| e early model trains made primarily for the toy market, | | | | negative supply or the two sides of the power supply. |
| most were powered by clockwork. Actual control of | | | | Other model train systems used instead a row of |
| the train was only possible by means of levers on the | | | | small metal studs to replace the central rail, allowing |
| locomotive itself, which enabled the operator to make | | | | existing three-rail models to use tracks which |
| the train stop, to go, and, in many models, to reverse. | | | | resembled the more realistic two-rail systems which |
| These control mechanisms were rather crude but the | | | | were coming into widespread use. |
| model trains of that time were sufficiently large and | | | | Today the most common control method uses DC |
| robust, to allow an operator to grab the controls while | | | | [direct current] power with the positive and negative |
| the train was moving. | | | | charges on the two rails. Some model systems |
| Although this made control of your train rather crude, | | | | however use AC power [alternating current – |
| the models were large enough so that grabbing the | | | | as in general household usage] on the three-rail |
| controls on the locomotive as they ran around the | | | | system. Marklin and Lionel are examples of this control |
| track, was quite practical. | | | | method. American Flyer is yet another exception, using |
| Some accessory manufacturers also developed | | | | AC power on a two-rail track. |
| special tracks fitted with slowing and stopping devices | | | | The very earliest electric model trains ran on battery |
| which triggered levers on the locomotive thus | | | | power - few homes were wired for electric power in |
| automating these aspects of control. | | | | the late 19th or early 20th Century. Inexpensive model |
| The early electrically operated model trains used a | | | | train sets running on battery power are becoming |
| three-rail system with the wheels resting on metal | | | | more popular once again. But most model train |
| tracks with metal sleepers that conducted power and | | | | enthusiasts regard these as toys and they are seldom |
| a separate middle rail. This middle rail provided the | | | | used but real enthusiasts. These battery powered |
| power for the train through a skid under the | | | | model trains can make a valuable contribution |
| locomotive. This form of model train control was only | | | | however – they can introduce young children to |
| possible because most of the materials used in | | | | the joys and pleasures of being a model train operator. |
| manufacturing the model trains were metal at that time | | | | Many of the older model train enthusiasts today recall |
| – the plastics used in present day manufacture | | | | that their first experiences with model trains were with |
| were still many years away. This all-metal | | | | toy trains – leading them into a lifetime hobby. |
| manufacture meant that the tracks and locomotive | | | | Many garden railway and larger scale model train |
| readily conducted electricity. | | | | systems still use battery power today. This is |
| As manufacturers began to develop more accurately | | | | necessary because of the difficulty in obtaining a |
| detailed model trains, accuracy in all the associated | | | | reliable power supply through the rails when operated |
| accessories also became more important as an | | | | outdoors where safe wiring and insulation can be a |
| increasing number of makers attempted to gain share | | | | problem. The high level of power consumption and the |
| of the rapidly growing market of model train | | | | subsequent high current drawn by large scale garden |
| enthusiasts. | | | | model trains is thus more easily and more safely met |
| As a result of this, some model train systems adopted | | | | by using lead acid batteries, like those used in modern |
| two-rail power where the wheels were isolated from | | | | cars. |
| each other and the two rails carried the positive and | | | | |