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REPLICA STEAM ENGINE TRACKLESS TRAINS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
  • WHAT IS THE TURNING RADIUS OF THE TRAIN? 
The train requires about twenty feet to turn 180 degrees.  The cars will follow as sharp as the locomotive will turn.
  • WHAT IS THE MAXIMUM LOAD FOR THE CARS?
The passenger car tires are rated at 3,000 lbs per car.  The coal car and caboose are rated at 1,500.  We don't think you will over load them.
  • CAN I HAVE A TRAIN PAINTED WITH MY FAVORITE COLORS?
Of course, any color is fine.
  • CAN CARS AND LOCOMOTIVES BE ORDERED SEPARATELY?
We recommend using our cars but you can order just the locomotive or locomotive shell.  You may also add cars later.
  • CAN THE TRAIN RUN ANYWHERE?
Check your local ordinances.  Trains require fairly flat terrain on a hard surface,  Grass is fine and slight inclines are ok too. 
  • WHAT TYPE OF TRAILER CAN BE USED?
An enclosed trailer is recommended but a flatbed type can be used.  If your are going to use a trailer, let us help you configure the size before you purchase a new one.  Trailers can also be obtained here and delivered with the entire train. 
  • CAN ANYBODY RIDE THE TRAIN?
Yes, but there should be a size requirement for tiny kids.  For instance, if they are under 33" tall a parent or guardian must ride with them. 
  • DO YOU USE THE SMALLEST SINGLE BOLT TIRES?
No.  The ball bearings are too small and the tires simply don't last as long because they are nothing more than hand truck tires.   8" rims and 16.5" tires is what we use on all the cars.  Instead of the single nut type rim, that wear out the bearings before the tires, we use a heavy duty high speed four lug hub with larger tapered roller bearings (rated at 2,000lbs each).  The spindles are 1" (rated 1,000lbs each) and could be pulled down the freeway... although we don't recommend it.  If you like, you can get hub caps at any golf cart center.  Also, the battery engine locomotive uses load type C tires for triple the use compared to turf tires,
  • HOW FAST IS THE TRAIN?
Maximum speed is 5 mph for the gas version and 7 mph for the battery version.  Drive safely without jerky stops and starts.  Don't do fast circles.  It's a kiddie ride.
  • WHY NOT USE A SINGLE AXLE ON THE PASSENGER CARS?
The larger single axle cars are not as stable.  Cars using more than one bench leads to only half of the weight being supported which could be overturned or they teeter-totter requiring some type of back up caster to prevent a nose dive.  Always approach any incline straight on and never at an angle.  The coal car and caboose are safe because all of the weight of the single bench seat is directly over the axle.  The passenger cars are best using four tires and front end steering.  The steering is not a wagon type turning axle but spindles turning from tie rods connected to the tongue.  This offers the best stability, safety and turning.
  • HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A NEW TRAIN?
Orders are taken on a first come - first served basis.  A delivery date will be confirmed when ordering a train.  The trains are made individually by hand to ensure quality. 
  • WHY NOT MAKE WOODEN CARS OR FIBERGLASS SHELLS?
Although it would be a quicker process, both have flaws.  Plywood is too heavy and exterior wood shrinks and expands too much with the weather.  This will result in cracking or warping and we want to be as light weight as possible.  Fiberglass does not look realistic and scratches easily.  Even wiping off dust leaves a mark.  We use steel frames with sheet metal sidings and roofs.  It is easier to replace a panel or touch up paint as compared to filling or gel coating a fiberglass shell.
  • CAN I ASK A FAVOR?  CAN I DOWNLOAD ONE OF YOUR PICTURES FOR OUR INVITATION?      "The train is so cool!  I really want the kids to get a sense of what's in store for this party".
Definitely!  We have a very simple policy.  Any of our customers may use any image they want.  We simply ask that if they get a good picture, please send us a copy so that we can use it too.  PS thank you for the compliment.   
  • HOW LONG IS THE LIFE OF THE ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE?

The battery pack will exceed 10hrs of run time, at 80% duty cycle, before needing a charge.  This pack will last 15,000-25,000 miles or four years before replacement.  The two electric motors will last many years.  The inexpensive brushes will need to be replaced after about 5,000 hours of use.  The inexpensive bearings will need to be replaced after about 10,000 hours of run time. 




Copyright . Andy Renner. All rights reserved.