What Makes A Good Runner? | How Model Trains Work

[@swanage_spotting7272]

Sam could you do a series where you look at cool accessories e.g. smoke generators or working lamps? I think it is a good idea

[@ivovanzon164]

Haven't seen much Sheute towers in the reviews...

[@SamsTrains]

Great idea! I'd love to try that - thanks for the suggestion! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@chrisrumbold8496]

I’d certainly enjoy this, I’d love to see DC locomotive lamps that fit on the lamp irons

[@petergriffiths1792]

You

[@petergriffiths1792]

That's an amazing idea wow

[@MSR_Studios]

I learned more about engineering from Sam than in school.

[@name5528]

Makes sense

[@richardjayroe8922]

True

[@joekeenan6423]

@@name5528 JOE Keenan age 72 l have been into model trains for 3 year's it was a very informative video. 👍

[@srajfnly2]

Same

[@SamsTrains]

haha very glad to hear that, lol! ;D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@brianartillery]

That was excellent. A very clear, and concise 'idiot proof' guide to the inner workings of model trains. Loved your Triang engine collection, by the way. Some of them took me back! Nice one.

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks Brian, really glad you liked it! Yeah I love those tri-ang locos too - bullet proof, even today! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@highbrookendmodelrailway]

Really good video Sam, I agree with everything you have said. Good advice for people who want to know how things work, without having to listen to my complex ramblings! ;) Now, speaking of complex ramblings, if anyone would like to know a bit more on Brushed DC Motor operation, then this is for you: Power is applied onto the brushes of the motor, which then makes contact to 2 of the commutator plates. This then creates a circuit from one commutator plate, through a winding of the motor (called an electromagnet - an electromagnet is basically a magnet which can be turned on and off by passing current through windings or turns of wire) and then eventually out the other side of the winding and returns through the brush, through the pickups to the track. The winding creates a magnetic field that is aligned with the position of the brushes (for example N at the left brush and S at the right). Then, the permanent magnet that is located within the motor creates a magnetic field too (for example N at the left brush and S at the right). Because N want to align with the permanent magnet's S pole, and S wants to align with the permanent magnet's N pole, the armature starts to rotate as it wants to align itself with the magnetic fields of the permanent magnet, so it turns as N is attracted to the permanent magnet's S pole, and pulls the motor round as it wants to align. But, because the brushes are now connecting to different commutator plates (or contacts) the N & S poles are still being generated in the same position next to each of the brushes, causing the armature to realign itself with the permanent magnet's magnetic fields, and the cycle keeps continuing as the magnetic fields pull the armateur around as they keep trying to align with each other. This causes a continuous rotating motion, and makes the motor spin continuously, as the magnetic fields from the windings of the motor, created by applying power to 2 commutator contacts, keep trying to realign themselves with the magnetic fields of the permanent magnet. Thanks for reading folks, hope this helps, and sorry to Sam for clogging his comments with an oversized message! :D

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks my friend! Appreciate the extra info on the motors too, great explanation for commutation! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@briandunning2974]

Excellent. Informative and at a good pace. I can’t stand these mainly US channels that take so long to explain the simplest things. Thank you. 10/10.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Brian - glad to hear that mate, appreciate it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@lewishughes8541]

Very useful and interesting to find all of this out as I don't really think about these thing when I buy a loco

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Lewis, glad this was interesting for you mate! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ThatModelRailwayGuy]

Great video Sam! I had a very basic knowledge of how models work but it's great to have it clearly broken down like this with all the different variations - I feel a lot more like I "understand" why certain ways work better than others now! Bravo, a very useful video indeed 👍

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much - really glad to hear this is some use to you! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@FerroequinologistofColorado]

I always enjoy learning about how model trains work. I love it how you talk about how the mechanics work. Great video Sam

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much mate, lovely to hear that! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@spitfire4sergi]

I suddenly realized I’ve been casually waiting 28 years for this (since I was 5 years old) 😂 perfect as always!!! Thanks Sam.

