bit tricky. A simple oval shaped track that comes in the beginner’s kit would be a good start. We also recommend getting a book which can take you through the steps (HO Railroad from Start to Finish (Model Railroad Handbook, No 36)). One can find out one’s own easy way of assembling, like getting the curved pieces first, placing of the piers, etc. The feeder and the railer positions must be properly placed to ensure the power supply without the hinderances of the wires. Rerailers can be used at regular intervals so that the position of the wheels get automatically adjusted at frequent intervals. If the train set does not come with a railer, it can be obtained separately. It can be fixed into the rails to roll down a locomotive or car that smoothly gets adjusted into the track. Railing can be done by hand, but is difficult for smaller models like Brass HO trains.

It is important to set the throttle to minimum or zero and clear away any things on the rails before plugging in the power supply. To prevent short circuits, do not use any metal laying across the rails. Some power supplies have a circuit breaker that can be reset and others emit sounds when there is a short circuit and later reset themselves. Once the trains are railed on the track, rise the throttle very slowly and let the train start to move. This will be the minimum throttle. The maximum throttle will be the point where the train is moving at its fastest without compromising on the safety. For each model the minimum or the maximum throttles may differ.

The forward and reverse movements come next. It is different for 2-rail and 3-rail systems. For 2-rail sets, the switch works in opposite polarities of the DC voltage applied to the rails, causing the motor to reverse. For 3-rail sets, the transformers have a direction button and work on AC voltage. The direction button causes the drops in the electric current on the rails and causes the train to move forward or backward.

HO Railroad from Start to Finish (Model Railroad Handbook, No 36)

Brass HO Trains