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

Yes… here on Brass HO Trains we see that even musicians like Model Trains. The musicians who had been interested in model trains include Bruce Springsteen, Claude Bolling, Roger Miller, Phil Collins, etc. Roger Daltrey, the lead singer of Who is known to have been building an extensive European HO layout in his loft. John Entwistle, also performs for Who and is an adherent collector of HO models. Merle Haggard, the country singer had been an active HO modeller, he recorded an album titled “My love affair with Trains”. Tommy Hunter has a layout built in his basement while Elton John, the rock star has a garden railroad.

Vaughn Monroe, the singer, trumpeter, leader of the Vaughn Monroe Orchestra has yet another addition to his titles as a railroad modeller. He used to relax by tinkering with his model trains and build his own HO scale locomotives. He missed his trains so much that he wished he could carry a small layout during his trips. Johnny Cash, the country music singer and song writer is very fond of Lionel model trains and Frank Sinatra has an extensive Lionel layout in his home. Gil Melle, the Jazz saxophonist was a frequent contributor to Rail Model Craftsman.

Mel Torme was so passionate about his model trains that he preferred his trains to his wife and divorced her. Almost 80% of his collection was vintage lionel or tin-plate and the collection was in near-pristine condition. Neil Young, the rock star, was a part owner of Lionel trains and had a trailer consisting of Lionel layout, which he carried with him in his tours. Rod Stewart, the famous rock star, was rich and bought many brass models for his collection. He was known to have two layouts, one in LA, where the collection of the Pennsy is built and one at his home, Epping, with English East Coast line in British Railways days.

There are many more such famous personalities and others who have been into the collection of Brass HO trains and trains of other models.

Bachmann Trains Rail King Ready-To-Run HO Scale Train Set

Brass HO Trains