[@SamsTrains]

haha awesome!! Thanks so much - glad you liked it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Calilasseia]

Just watched this. Bravo! It's refreshing to see someone exert the effort, not only to explain how things work, but put a decent level of thought into the presentation. Seeing the gear trains in action being a part I particularly enjoyed, but then I've always loved detail. :) I can think of one or two *very* expensive paid consultants who would have been less competent at delivering this content, though no one familiar with corporate IT will be surprised at this :) Excellent video, delivered with panache. Keep up the good work!

[@robinbrowne5419]

🚂 I watched this video about 3 years ago when it first came out and I watched it again just now. So this is kind of a refresher and it makes a lot more sense now that I have watched many Sam's Trains episodes in between. Thanks Sam for your dedication to model railroading. PS - My favourite aspect of model trains are the coupling rods which drive the wheels. There is something mesmerizing about watching them. I also like the clackety clack sound of the wheels on the tracks :-)

[@SMTMainline]

Amazing video! You did a terrific job explaining everything accurately in detail and this will hopefully help more people understand how these things work. Only one thought I had, you mentioned that some manufacturers will decide to drive every wheel on a steam locomotive with a gear instead of just using the drivers and while it is true that using this method causes more friction, a major advantage of it is that there is less risk of binding. The drivers are under a lot more stress without gears so it makes it a lot easier for one of the wheels to slip out of place and become un-quartered. I've noticed a lot of modern manufacturers seem to be going with all geared wheels, such as Rapido Trains Inc with their Royal Hudson models. This is still an absolutely terrific video, I just wanted to share my thoughts on that. All the best ~Harrison

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much mate, really glad you liked it! Yes that's a good point - with a single geared axle, quartering becomes much more crucial - thanks for sharing! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jetbee1106]

Throughly enjoyed the video. Thumbs up. Just in passing, I remember that most of my old TRI-ang steamers had magnets installed in the chassis by the drive wheels. This would help the wheels adhere to the track. Worked quite well actually. Cheers!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Jet! Yes that's right, it's a wonderful idea - sadly no longer an option with nickel-silver track though! :( Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@tmcg972]

Superb video, very well presented and explained. Thanks for showing pros and cons as well. Keep doing these engineering videos, every day is a school day :-)

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much, really glad you liked this, haha! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@arnchamberlain825]

That was a wonderful explanation of train basics. Thanks. It was logically and clearly presented. I am looking forward to viewing more of your videos.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Arn, really appreciate that! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@MisterHampshire]

Interesting video, thank you. You may not remember Hornby's solution to wheel-to-rail friction. Yes, they used traction tyres, but, in the late 60s and early 70s they also made a big thing of Magnadhesion which was fitted to some locos. It sounded good and technical. Essentially though, the locomotive wheels were magnetised so that - well, they were magnets.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot! Yes you're absolutely right - I have a few like that, though sadly they're lost on nickel-silver track! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Thank you for giving us the tuition we need to get decent trains and locomotives!! I had never thought about how model trains actually work!! I understood it as a boy because I learned it from using Scalextric cars and Hornby trains!!

[@SamsTrains]

No problem mate - ahh fantastic, yeah it's very similar to scalextric! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@mattjackson8226]

Great video Sam very informative. You mentioned having a video on feedback controllers would love a video on those.

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks Matt - sure, I'll look into doing that! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@apples5503]

Great video Sam, explained all the components and differences very well.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much mate, really appreciate it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@OlivierGabin]

As a professor's son, I can tell you that your video is very pedagogic. Well done as usual, with a straightforward presentation of all the things you have to know to understand how a model train works. You made things go clear, especially when you presents the coreless motors. I always thought they were pointless in OO, I can understand now why ! Excellent explanations, good visual illustrations, and you showed us that you really know what you are talking about. A must-see video for all model train fans interested in technique.

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks Oliver, that's very kind of you! Really glad you liked it, much appreciated! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@kiwitrainguy]

Pedagogic: The science of teaching.

[@fredsrails7501]

Very interesting always wanted to know how they work good video sam keep it up

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Fred, appreciate it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@blisseyran-dom6822]

I can't speak for all model trains but my old Hornby 110 DMU works by catching fire when voltage is applied. Should probably see to that

[@bentullett6068]

The old Hornby 110 DMU's use ringfield motors I think there is a video on KZbin talking about this issue as I had the same issue with one of my old hornby diesel locomotives.

