Train set
Encyclopedia
A train set is a set, normally consisting of a model train
(usually a locomotive
, goods wagon
s (freight cars in the US) or passenger cars, and a caboose
or brake van
) and a small circle or oval of track. A set of rail tracks
of more appropriate size for a train set is a model railroad layout
. A train set is usually powered by a controller/transformer with electricity from an outlet or battery. More modern variations, such as those made by Bachmann Industries
, Hornby Railways
, Märklin
, and Lionel, LLC
, include digital command control (DCC) in replacement of analogue control (DC) which offers more flexibility in a layout, and the ability to run more than one train. Sets come at various prices from USD $30 for a starter set in HO scale to USD $5,000 for a Märklin Gauge 1 set.
Hornby produces a wide range of train sets, such as 'Smokey Joe
' and 'Local Freight', analogue entry level sets, up to 'East Coast Express', a premium set, comprising a Pullman train, double track oval and controller for two tracks/trains. Some Hornby sets, such as 'The Western Spirit', consist of a mixed train.
Since the introduction of digital control, both Hornby and Bachmann have introduced train sets which feature their respective 'elite', select' and 'dynamis' control systems.
Train
A train is a connected series of vehicles for rail transport that move along a track to transport cargo or passengers from one place to another place. The track usually consists of two rails, but might also be a monorail or maglev guideway.Propulsion for the train is provided by a separate...
(usually a locomotive
Locomotive
A locomotive is a railway vehicle that provides the motive power for a train. The word originates from the Latin loco – "from a place", ablative of locus, "place" + Medieval Latin motivus, "causing motion", and is a shortened form of the term locomotive engine, first used in the early 19th...
, goods wagon
Goods wagon
Goods wagons are railway wagons that are used for the transportation of goods .- Development :At the beginning of the railway era, the vast majority of goods wagons were four-wheeled vehicles of simple construction. These were almost exclusively small covered wagons, open wagons with side-boards,...
s (freight cars in the US) or passenger cars, and a caboose
Caboose
A caboose is a manned North American rail transport vehicle coupled at the end of a freight train. Although cabooses were once used on nearly every freight train, their use has declined and they are seldom seen on trains, except on locals and smaller railroads.-Function:The caboose provided the...
or brake van
Brake van
Brake van and guard's van are terms used mainly in the UK, Australia and India for a railway vehicle equipped with a hand brake which can be applied by the guard...
) and a small circle or oval of track. A set of rail tracks
Rail tracks
The track on a railway or railroad, also known as the permanent way, is the structure consisting of the rails, fasteners, sleepers and ballast , plus the underlying subgrade...
of more appropriate size for a train set is a model railroad layout
Model railroad layout
In model railroading, a layout is a diorama containing scale track for operating trains. The size of a layout varies, from small shelf-top designs to ones that fill entire rooms, basements, or whole buildings....
. A train set is usually powered by a controller/transformer with electricity from an outlet or battery. More modern variations, such as those made by Bachmann Industries
Bachmann Industries
Bachmann Industries is a Bermuda registered Chinese owned company, globally head quartered in Hong Kong; specializing in model railroading....
, Hornby Railways
Hornby Railways
Hornby Railways is the leading brand of model railway in the United Kingdom. Its roots date back to 1901, when founder Frank Hornby received a patent for his Meccano construction toy. The first clockwork train was produced in 1920. In 1938, Hornby launched its first 00 gauge train...
, Märklin
Märklin
Gebr. Märklin & Cie. GmbH or Märklin is a German toy company. The company was founded in 1859 and is based at Göppingen in Baden-Wurttemberg. Although it originally specialised in doll house accessories, today it is best known for model railways and technical toys...
, and Lionel, LLC
Lionel, LLC
Lionel, LLC is a designer and importer of toy trains and model railroads, based in Chesterfield Township, Michigan. Its roots lie in the 1969 purchase of the Lionel product line by cereal conglomerate General Mills....
, include digital command control (DCC) in replacement of analogue control (DC) which offers more flexibility in a layout, and the ability to run more than one train. Sets come at various prices from USD $30 for a starter set in HO scale to USD $5,000 for a Märklin Gauge 1 set.
Hornby produces a wide range of train sets, such as 'Smokey Joe
Smokey Joe
Class 0F is the LMS designation used to refer to the former Caledonian Railway 264 and 611 classes, which were 0-4-0 saddle tank locomotives designed by Dugald Drummond and built by Neilson and Company in 1885. Later examples were built at St. Rollox railway works under the direction of John F...
' and 'Local Freight', analogue entry level sets, up to 'East Coast Express', a premium set, comprising a Pullman train, double track oval and controller for two tracks/trains. Some Hornby sets, such as 'The Western Spirit', consist of a mixed train.
Since the introduction of digital control, both Hornby and Bachmann have introduced train sets which feature their respective 'elite', select' and 'dynamis' control systems.