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Most sets include some or all of these needed accessories:
locomotives, track, and couplers.
LOCOMOTIVES pull the train. Sets may come with modern
diesels or old-time steam engines. Most have working headlights.
Some steam locos even make smoke. Large Scale steam locomotives
sometimes have chug and/or whistle sounds.
TRACK sets come with separate pieces of straight and
curved track to build an oval. Some include a special piece
called a switch or turnout, to move trains on to another track.
Many sets include a special section called a rerailer, which
has an insert between the rails that aligns the wheels of
the cars and locomotive, making it easy to put them on the
track. Sets may also come with track sections connected by
small, formed metal pieces called rail joiners. Others use
special track systems designed for easy snap-together assembly.
Matching sections of track for both types are sold separately
to enlarge the basic oval.
COUPLERS are mounted on the ends of cars and locomotives;
they keep the train connected. Simply push cars together gently
and the couplers connect. A standard style is used with each
size (scale) of train. Many sets now include equipment with
knuckle-shaped couplers that look like clasped hands -- this
style holds more securely. Couplers are often mounted on the
bottom of the car, helping to keep the wheels on the tracks.
POWER PACKS (electrically powered controllers) let
you speed up, slow down or stop your locomotive, and run it
forward or backward. Most packs have two sets of connections
on the back -- one set powers the trains, the other runs electrically
powered accessories. Virtually all power packs in use today
are UL listed, indicating they have passed tests to meet specific
safety requirements.Most come with a built-in protective device
that shuts off the power pack if there's an electrical problem.
All power packs must be plugged in to a wall socket. This
should be done by an adult, or with adult supervision.Specific
instructions for using the power pack are included with sets.
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