[@robertwilloughby8050]

My 110 stuck like hell but didn't catch fire. Fun Fact :- 110's catching fire was true in real life! At least until they improved the insulation, but even then, Hammerton Street calling them the "Greasy Grills" suggests that there were a few more fires than the norm........:-)

[@highbrookendmodelrailway]

Probably shorted quite badly. Make sure there is no carbon buildup between the slots on the commutator, wheels are clean, commutator is clean, fresh lubricant, etc. Normally you can immediately see what is wrong with it when you open it up - most likely a blackish sooty area if it had been catching fire, so you should get an idea of what it is pretty soon!

[@blisseyran-dom6822]

@@highbrookendmodelrailway Yeah I've had a look and it's just in really poor condition. If I can get the time and I can probably get it going again. Thanks for your suggestions 🙂

[@highbrookendmodelrailway]

@@blisseyran-dom6822 You're most welcome 👍☺️.

[@paulcherrytrains3339]

Very useful and informative video. I have taken quite a few of my locos apart and fixed them. I enjoy discovering how they work..

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Paul - me too - it's great fun isn't it? :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@wolftrailsrailroad5792]

I will never look at model trains the same again. Lots of detailing for how they work. Great video sam!

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks a lot, really glad you liked it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@reconphil]

Very nice clear explanations. I would like to see a video about the different types of controllers.

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! I have done that already! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@adamwilliams192]

Really enjoyed that Sam, very interesting and informative. I didn’t know most of the terms you explained regarding motors so I have learnt something today. Would also be interested in learning more about Feedback 👍

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Adam, really glad to hear that! Feedback is a big one - I'm thinking about doing more on that soon! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@chrishines6048]

I've learnt a lot from that and now I know what to look for and how to keep the locos running

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Chris, very glad to hear that! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@russellbenton2987]

Good one Sam . Well explained

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks Russell! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Madonsteamrailways]

Thank you again for an EXCELLENT lesson on how model locomotives actually work. I’ve never known half of the things you mentioned. And by the way, I have always got what your points system is referring to!!

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! Really glad you learned something too! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@Madonsteamrailways]

@@SamsTrains Not only interesting, but entertaining as well!! Well done Sam!!

[@DmanOfficial15]

This is pretty epic. Just a few days ago I got my first model so I'm sure this info will come in handy.

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! Ooh awesome - hope you enjoy your first model! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@RobA500]

Very well put together and well presented explanation Sam. Hopefully some should find it useful. You should try and cover more subjects even make a series of it.

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks Rob - I hope so!! If this does well, I may do more! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@SBCBears]

This must be very helpful to your younger viewers, not to mention me. 😄 Make a video on feedback controllers.

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks a lot! Great idea - I could definitely look into a feedback video! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@badlyfilmedproductionspres8022]

How about The old Triang Hornby Magnahesion?

[@bentullett6068]

You can buy a new adhesion system from DCC concepts know as powerbase. Its designed to aid trains up slopes without wheel slip as it uses magnets under the train (or in the chassis) and metal strips under the track.

[@richardsinger01]

@@bentullett6068 you can but judging from Chadwick model railways experience its rubbish in comparison to the old Triang steel rail/magnadhesion system.

[@iangerahty3422]

@@richardsinger01 If I’m not mistaken he wasn’t entirely convinced by the Bullfrog Snot solution either.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's a subject I didn't cover - it's very interesting too!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@andrewdking]

But Tri-ang Magnahesion relied on using their steel railed track, which tarnished a lot and went rusty. I'm not sure modern nickel-silver based rails are that magnetic, if at all, but looks much nicer and importantly, has superior electrical conductivity.

