Bachmann Trains & Accessories

Ho Scale Train Couplers
For a train of freight cars ho scale, can you please tell what the piece is THT hitch on to be called?

For my car load, there is a small black rectangular piece that has a point to it. This connects to the bottom of steel cargo vehicle. With the point, gets the hook thereof. It's a horn hook coupler. Now, to close there is this piece of metal that goes over the hitch. Could you please tell what is called piece of metal passes over the hook. I'm trying to write all these things train so if I have any of these pieces, I can look to buy it. Basically, I want to know what tanish piece is in this table is then called: http://www.amazon.com/HO-Metal-Coupler-Center-2pr/dp/B0006KQHU6/ref=sr_1_24?s=toys- games and ie = UTF8 & qid = 1303973126 & SR = 1.24 Thanks for the help.

It is called "centering spring." Look at my source below.

Ho Scale Train Couplers

One important element of a model railroad setup is model train track. Without it, the train cannot operate. Many modelers, especially beginners, are so excited about their locomotive and railroad cars, the track seems like a trivial part of the setup. Actually, it is an important part of the setup if you want your train to operate smoothly.

There are many readily available track products out there, and you need to consider your choices very carefully prior to purchase. Track comes in various railhead materials: nickel silver, brass, or steel. The Cadillac of track material is nickel silver because it will stay cleaner for a longer duration than other track types. Nickel silver does not oxidize as quickly as other materials.

The second runner up of railhead material is brass, and steel should be your last choice. Although steel does appear to be the most realistic in a display, it will rust and cause you problems with smooth operation and cleanliness.

Steel and brass are slowly being phased out of the commercial train product market anyway. If you invest wisely in the beginning, you’ll save headaches down the road. Opt for nickel silver, even if it does cost you a little more up front. It will be well worth it later.

Train track product boxes most always contain a number or code on the outside of the package. This number indicates the rail height. It represents the height in thousandths of an inch.

The most common track rail height is 100, which is for the HO scale of train. Modelers seeking a more natural and realistic appearance usually opt for a rail height of 83 or so because it has finer ties.

One very important factor in model railroading is the laying of the track. You do want your train to run and operate smoothly, don’t you? If you have an inappropriate surface on which to place your rails, your train will not run properly.

When you purchase your track products, you need to be familiar with a few railroading terms.

* Code: as mentioned earlier, refers to the rail height. A code of 100 means the rail height is.100 inches.

* Switches or Turnouts: allow trains to switch from one track to another

* Rerailers: these help to keep the train on the track

* Terminal Rerailers: these connect the train track to the power source

* Rail Joiner: metal sleeves that join the rails electrically

After your setup is complete and you’ve operated your train for awhile, you will need to perform some track maintenance. If you experience problems getting your locomotive to run and everything else seems to be in good working order, then it is probably time to clean the track.

Your track can be cleaned with liquid or friction cleaners. To keep your track running great in between cleanings, apply a few drops of Rail Zip on the rail heads at random places along the main track. Run the locomotive afterwards to aid in distribution of the product.

The model train track is only a part of your setup, but it is an important one. If the track is not in prime operating condition, your model train will not be either. Happy railroading!

Jimmy Hardwick has been a model train enthusiast for over 30 years, and loves helping others get started in this noble hobby. For more helpful tips and insights on model train track, be sure to visit his website ModelTrainMastery.com.

MTH TRAINS: Coupler test … “Call it Reverse Whip’Lash” !!