The Mechanism Of The Ancestors Of Model Trains

From a simple child’s toy, to admired collectible that gets annual gatherings around the world, model trains and railways have become a famous benchmark in hobbying. The artistic and scientific aspects that come with them is what bring about the enjoyment and the operation of the model train achievable.

The artistic concepts that are included with model trains are the crafting of little sceneries and structures that include foliage, tunnels, and stations. It also includes the attention to details with the train and locomotive’s interior and exterior to make them appear as intricate as possible.

On the technical side of things, the wire setup of the model train and railway is what makes each wheeled piece go down the tracks. A satisfying sensation for every model train aficionado is achieved in having to own these not so cheap collectibles.

Since we are already in the subject of making model trains run, what about the function of their life size counterparts? Model trains run along tracks powered by low-voltage electric current just like modern electric trains from light rails and subways, but we all know that steam is the fuel for real steam locomotives. So how do actual steam locos run from steam that comes from burned coal?

Back in the 1800s, steam locomotives were geared up by first releasing the brakes, followed by a slow release of steam. The scooping of coal to the boiler performed by the fireman and the engineer’s suitable actions are what put in power to the steam locomotive. It’s critical to have coordination between the engineer and the fireman in order to make the locomotive run in the suitable speed without exploding the boiler. 12 to 15 tons of coal are used to power a steam locomotive in one day.

The firebox inside the boiler generates flame with a temperature of greater than 2500 degrees that incinerates the coal. Just outside of the firebox is a container that stores water with a very critical role. It is vital to pile up water in this compartment at all times as this will prevent the firebox from melting and the boiling of the water is what will provide the locomotive’s steam-power.

The steam given off from heated steam goes to the steam dome (acts like a car’s carburetor) where the throttle from the engineer’s cabin is linked. When the engineer pulls on the throttle switch, the steam dome releases steam into a pipe that will send it to the cylinder. Within the cylinder is the piston where the piston rods are attached and these rods are connected to the locomotive’s wheels. The steam then thrusts the piston inside the cylinder forward and backward which makes the whole train run.

When a model train hobbyist is handling a Digital Command Controller (DCC), he controls a throttle which resembles a steam locomotive throttle. When the throttle is engaged, it sends out a current to the command station, which is like the steam dome, and it sends out a digital packet to the booster.

The cylinder of a real steam locomotive is comparable to the model train’s booster which adjusts the power being distributed to the model railway that rotates the wheel on the model locomotives.

Now that you have an insight on how a real steam locomotive run, you can now think of yourself doing the duties of an engineer back in the 19th century.