[@AdiPullen]

Hi sam A very educational video. Very very well edited together Learnt a few things from it Thank you Keep safe arp

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks Adi, really glad you liked this! Stay safe my friend, Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@mqtcreations]

I love that you did a video on this! -Lynne

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Lynne, glad you liked it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@simontheplantsman]

Superb Sam! Well done 👆

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Simon! :D

[@jamieevans4475]

Great video Sam learnt a lot thanks 👍🏻

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Jamie! :D

[@mariebcfhs9491]

a skewed 5 pole motor is kinda immune to cogging, it is the entire point of skewing the windings, and I love them also for the point about larger locos using coreless motors, most Kato HO scale models of US locos use 2 coreless motors in 2 bogies

[@kegapr181]

Great video on learning the basics. This was very helpful for someone who is getting back into model railroading or starting. Nice job of explaining all the sub components and how they work. Gives confidence in performing my own maintenance on my locomotives. Thanks for taking the time to share your experiences.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Panda, really glad to hear that - appreciate it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@SNER333]

I love learning stuff like this, it's amazing how much goes into these little models! I'd love to see how you would build an engine from the ground up.

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! Yeah they are amazing little machines really! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@kevfrombutterley]

The 00 gauge Graham Farish "Black Five" has a brushless motor which is in the tender. It's a two pole motor as well. It uses a cam acting on a pair of switch contacts to switch the coils on and off alternately!

[@SamsTrains]

That's fascinating - I'd be very interested to see one of those! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@leroyholm9075]

Hi Sam Once again an amazing video and I learnt some excellent tips. This was an extremely knowledgeable video, packed with information and delivered with notable enthusiasm and it is obvious that your personal information, research and content are extremely comprehensive. You are dealing with a whole range of capabilities regarding a person’s level and ability to process information and speaking as a qualified teacher, the delivery was very fast. You may need to slow your delivery as the modelling community has a very broad range of ages, attention and ability to process content. Weell Done. Can't wait for more. Thanks

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Leroy, glad to hear that! Apologies if the delivery was too fast - I'll work on this! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@leroyholm9075]

Do not apologise as this was meant only as constructive criticism. A slight slowing of delivery will reap rewards. You have massive content for someone of you age, it is your enthusiasm that is pulling the community in.

[@liamcalder1385]

Thanks Sam very easy to understand now. I only wish my teachers were as clear and precise like this hahaha.

[@SamsTrains]

haha thanks a lot Liam, that's very kind! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@tobyyoder8350]

You should do a video on explaining on how much weight or diecast a locomotive should have to get a good score or be a good runner, or etc..

[@SamsTrains]

Great idea Toby, thanks for that one! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@stephenwilliamson4556]

Very well researched and presented lecture. Really enjoyed it. I just wish this had come out 15-20 years ago, so I could do a bit of a better job fixing and repairing my locos when I was younger. A lot of the time I was just flying blind, however now I understand how motors and mechanisms work, and I have had quite a bit of experience and success with repairing models (to the point where one of my endeavours got published in Australian Model Railway Magazine). Thank you for putting this together, and hopefully it will be of great assistance to those new at this. I personally think fixing and repairing models, and getting them running again is just as satisfying as kit building, and scenery.

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks Stephen, really glad you enjoyed this one! I've been there too mate - quite a few blind repair jobs from me in the past too! I agree with you - easily my favourite aspect of the hobby! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@geoffbuck6865]

I'm not a model railway enthusiast at all but thought this was an excellent and informative vid from a purely technical perspective. Well done Sam!!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Geoff, really glad you liked it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@bryanhardy3311]

Hi Sam. One very good thing about your explanatory comments is that they apply to larger size Models (Gauge "O" and "1"). I make Gauge "O" models from tinplate using ETS ( CZ) chassis which have excellent (Japanese) 5 pole motors and disengaging clutches and are excellent slow speed runners controlled by ( 40 yr old) ECM "Compspeed" Feedback controllers. All tender Locos pick up ( wipers) from all wheels for reliable running characteristics! Please construct a program on feedback controllers that illustrates their "maintained speed" characteristics to eliminate stalling at slow speeds! thank you for a wonderful & informative programm. Bryan Hardy AUSTRALIA.

[@fhwolthuis]

Nice video Sam, very interesting!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Frank, really appreciate it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@louisbuscarino7330]

Awesome video I am so glad you did this kind of video. It was very informative and I learned a lot. I wish you had done this sooner I would have saved a motor. Thanks for this kind of video keep them coming.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Louis, really glad you liked it! Hope it helps you in the future mate, Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@bentullett6068]

On the motors part you missed out ringfield motors that all of the old Hornby and Lima models used. I don't know if these are classed as a three pole motor though?

[@muir8009]

the poles are on the armature, so the rather sad ringfields on the Margate hornby and Lima are definitely 3 pole. on quality ringfields such as hornby dublo and Fleischmann still 3 pole but work as they were designed and intended to do

[@SamsTrains]

Yes that's true, though they fit into the 3 pole motor category, they're just arranged a bit differently! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@gollinzvlogs8740]

Fantastic Video SAM !! Been a fan all the way since Gadwall was your profile picture!! Been fantastic to watch the channel Develop 🙌🙌

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much mate, wow that's a long while back now! Really appreciate the support, Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@gyenyiszovarpad3230]

Thanks Sam. I am a starter and I like your videos

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much - welcome aboard!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@madeinyorkshire52]

Very useful video - I see that the first motor flywheel you showed was really badly balanced - or more correctly the central hole was not concentric with the turned diameter of the flywheel. That won’t help the motor bearings to last; or positively contribute to nice smooth running. Brings me back to the days when I used to competitively race model slot cars - I used to rewind and balance the armatures with thicker wire, fit stronger magnets and shim these closer to the armature, introduce ways of taking heat away from the brush gear, etc etc etc. THOSE were the days 😂 - now I just use mostly out of the box RTR (or kit-bashed) Bachmann On30 narrow gauge on my layout.

[@morphman32]

Thank you Sam, I've been waiting for this video for a long time and I'm glad it's you who made it because you always explain everything so concisely and easy to understand. I always wait eagerly for every new video you make because there's always something of particular interest to me and you always give a fair and concise review. Eagerly awaiting the next video 📹 😍.

[@SamsTrains]

It's a pleasure Oliver - really glad to hear that mate! See you soon, Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@adamdelarozza1985]

Thanks so much, you covered a lot and it's up to date which is great!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Adam, glad you liked it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@ReallyUsefulPinkEngine29]

Oh, wow! Reminds me of the TTTE S1-12 Behind the Scenes

[@1969mew]

Thanks, Sam. What a great in-depth look - and so well made, as usual. Wouldn't selectable gears be a great thing? I wonder if it's ever been done.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much Mark, really glad you liked it! haha yeah that would be super interesting to see actually!! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@blueberrytigerfox7699]

That's my favorite looking at the mechanism how it works a the gearbox and a motor that's my most favorite

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! I really love looking at these mechs too! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@matthew_thefallen]

Ahh finally! Funny how the B12 loco in the thumbnail is the same model I have that doesn't run well 😂 I'd love to know why

[@SamsTrains]

Ooh really?! I've always found these to be epic runners! Mine had a faulty circuit board though, so worth checking... in what was does yours not run well? Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@mikesanders5433]

Great video Sam, very interesting and informative. Thanks 🙂

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Mike! :D

[@andrewpalm2103]

A very good video, indeed, Sam! This morning I cleaned the wheels on a 20 year old HO Kato NW-2 switcher/shunter using a small cloth saturated with alcohol between a powered section of track and each truck/bogie (sequentially, of course, so power would get to the motor!). I'd be interested to know how you clean your loco wheels and your track. Also, since much of your track is on a rug, do you have a problem picking up fuzzies? Cheers from Wisconsin.

[@railfilm]

Andrew Palm It can be quite challenging especially when the gears are not covered from bottom side. They tend to wind up the hairs, very common on carpet floor. You have to dissasemble the engine and with fine tweezers you can remove the hairs.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot for sharing Andrew! I did do a video on this some years ago - if you search for samstrains wheel cleaning, you should find my approach! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@loganwirth4146]

Vary informative also neat shot of the loco running with no body shell very nice

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Logan, glad you liked the closeups! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@railwayjade]

Awesome video Sam, thank you, keep well

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Jade, you too! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@phil36310]

Hi Sam, Very informative video. Thanks & greetings!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Filip, appreciate it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@davidhylands4555]

Thank You Sam. Most informative

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot David, really glad you thought so! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@danielgoodman2097]

Nice video, one point on gearing, while most manufacturers use worm gears, these are a big source friction as the tooth engaged with the worm gear is rubbing against it as it turns, and acting like a break. This effect gets worse as the load gets heavier. Some scratch builders are using alternative gearing to avoid this with very impressive performance improvements both at slow speed, and total load a given motor can pull. There was a nice article on this in railway modeller a couple of years ago.

[@SamsTrains]

Yes you're absolutely right actually Daniel! What sort of alternative gearing do they use? I'd be interested to find out! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@danielgoodman2097]

@@SamsTrains A form of bevel or mitre gear like is used in a car to turn the differential from the propshaft. I would dig the article out for you, but I cannot get to my old editions due to lockdown.

[@danielgoodman2097]

It also has the advantage that the wheels can turn the motor, so trains can coast without a fly wheel.

[@davidsheriff8989]

Great informative video...I learnt so much...thanks

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks David, really glad to hear that! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TheLoverOfSteamLocomotives]

Gute Arbeit, die Modelllokomotiven zu erklären, mein Freund!!!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much!! :D

[@Jeff034]

Sam, I have an older triang model (1969) and it’s wheel flanges are too tall for modern railway track. Can you please talk about how this change happened and if there is anything that can be done to fix older models to run in modern tracks.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Jeff! Sure, they decided to make track more realistic, and so the larger flanged locos were no longer compatible! I did grind some of mine down, and it worked a treat... but it's a bit bodgy! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@leewaymodels]

Very informative. Keep up the good work

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much! Glad you liked it! :3 Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@scottthompson7605]

Sam how do you work out how much traction effort Locos have? Many of your videos mention the torque but not how to measure it.

[@SamsTrains]

Good question! I could do a video on that - it was quite involved working it all out! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@clivewilkinson6076]

Excellent video, you have real skill as a communicator. Q. What was the conductive lubricant you were using the the contacts? My vintage Tyco Ten-Wheeler is not running so well and I may have lubed a bearing pickup.

[@Poliss95]

Bachmann E-Z Lube is conductive.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks very much Clive! I've been trialling petroleum jelly for the past year or so - provided you keep it away from plastics, it seems to work great on pickups! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@clivewilkinson6076]

@@Poliss95 Thanks, good to know.

[@AQuietNight]

Sam should take one of his Thomas The Tank Engines and power it with a model rocket motor. That ought to over come those friction and pick up problems. You know you want to do it Sam. Plus you'll gain experience in repairing plasterboard fixing the hole left behind where the Thomas jets through the wall of your house..

[@SamsTrains]

haha that'd be epic - maybe I will try one day!! xD Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@bindonrail46]

One thing that's bugging me at the moment... People putting grease on the gear-train of Lima diesels. I've bought around 60 of them in the last 10 months and several were bought as non-runners. When you put them on the track they just hummed. A quick dismantling and a clean off of the grease and they are away again running smoothly. Lima gear-trains are made of nylon and they are self-lubricating. I know people put grease on them to try and make them quieter but in the end it either goes hard or some grit gets flicked up of the track, gets caught in the goo and then locks up the motion. When I launch my new channel soon (under a different name) I think I will do a video on Lima locos and how to get them running really nicely, even doing incredibly slow crawls, not that that is my thing. Anyway, keep up the good work :-)

[@railfilm]

Bindon Rail Less lubrication is always better

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah that's it- when the lubricant gets old, it certainly harms performance! I do use a small amount on my Lima locos... because I service them every year, I never have any problems! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@jetteraismabash4186]

Great video Sam! All very well explained!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much!! :D

[@nigelweir3852]

Great video , very informative

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks Nigel! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@samuraifool912]

Good clip Sam. Thx for your efforts..! Cheers kim in Oz 😎

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Kim!! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@railfilm]

Very nice and informative video! To increase the traction efforts of the steam engines there is a need for a „compensated“ chassis. This is the key issue in the long frame locomotives ( 3 or more axles). The rigid frame does not support that all wheels are always on the rails, ie they are running, but does not pull the train. This is the general problem of mass produced models. You can read deep information in the book of Guy Williams: The 4mm Engine, Scratchbuilders Guide. Somehow this information did not penetrate into the construction offices of the main model makers yet.

[@melchestermodelrailway]

Thanks Sam, I really appreciate this video, with the basics so well explained and demonstrated. I often wondered about the difference between 3 pole, 5 pole etc. Now I know!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks so much - really glad that was useful for you! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@methylatedspirit6810]

I am glad to have this question answered, bet the video will be good

[@SamsTrains]

Thank you! Hope you enjoy it! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@methylatedspirit6810]

@@SamsTrains it was a very useful and entertaining video, I found the section on motors very interesting :)

[@andrewdking]

Excellent review Sam. Even I who worked in a motor design and manufacturing company, was not aware of what a coreless motor was. We made brushless motors which I to was assuming they were. And yes indeed, brushless motors need major electronics to actually work. I'm most impressed with how you deliver the dialogue without lots of ums while you think of the next thing to say. Do you type this all out on a que card (laptop screen) in advance, rehearse it or are you a naturally gifted public speaker ? Whatever you do, it works mate.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks Andrew! What do you think about brushless motors in OO locomotives? Could it be done you reckon? What sort of cost would you be dealing with? Many thanks for the kind words - I just have bullet pointed notes which I look at between takes - that's all really! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@andrewdking]

@@SamsTrains I've Googled micro brushless motors and it seems they are quit common, being uses in electric RC aircraft and drones. These ones though are very high reving at say 40k+ rpm. The control electronics look like they could fit on a PCB comparable to a DCC sound decoder, so probably doable in a 00 diesel loco. Just maybe a brushless motor itself is cheaper than a brush motor because there are less parts. The control circuit should be cheaper than a DCC sound decoder, where I'm guessing you are mainly paying for the effort in creating the sound file and its software engineering, not the electronic components which are quite cheap these days. Whether these motors have any distinct control and power advantage over a conventional DC brushed motor, to justify the additional space and cost, I don't know. More likely they could appear in 0-gauge. Never say never. Our aerospace motors had rotor position sensors so the number of revolutions could be controlled and stopped dead, so not to wrench the control surfaces or undercarriage doors off of the airframe. This needs more complex electronics than a basic motor to be used in a model train.

[@michaeldavies9600]

Great interesting video Sam! Funny thing im learning is whenever ive bought a used poor runner,over oiling always seems to be a lot of the problems.

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks Michael - you're right - too much lubricant can do more harm than good! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@bimmingham]

great informative video sam, do appreciate it! was wondering if you could go into a bit more detail about how electricity goes from the pickups to the motor, i'm planning on doing an experiment and just want to know. cheers!

[@АждарАлиев-я3р]

Sam, thank you very much for one more informative video! Great job! Could you, please, review different controllers? Best regards

[@SamsTrains]

No problem mate! Sure, I can look at doing that again! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@generalbacon6955]

Giving a loco traction tyres is like a coach giving their student drugs to make up for the fact they didn’t train them.

[@SamsTrains]

haha exactly, lol! ;D

[@iangerahty3422]

🤔🤔🤔 Would that make sanding the rails the equivalent of snorting coke❓😉

[@NoaZeevi]

Wow! Never thought of it like that.

[@MaxxD86]

Knowing this makes me understand and question some of the prices of these models. Thanks for the info

[@SamsTrains]

haha tell me about it! Thanks mate - glad it was useful! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@peteryoung4957]

I've learnt a lot watching this video Sam. Thank you

[@SamsTrains]

That's great Peter, glad to hear that! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@welshfurrygaming69]

My railion 185 db loco is very slow but powerful runner it takes a 9 car mix length rake well also got my sncf a9u now and added couplings plus a hornby wheel until my roco dc set of two comes, also adding to my snupps with the bmz regio jet one plus sncf repaint into bmz regions and the pkpic ones I have bmz versions of as well

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks for sharing mate - I'll have to check out your snupps account again some time! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@tezza72uk19]

Thanks for this helpful video, could you give links to the oils and greases you recommend please?

[@SamsTrains]

Many thanks! I use silicon grease and petroleum jelly - you can find them readily on Amazon! I've been using them both for over a year now, no issues so far! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@davidstrains4910]

Great video Sam good running is certainly one of the best things that you want your locomotives to do and in my opinion is the only expectation really that people should want when they buy a locomotive

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot David - I agree with you! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@MrAlancumbria]

A very useful and clear introduction thanks Sam. I would like to understand the different ways that motors collect power. Some have two wires attached, some have one and the old Hornby Hymeks for instance have a spider arrangement. Converting some of these to DCC can be quite a puzzle.

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot mate - yes that's true actually, there are more I could have covered - good point! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@MrAlancumbria]

@@SamsTrains not a criticism by any means I think you pitched it just right. There is always more to learn. It's changed a lot in the 40yrs I have been away from the hobby. 😄

[@kiwitrainguy]

The motors with just one wire is where the motor itself is electrically connected to the chassis of the loco so the current goes from one wheel collector through the wire to the motor and then the motor returns the current directly from its frame back through the frame of the loco and on to the other wheels. Modern locos use a motor which is completely insulated so they need the two wires. If your motor has only the one wire then you'll have to insulate the motor from the frame of the loco and then attach another wire on to the motor (from the decoder) to get it to run on DCC. How do I know this? I've just converted three locos over from the one wire system to run with a DCC decoder. Insulating the motor from the frame of the loco can be pretty tricky. As for that spider arrangement, I don't know anything about that. Maybe someone else in these comment can help?

[@leroyholm9075]

Hi Sam Noted the comments, obviously you are very gend up on model workings and i would support the suggestions for more episodes on electic lighting, siganallingand smoke generation.

[@SamsTrains]

Great idea Leroy, I have ideas on this too - I could look into making a video on those! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@seve8791]

I WAS WONDERING THIS LAST NIGHT THANK YOU SO MUCH

[@SamsTrains]

Awesome, glad to hear that Seve! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@KDRCG]

As an FYI, I have two Marklin HO locomotives that uses brushless motors, refered to as a C-Sine motor. Both motors run exceptionally smoothly (they are my best running models); however, they require aditional motor driver electronics (as well as a DCC decoder) to operate the motor. The c-sine motor has now been out of production for a few years now, which is understandable since despite the motors amazing performance, it is a nightmare for maintenance.

[@SamsTrains]

Yeah I've heard about these - HO too? Very impressive! Yes that's right - lots of circuitry needed to drive them, which no doubt is deeply reflected in the price! Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@What06]

12:20 to 12:30 Toby and his J70 brother passing each other by. I haven't seen TTTE for ages since i got into real world trains now and i might have to put TTTE behind me and moved on with something else. Also i think i think i might get toby's basis wrong or maybe i got it right.

[@chaz4512]

awesome video sam,so interesting!

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Chaz! :D

[@chaz4512]

@@SamsTrains :D

[@jamesdunloptrains]

Very interesting video today Sam really enjoyed the video and my Lionel James set is on its way

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks James, really appreciate it! Ooh nice - have fun with him! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@malcolmboynton7652]

thank you so much for this video. i'm retired now. just retrieved my HO stuff from 40 years in storage. it's going to be fun.

[@malcolmboynton7652]

i'm also seeing what appears to be chip capasitors on some of the motor power feeds. can you explain?

[@kiwitrainguy]

@@malcolmboynton7652 If they are capacitors (which is very common) they are there to suppress interference generated by the motor (the sparking that goes on between the brushes and the commutator). So that it does not interfere with TV & Radio.

[@TEBEnthusiast]

Such a lovely video Sam! I have an older Hornby HST swallow as well

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks mate! That sounds good - they're cool locos! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)

[@TEBEnthusiast]

@@SamsTrains No problem dude

[@44662dc]

Most enjoyable Sam and very interesting. Can you tell me what lubricant you use on the gear train and pick up axles please

[@SamsTrains]

Thanks a lot Denis! I've been trialling silicone grease and petroleum jelly - they seem to do the job perfectly! :D Thanks for watching, Sam :)